Santi's Downfall

Chapter 32: The Longing

To put meaning in one's life may end in madness, But life without meaning is the torture of restlessness and vague desire--It is a boat longing for the sea and yet afraid.

Edgar Lee Masters

Santi Marchesi's POV

"What the fuck, man? Are you trying to get us killed?!"

I looked at Nico who was grumbling beside me as we reloaded our guns while hiding in the pile of junk in the warehouse of our enemy. We raided their distribution center hoping this move could paralyze their business and we could monopolize the industry. I raised an eyebrow at my cousin. "Since when did you become a pussy?"

"Since you became a suicidal wreck," the ungrateful man retorted back, giving me an exasperating look. "If you're trying to kill yourself don't involve us, you bastard. I want to live long and enjoy my retirement at an old age."

"Are you trying to question the boss' order?" I used the hierarchy card on him. I knew it would just annoy him even more.

He gave me a murderous glare. "I am not talking to the Don. I am talking to my cousin who is about to send me and his men to hell. What are you thinking of invading the warehouses of our enemies that could potentially be the start of a mafia war?"

I stared at him with a grim expression on my face. "They have been a pain in my ass since before. It's time to take good care of them for good."

Nico cursed roughly as armed men started to come after us. "I don't know what kind of evil had possessed you but I hope this suicidal nature of yours right now had nothing to do with mending a broken heart."

I stopped firing my gun and stared at him for a long moment. Because of my inattentiveness, I have nearly been hit by a bullet. "Shit!" I glared at my cousin. "What the hell are you babbling about? I am not broken-hearted! Where the fuck did you get that stupid idea?!"

"Oh, right," he mocked as he continued to aim at the enemy with precision. He was not a sniper for nothing. "I apologize. My bad."

Now that he candidly mention it. I was forced to be reminded of that pink-haired woman I left in Los Angeles weeks before. I thought I would get over my madness at her if days passed but so far I've been as miserable as the day went back to Sicily without her. "I am not pining over her if that's what you are implying, moron."

He smirked maddeningly at me. "Relax. I am not implying anything, cousin. Settle your feathers. You are being too obvious."

Right now, we're risking our asses here and yet he still has the nerve to make fun of me. This guy has a death wish. I would be glad to send him to hell once we're done here. "Just focus on our mission or else we will likely be killed by the enemies."

Nico rolled his eyes as he continued to shoot the warehouse guards like figurines on a shelf with astonishing accuracy. "Maybe you should have thought about that before you made a habit of invading other organizations' businesses."

I threw a deadly look in his direction while dodging bullets. "Why are you extra so grumpy today that's not so like you, Niccolo. I thought you enjoyed unleashing hell what changed your heart?"

"True. I like doing that in the past but only once in a while not daily." He retorted back while firing the three guys who found our hideout. "Son of a bitch! That's a close call. We need to stop this chitchat or else we'll get killed in this filthy warehouse. Let's end these fuckers in style..." he smiled evilly showing the grenade on his belt.

I shook my head in disbelief. "Inform our men about your plan and cover me."

"Wait!" He shouted after me but I didn't listen. He knew exactly what I was saying as I went out to our hiding place and fired on the enemy's guards. Nico was hiding somewhere to cover my back we used to do this in the past. I always trusted him with my life as he was the same as me.