“Did you see the disaster that unfolded when he kidnapped a woman? It was a complete shit show,” he grinned back, but there was a sadness in his eyes. “Right!” He exclaimed, slapping his knees and getting to his feet. “Are you going to introduce me to the little man?”
“Sure,” I replied, my voice soft. “Come on. He’ll love his uncle Vienna.”
“Wait, wait, wait,” he said, his eyes wide. “Does my beard look okay? Do you think he’ll judge me? I haven’t trimmed it in a few days…”
I shook my head but said nothing.
Typical Vienna. Hiding his emotions behind humour.
“Hey Axel, here comes your mama,” Dante said, his voice softer and higher pitched as he spoke to his son. “Can you say Mama? Ma-ma,” he exaggerated his mouth movements,showing Axel how to say the words, earning himself a happy giggle and a squeal of delight.
“He’s a lovely kid,” he said, directing his words at me, his voice returning to normal.
“That he is,” I agreed, taking Axel from his arms as he reached out for me.
“You did good,” he smiled.
“Thanks. It’s not always been easy, but compared to some horror stories I’ve heard from other mums, Axel has been a walk in the park.”
“I’m sure,” he said, and then seemed to think over my words. “Vienna, take the kid,” he said suddenly, a firm edge to his voice.
“No, thanks,” Vienna said, his hands in his pocket, his voice chipper as he rolled on the heels of his feet.
“Now, Vienna,” he snapped. “Rachel, come with me.”
He grabbed Axel, stopping to rub his nose against his, and then shoved him in Vienna’s arms and grabbed my arm, dragging me across the room. I just about heard Vienna say, “I guess it’s just you and me, Axolotl.”
“Don’t call him that!” I yelled back, just as Dante pushed me behind the bar.
“You’re not going to like this,” he muttered down my ear, and then turned to face the crowd.
“What am I not going to like?” I tried to say, but he ignored my words and interrupted me halfway through my sentence.
“Listen up!” He yelled, ringing the bell behind the bar. “I’ve got an announcement to make.”
He waited until the room fell deadly silent before he spoke again.
“Vicky,” he looked her way, smiling at her. “Take a hike, love. We’re done.”
“Excuse me?” She half-laughed, half-gasped.
“Are you deaf? Leave, or I’ll have the prospects forcibly remove you.”
“Sure you will, Dante,” she rolled her eyes, giggling with one of the club whores.
“Do I look like I’m joking? We’re done. Over. Finished. You know where the door is.”
“Wait… you’re being serious, aren’t you?”
“Make your decision,” Dante shrugged, not willing to be drawn into a conversation or answer her questions. “Leave on your own, or leave with the prospects.”
“Dante…” I began with a whisper, but I was drowned out by Vicky’s screech of anger. I was beginning to feel sorry for her, but seeing the bratty way she stomped her feet squashed that feeling instantly.
“What the fuck are you talking about? I’m not going anywhere without an explanation!” She snapped, her fists clenched at her sides, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. Dante simply shrugged, looking completely unbothered.
“My old lady has returned, which means it’s time to clean house. Prospects,” he snapped his fingers and pointed at Vicky.
Three men, none of whom I recognised, got to their feet and seized Vicky, picking her up with ease and carrying her over to the entrance.
