Chapter 1 1

I was finally getting my chance to prove my worth in the family "business". To prove I can handle anything and make deals happen. That I would be a strong, reliable Boss, and fill my Papa's shoes once he handed it over to me. We were the strongest family along the East Coast. You name it, our hands were in it. Guns, drugs, clubs, restaurants, strip clubs, and the list goes on.

I had my first kill at 16. Now that I'm 25 I've lost count as the bodies piled up. My first kill though...The bastard thought he would snitch us out. Feeding info to the Latinos, in hopes of having Papa's assassinated.

I won't lie, I enjoyed watching the Bastard take his last breath as I twisted my knife through his heart. I live by one law and one law only...Don't betray me or my family.

So, here I am in Alabama, going to some bomb fucked town in hopes of talking some old fucker out of his land for next to nothing. Clear the land and Papa up another strip mall or some shit. Hopefully, he'll see things my way and I won't need to resort to less friendly tactics.

"Damn it's hotter than a motherfucker down here" I mumbled to myself as I blasted the ac on this piece of shit rental car I was given at the airport. Sure It gets hot in Chicago, but this heat here in the South is pure torture. Not to mention dodging potholes big enough to swallow my car.

I'd been traveling down this lone country road for miles now. Not a soul in sight. Pastures on either side. And that's when it happened.

It started off as a soft clanking that quickly grew to a vibrating bang. "What the fuck" I growled as I maneuvered the car to the side of the road where it finally died.

"Motherfucking great" I yelled smacking the steering wheel. I tried the ignition a few times, but all I got was the sound of a smoker's lung. popping the hood, I exited the car.

As I raised the hood, smoke boiled out. I fanned it away and took a look at the motor. I may as well have been looking at a chart of the human anatomy. What can I say...I'm the soon-to-be mob boss, not a fucking mechanic.

Grabbing my phone from the seat I went to search for a tow, but quickly realized I had no reception out here in the boondocks. Tossing my phone back down, I started to pace, thinking of my next move. I tried my phone a few more times and realized my only option was to trot my ass down this road until I found something.

I grabbed my duffel bag, opened my suitcase, and grabbed a few essentials. Grabbed my phone and almost empty water bottle and started my walk. Trust and believe this was no fucking yellow brick road and I sure the hell wasn't any Angelica....Maybe the Tin Man.

Twenty minutes into my walk I was drenched. My suit jacket draped over my shoulder, sleeves rolled up as far as they'd go, I mumbled "I must be in hell" as I loosened my tie and freed a few buttons.

As I was thinking of ways to kill the rental car fucktard a jeep came flying past me. It came to a screeching stop and I saw the reverse lights Papa on. Quickly I reached into the back of my waistband and took my gun off safety, just in case.

The jeep came to a stop beside me and I saw that it was two girls.

The driver smiled and spoke in a deep southern accent. "You need a lift?" I glanced at the passenger who was busy studying her nails and popping her gum in the most annoying way.

They seemed harmless enough and to be my only ticket out for now. "Well?" the driver asked bringing me out of my thoughts.

I pulled my eyes off the passenger and put on my famous panty-dropping smile. "I'm going to Montgomery."

"That's about an hour away, but we can take you to the closest town. You can get a room and start fresh in the morning." The driver replied.

"Oh no, no, no" I spat waving my hands, trying to keep my temper at bay. "I need to get there tonight."

"Sorry man, no can do. The only tow service in town closes at 5 p.m., with most everything else. And it's almost six now".

"Fuck" I groaned running my hands through my hair. "What kind of town closes at 5?!

I heard a loud sigh come from the passenger and looked her way. She turned toward me and looked over her knockoff shades. I was paralyzed as I met with the bluest eyes ever. Penetrating my deep brown eyes. Then she opened her pink pouty lips.

"Look, Dude, either you want a ride or not. And seeing how you're about six miles from town, seems we are your only choice." I gave her my dark don't mess with my stare and was taken aback when she returned a scowl of her own.

That look sent fuckers running, but not her. "Are you challenging me?" I asked arching my brows.

She snorted "No, and if I was you'd know it! Now either get in or we leave 'cause I'm really about to lose my shit."

I looked around knowing this was my only option, and really wanting to snap her neck in three different places. "Fine," I said climbing in. Before I could get seated the jeep lurched off causing me to fall back as both girls snickered.

The driver took her eyes from the road to look at me. "I'm Lucia and my sidekick here is Aurora." Aurora just lifted her hand and wiggled it as a greeting.

"I'm Maximo, Maximo Lucado."

"Nice to meet you, Maximo. Please excuse Aurora, seems her southern hospitality has flown out the window."

I stared at the back of Aurora's head thinking what weapon would be the most enjoyable for bashing her skull in. Of course, I'd have to kill Lucia as well, and I could easily dispose of the bodies on any of the hundred pig farms I've passed.

Let's see, choke, shoot, or fuck her. Wait, what?! Where the hell did that last thought come from? I'm here strictly for business, not to have some chic's legs wrapped around my waist. Hell, I've got women galore back home willing to do anything I ask with no lips. Hoping I would fall madly in love and wife them. But love and all that bs aren't in the cards for me. Love makes a man weak and vulnerable. I won't care for someone only to lose them to my lifestyle. Don't need that shit.