Axel glanced at Liv, noticing her brows knitting in concern. He chuckled, closing his travel bag. "It's just one question, Liv. Not nearly as hard as you think."
"Axel!" Liv snapped, unable to stay calm. Her hand shot toward his thigh, fingers brushing closer to his vital area. "These women are already in pitiful situations. Maybe I'm the only one who isn't. Even if you play with them, don't kill them. They've suffered enough just to survive!"
Her hand sped forward, but Axel caught her wrist effortlessly. Shaking his head, he smirked. "Don't wait until someone's on the brink of death to remember they're women. What happened to equality, Liv? I have no intention of killing you. I just want an answer."
He tossed her hand aside and kept a firm grip on her waist. Around them, dancers snickered and cheered, some removing chest pads to flaunt themselves, fully entertained by Axel's audacity. Liv knew the show well—truly clever women had long climbed the ranks; those who weren't smart were already gone.
Taking a deep breath, Liv leaned close, pressing her earlobe to Axel's mouth. After a gentle bite and a brief lick, she whispered, "Your question risks our lives. If the family behind you strikes the Sabatino house, Falcone will investigate and won't spare us. Whether we die by your hand or his, all deaths are the same."
She pressed her cheek against his, exhaling on his lips. "Still, your courage… it's remarkable. Gotham rarely sees anyone bold enough to storm an enemy lair alone with a suicidal weapon. If Falcone had someone like you, he'd treasure you. Or maybe you could work for me. But I wouldn't coddle you; I'd use you like a pile driver, wear you out. Believe me, Axel, any path you choose, we'd treat you better than your current boss."
Axel spread his hands, amused. "Boss? I don't have one. I answer only to myself. I just want Sabatino, then I move on to other fun. Before I leave, I might even leave this bag of money for you. Nothing thrills me more than watching women pick up cash on their knees. Think about that, Liv."
He patted her face lightly—an almost humiliating gesture—but Liv didn't flinch. She met his unwavering gaze and asked, "May I know why you're after Sabatino?"
"He owes me a significant debt," Axel replied simply.
Liv's hand sought his again. "If it's just money, I can help. Sabatino arrived less than twenty minutes ago, bringing dozens of subordinates. Anyone with connections in Gotham could track him. I can take you to him. But his safe house… that's a secret. He…"
"Wait!" Axel jumped up from the sofa, eyes flashing.
Liv froze.
"Sabatino's in the club now?" Axel asked, half surprised, half amused.
"Yes!" Liv nodded.
"Then why not say so sooner!" Axel slung his backpack over his shoulder and turned.
Liv leapt up to follow. "You think it'll be easy to see him? Your grenade only scares us women! If you promise not to cause too much trouble, I can be your intermediary. You can sit at a table and talk with him. Axel, I admire your courage. I want you to follow me. I may not be a big shot in Falcone's family, but I have experience and influence. The only reason I can't replace Maroni or Fish is that I don't have fearless people like you under me!"
Having seen Axel's unwavering gaze, Liv felt an inexplicable desire to gamble. She had seen many who looked brave but faltered inside. Axel's eyes were different—like Falcone's, truly fearless.
Axel laughed, cutting through the tension. "Haha, come on. I'm not successful yet because I lack dozens of women like you in my bed. But that's no excuse to pick up girls, Liv."
He pushed past a few obstructing dancers. Noticing Liv's last-ditch effort, he reached behind his waist and drew his Desert Eagle. Waving the muzzle twice, he warned, "If you can't be a boss, stop pretending to be an intermediary. Sabatino and I will settle things with bullets. Are you sure you still want in?"
He pushed open the backstage door and fired immediately. Bang! The first thug guarding the door was obliterated. Blood and chaos erupted. The dancers screamed.
"How dare you! There are hundreds of gunmen here! And you're alone!" Liv shouted.
"You're mistaken, Liv. Hundreds of extras, one protagonist!" Axel shouted back, using the corpse as a shield while firing repeatedly at the approaching men.
Once the Desert Eagle emptied, he grabbed a grenade from his bag and tossed it. Boom! Flames illuminated the room. Axel calmly reloaded, eyes sharp in the firelight.
Liv watched him, captivated. "If he really survives…" she muttered, gripping her thighs. "Gotham just got a lot more interesting."
_____
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