"Fine. I'll take all of you. Now, escort the prince consort back to his compound nice and safe. And while you're there, tell your brothers at the house that I'm hiring."
"Yes, sir!"
Emilio was dragged toward the car by his own men. He stared back at me, seething.
"You bastards! How dare you betray me! I'm the one who hired you! Let go of me!"
"Stop!"
A hand shot out, grabbed him, and pulled him behind her.
Before I could even register what was happening.
A slap cracked across my face.
Elena stared at me.
"You lowlife. How dare you."
I looked at her in disbelief.
The warmth and affection that once filled Elena's eyes when she looked at me were gone. Replaced by nothing but cold indifference.
She turned and bowed her head to Emilio.
"He was never properly disciplined. Offending you like this is unforgivable."
Emilio steadied her by the arm. He cast me a single frigid glance.
Elena spoke again.
"Everything Angelo just offered is void. All of you still work under Mr. Ferraro Sr. Anyone who tried to sign on with Angelo just now—"
She paused. The street went quiet. Even the wind off the harbor seemed to hold its breath.
"Stay behind. Thirty lashes each."
My eyes went wide.
"Elena!"