MAFIA'S MUSE

idn't fee

al crowd was missing, but something in the air made it feel heavier. Cold. Different. The lights

d a weight it hadn't before, and as he looke

r. Instead, there was a new face there. The man didn'

nti, the bartender who'd been working at the bar for years. He lo

Nico asked, walki

ds the far corner of the bar, where a tall man sat a

aid, his voice lower than usual. "Look

nd his stomach twisted when he s

here was no mistaking him. His sharp suit, cold eyes

rouble Nico wanted no part of. But this was his bar. His place. He'd

re whether to say more. Finally, he let out a long sigh. "He owns

now. Giovanni had never just walked into a place like this without a reason. He owned everyth

nto the wood of the bar. "He owns the bar no

choice. Giovanni's people came and... well, there w

who ruled the city's underground had his claws in his bar. But

, sipping a drink with an air of calm control, as if the entire

, watching Nico closely. They were tall, broad-shouldered, and

orced himself to take a deep breath. He wasn't afraid of Giovanni's men-he had his own ways

sper. "You don't understand, Nico. Giovanni doesn't just own this bar. He owns everything Marc

oming here for years, pouring his heart out through his music,

wo men immediately stepped in his way. One of

ne unless he says so," the

d to talk to him," he said, his voice

ou'll leave when Giovanni

le as walking up to Giovanni and demanding answers

their gazes on him, he knew he had no

alm and steady, as if he was waiting for Nico to approach. Giovanni didn't say a word, but the look

ing his head held high. He w

ledge Nico's approach until Nico was standing right in front of him. His eyes moved briefly to the men who

hicker with each one. "Why this place?" Nico asked,

k, then set it down carefully, his gaze never leaving Nico. His eyes wer

e was no warmth in it. "Marco made a choice. He cho

ink that's the end of it? You thi

e a choice, Nico. You'll either play for me, or

but he refused to show fe

aking on a more serious tone. "You wi

chill running down his spine. Giovanni's presence w

sual but the weight of his words settling in.

en who had been standing by the door stepp

Giovanni's words echoed in his ears. He

one thing for sure-his life