37. Renzo

37

Igrip my phone tightly as I read Dimitry's text. The message is brief but clear—we're to meet at a location tonight wearing our masks, and Camila has to come with us. I stride into the apartment, the intensity of my expression immediately catching Elio and Dante's attention.

"Ren, what's going on?" Elio asks, his brow furrowed with concern.

"We've got our first task," I announce, not bothering to hide my excitement. "Dimitry wants us there tonight, and Camila has to come with us."

I see the apprehension flicker across Elio's face. "Camila? Are you sure that's a good idea? We don't know what kind of task they have in mind."

Dante nods in agreement. "Elio's right, Ren. Bringing Camila into this could be risky."

I scoff, waving away their protests. "This is our chance to prove ourselves, and the brief is clear. Camila must be present." I toss Elio my phone so he can read the brief himself.

His eyes scan the message, rage morphing his features.

I snatch the phone back from Elio, seeing the anger in his eyes. I know he's unhappy, but we can't go against Dimitry's orders, especially not for our first task.

"Did they mention what the task is?" Dante asks, a hint of concern in his voice.

"Nah, just said we need Camila there with us," I reply, shoving the phone back into my pocket.

Elio runs a hand through his hair, a frustrated sigh escaping his lips. "This is risky. We don't know what they've planned, and Camila could get caught in the crossfire."

I roll my eyes. "Relax, Elio. Camila's a big girl. She can handle herself. Plus, this is our chance to prove ourselves. We can't afford to screw this up."

Dante looks between the two of us, the tension palpable. "Well, I guess we better go get Camila then. The sooner we get this done, the sooner we can figure out what they've got in store for us."

Elio still looks uneasy, but he nods in agreement. "Alright, let's go. But all of us must keep Camila safe. I mean it."

I flash him a grin, already heading for the door. "Don't worry, brother. She's in good hands."

I stride into Elio's room, Dante and Elio trailing behind me. Camila looks up from her books, her eyes widening in surprise at our sudden appearance.

"What's going on?" she asks, her voice tinged with concern.

I grin, relishing the opportunity to deliver the news. "We've got a task, bookworm. And you're coming with us."

Elio steps forward, his expression serious. "The Nexus has summoned us. All of us, including you."

Camila's brow furrows in confusion. "Summoned?"

Dante clears his throat, stepping closer to Camila. "The leader has requested your presence for our first assignment."

I can see the apprehension in Camila's eyes, but I'm not about to let that deter us. "You've got half an hour to get ready. We need to leave soon."

Camila hesitates, her gaze flickering between the three of us. "I'm not sure I understand. What is this assignment, and why does the Nexus want me there?"

Elio reaches out, gently placing his hand on her arm. "It's a long story, princess. But we need you to trust us on this. Can you be ready in thirty minutes?"

Camila chews on her bottom lip. Finally, she nods, determination settling in her expression. "Okay. I'll be ready."

I clap my hands together, grinning widely. "Excellent. We'll be waiting in the living room."

Elio shoots me a warning glance, but I ignore it. Camila can handle whatever they have to throw at us, and we'll be there to keep her safe anyway.

As Camila hurries to get ready, I exchange a knowing look with Dante. Tonight will be interesting; I can't wait to see what unfolds.

I lead the way, my boots crunching on the gravel as we approach the abandoned warehouse. The old, rusted metal doors loom before us, and I can feel the anticipation building in my chest. Elio and Dante flank me, their footsteps in sync with mine. Camila walks close behind, her eyes darting around nervously.

Reaching the entrance, I turn to the others, my voice low and commanding through the tactical mask covering the lower half of my face. "Remember, we all wear our masks. The Nexus business takes anonymity very seriously."

Elio nods, his brow furrowed with concern, while Dante's expression is unreadable behind his mask. Camila's eyes are wide, but she remains silent, trusting us to guide her through this.

With a deep breath, I push open the doors and step inside, the others following close behind. The warehouse is dimly lit, shadows dancing across the cavernous space. At the far end, a group of masked figures stands in a semicircle, their identities concealed.

As we approach, I can feel Camila's tension radiating off her. Elio places a reassuring hand on her back, and I resist the urge to roll my eyes. We need to keep her calm and compliant for this task.

The group breaks up, and a tall, imposing figure steps forward.Dimitry.

"Welcome, Barone brothers," a deep voice resonates from behind the sleek black mask. And welcome, Miss Aguilar. We've been expecting you."

Camila stiffens, her eyes darting between the three of us. I can practically see the gears turning in her head, trying to understand what's happening.

The masked figure continues, "You've been chosen for a special task. One that will test your loyalty and your resolve." The ominous words send a chill down my spine.

"What kind of task?" Elio asks, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.

The figure chuckles, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. "You'll see."

