Call Him Sick | 18+

(Theme Song of the Chapter: I Did Something Bad [slowed + reverb] - Taylor Swift)

Aiden◆Accardi

WHEN YOU LIVED in my world, making enemies wasn't just common—it was inevitable. My hand instinctively slid into my back pocket, brushing against the grip of my concealed gun.

I stiffened as I felt the cool press of metal against my temple, and a dry, amused chuckle slipped from my lips when I saw who it was.

Leo Bruno.

Don of the Bruno Crime Family. Their empire sprawled across Italy and the United States, second only to ours. They especially dominated New York. Our families had history—ugly, bloody history. My father had been an absolute bastard, and he'd left behind a trail of enemies that fell on my shoulders to deal with.

As the saying goes, sons inherit the sins of their fathers.

I glanced sidelong at Leo and smirked. "If you're here to kill me, Leo, at least buy me dinner first. I'm not cheap."

From the corner of my eye, I caught Enzo's subtle movement. In a flash, his gun was out and pointed at Leo. The room shifted violently—And just like that, Leo's enforcers, five of them, instantly drew their weapons, each one trained on Enzo.

We were seconds away from this becoming a bloodbath.

"Enzo, drop the damn gun," I said sharply, my voice cutting through the room like a blade. I kept my eyes fixed on Leo. We both knew how this game worked. One wrong move, and we'd be counting bodies instead of cash.

Leo let the silence linger a beat too long before lifting a hand up with a casual movement. "Stand down," he ordered his men, eyes never leaving mine. They hesitated for a fraction of a second before complying and their guns lowering.

I exhaled slowly, watching as Enzo followed my lead, tucking his gun away with a tight jaw.

"Now," Leo said, voice dripping with faux civility, "why don't you and your hotheaded brother have a seat on the couch. Let's talk."

Another dry chuckle escapes me as I made my way over to the velvet couch. Beside it, a long, flat table glistened with half-empty glasses and expensive bottles of liquor and champagne.

I settled into the couch with casual ease. Enzo followed suit, sitting beside me, his every move tense and rigid.

Leo moved to the opposite side, never breaking the silent exchange of looks between us.

I leaned back, letting the weight of the moment settle over us. "So," I said, voice low yet it vibrated through the room. "What's it going to be this time, Leo? Negotiation, or do we skip straight to the theatrics?

Leo huffed. "Mancini said you were as cunning as your father," the words that left his lips caused my jaw to tighten. I hated being compared to that man.