MAFIA'S MUSE

estrated everything: tipped off the cops, set him up, and now he was playing the hero. Nico didn't

thoughts were racing. He couldn't understand what Giovanni had gained from this twisted game. Why had he dragged Nic

ike it always did, but tonight it felt more like an invitation to chaos. Nico's mind was far from the usual noise of the bar.

fore he even stepped inside: the hum of conversation, the clink of glasses, the sound of music vibrating through the

r stepped in his path, eyeing him with disdain. Nico wasn't in the mood for gam

ovanni," Nico said, his vo

sed an eyebrow. "

or a moment, then he moved toward the back, presumably to deliver Nico's message. Nico waited, his hands clenched into fists at his

ay both sides of the game? Nico had to know w

without a word. Nico didn't waste time. He walked past

electric, more intense. The tables were arranged with care

t didn't take long. At a corner table, he saw Giovanni s

hair, whispering in his ear. Nico felt a pang of irritation, but he didn't let it show.

t seem surprised at his arrival. His gaze flicked up to meet Nico's, but h

Giovanni said, his vo

king away. Nico stood there, his fists clenched, his breathing shallow. Giovanni's

ck to Nico, his eyes sharp but unreadable. He didn't move, didn't invite Ni

was cool, detached as if they were discussing som

swers," he said, his voice low but cutting through the air like a bl

changing. He leaned back slightly, taking a casua

are. "You're behind the

ost amused smile, but it didn't reach his eye

spite his best efforts to stay calm. "You can't play both sides

"I didn't have you arrested, Nico. The cops did what they had to do.

voice. "I didn't ask for any of this. I didn't ask for

eath the surface. "You're already in this world, Nico. Whethe

, so composed-everything Nico wasn't. But it was clear now: Giovanni had played hi

Giovanni," Nico said through gritte

studied Nico for a moment, his gaze flicking ov

his voice cold and calculated. "It's about showing you how things work. Y

Giovanni's words were like a trap, and

r me," Nico shot back, his resolve

e never leaving Nico's. "You don't have a choice,

He turned away, his heart pounding in his chest. He wasn't done yet. Giovanni ha

hone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out an

king, Nico ans

s Giovanni?" Nico sa

co. He's playing you

him with that same unreadable expression. Nico's vo

nd raced with plans and possibilities