“Do you think my comrades and I are wimps?” Zayne felt exhilarated, imagining himself as a mafia boss. “All right, all right,” the middle-aged man replied, turning and leaving with his bodyguards. Zayne was elated. He’d never felt so powerful. “Mr. Carlson, you’re amazing! They didn’t even protest!” “Mr. Carlson, you could pass for a mafia boss!” “You’re awesome! I wonder if you’ve been in a gang before.”
His ego swelled. Affecting modesty, he said, “It’s all thanks to your support. Since you’re all so loyal, let’s celebrate! A few bottles of Lafite are on me!”
“I can’t believe it!” “Mr. Carlson, you’re the best!” The group cheered wildly at the prospect of expensive wine, a luxury far beyond their means.
“Zayne, we should leave. If they return with reinforcements, we’ll be in trouble,” Maria warned. Zayne, emboldened by his crew’s support and the alcohol, scoffed. “Maria, don’t worry. With me around, there’s no need to be afraid,” he declared, thumping his chest.
“Mr. Carlson, I heard this establishment belongs to the Templar Regiment—Tommy runs it. Given the fight, will we—?” an employee asked anxiously.
“Don’t be afraid. I know Tommy very well,” Zayne boasted, waving dismissively. Maria’s worries eased. “Mr. Lewis owns this place, and Zayne knows him well. In fact, Mr. Lewis even recovered a debt owed to my family at Zayne’s request.”
This revelation awed everyone. Knowing Horington’s most powerful underworld figure was a tremendous honor. “Mr. Carlson, you actually know Mr. Lewis?” “With you here, there’s nothing to fear. If they come back, we’ll beat them till they cry for their mommies!” “With Mr. Carlson here, no one will dare offend us!”
Their bravado increased with Zayne’s boasts. Jared smirked from the corner. He thought Zayne needed a lesson in humility.
Lydia saw his smirk. “What are you smiling about? Aren’t you ashamed? When that old man tried to take us away, you were shocked speechless. Hilda’s your girlfriend! What kind of man can’t protect her? And you dare laugh?”
“That’s right! Are you even a man? How could you watch your girlfriend almost be taken?” “Troy, you too! You’re a coward!” The group lambasted Jared and Troy for their inaction during the incident.