I stare at the figure being dragged into the room, my pulse quickening. My mind races, considering how to handle this situation. Violence has always come easy to me, but now I hesitate.

Dimitry's voice cuts through the tense silence. "This man has the information we require. I trust the three of you can be persuasive."

Elio shifts uncomfortably beside me while Dante's eyes remain fixed on our captive. I clear my throat before responding.

"What exactly do you need from him?"

Dimitry steps closer. "The location of his boss. He's been uncooperative so far."

My jaw tightens. This is the kind of messy work I'm used to. But Elio and Dante aren't into getting their hands dirty like I am.

I force confidence into my voice. "We'll take care of it." My brow furrows. "Why did you need Camila here for this?"

Dimitry smirks behind the mask. "We need to be sure that your slave is loyal too and has the stomach to be part of the Nexus."

I scan the room, taking in the circle of masked figures surrounding us. Their identities are obscured. At the mention of Camila's role here, my gaze lands on her. She stands rigidly between my brother and Dante, eyes wide. Elio's hand rests on her lower back, a reassuring gesture to soothe her obvious nerves.

I know she's aware of my capacity for violence. I've never tried to hide that side of myself from her. But having her witness it directly is another matter entirely.

Elio shifts next to me, and I can feel his contained anger radiating off of him in waves. He's protective of Camila, but he holds his tongue for now. There's no point in causing a scene.

I turn my focus back to the task at hand. This man they've brought before us has information Nexus wants. And they're trusting us to extract it from him.

My mind starts calculating approaches. Violence and intimidation are familiar tools in my arsenal. But too much too soon could break him before we get what we need. I'll start with words before resorting to more aggressive methods.

I step forward, taking the lead as Elio and Dante flank me. Reaching out, I yank the hood off the captive's face, staring directly into his eyes. His gaze is defiant, but I can see the fear lurking beneath the surface.

Slowly, I pull Soulcarver, my favorite knife, from my belt and twirl it in front of the man's face. The blade glints menacingly in the dim light, and I watch his eyes widen.

"Let's start with an easy question," I say, my voice low and measured. "Where is your boss?"

The man remains stubbornly silent, his jaw clenched tight. I sigh, almost disappointed. I was hoping he'd make this easy.

Gripping the knife firmly, I press the tip against the side of his neck just hard enough to draw a bead of blood. The man flinches but still refuses to speak.

"You know, I'd hate to have to mar that pretty face of yours," I murmur, my gaze roaming over his features. "But I will if I have to."

I can feel Camila's eyes on me, and I chance a glance in her direction. Her expression is a mix of fear and disgust.

Refocusing on the task, I apply a bit more pressure with the knife, eliciting a sharp gasp from the captive. "Last chance," I growl. "Where. Is. Your. Boss?"

The man's eyes dart around the room, searching for a way out. But there's no escape, not for him, until he gives us what we need.

I grip Soulcarver tighter, the familiar weight of the blade comforting in my hand. I can't help but glance at Camila, seeing the horror etched across her face. Her wide eyes bore into me, pleading silently. But I can't fail this task.

Refocusing on the man in front of me, I press the tip of the knife deeper into his flesh. He lets out a strangled scream, the sound echoing through the warehouse. I savor the look of terror in his eyes, knowing I hold his fate in my hands.

"I won't ask you again," I growl, my voice low and menacing. "Where is your boss?"

The man whimpers, his resolve crumbling under the threat of my blade. "I-I can't... he'll kill me," he stammers.

I lean in closer, my mask concealing the wicked grin spreading across my face. "Then you better start talking because I can promise you, I'll make what your boss does to you look like a walk in the park."

With a flick of my wrist, I draw a thin line of crimson across the man's cheek. He cries out, the sound music to my ears. I press the knife deeper, drawing more blood. The man thrashes, his screams growing louder and more desperate. I relish in his pain, the adrenaline coursing through my veins.

"Last chance," I warn, my voice barely above a whisper. "Tell me what I want to know, or I'll make you wish you'd never been born."

The man's resolve finally crumbles, and he sputters out the location of his boss's safe house, which is at the docks in Chicago. I grin, satisfaction coursing through me. Glancing again at Camila, I see a mix of emotions flickering across her face - fear, revulsion, and something else I can't quite place.

As I turn to relay the information to Dimitry, I catch Elio's eye. His expression is unreadable, but I know he's not pleased with my methods. On the other hand, Dante seems unfazed, his gaze cool and calculating.

The task is complete, but I can't shake the feeling that this is only the beginning. The power of Nexus is intoxicating, and I'm eager to see what other opportunities it will bring. As for Camila, I can't help but wonder how she'll react to this side of me. Will she be repulsed, or will she be drawn to the darkness that lurks within?