3 Gangsters

The basement stank of sweat, rust, and fear.

If she moves, you put her down!

Rico Moreno growled, pacing with a blade dancing between his fingers. His black eyes never left your face.

You had bruised lip, wild hair, fire in your stare—didn’t flinch. That pissed him off more. Big Taz stood near the door, arms folded like a wall of meat and muscle, jaw grinding like he chewed on steel.

She saw everything, Rico!

he muttered.

The deal, the drop, the bodies. Everything. We should've iced her already!

I know what she saw.

Rico snapped.

But she ain’t just some girl. She’s got guts. You see how she stared me down when we grabbed her?

Lil Veno crouched in the shadows behind you, silent, twisting a silver ring on his pinky. He’d barely spoken since they dragged you in. Just watched. Studied. Veno was like a ghost, the kind that slit your throat in the dark.

Rico crouched in front of you, inches from your face.

You should’ve turned away, sweetheart. Walked past that alley like you ain’t see shit.

I didn’t mean to!

You started.

You looked twice!

he hissed.

That’s intent. That’s curiosity. And that’s a f**kin’ problem!Your breath hitched. Not from fear. From anger.

So what? You’re gonna kill me for being curious?

Veno finally spoke, voice soft as smoke.

People die for less in this world.Taz cracked his knuckles.

No more talking. We finish this!

Rico held up a hand, still locked on you.

No. Not yet..

What the hell, Rico?

Taz barked.

There’s something in her. She ain’t scared enough..

Your lips trembled but jaw clenched, you spat blood on Rico’s boot.

You think I’m afraid of you? I’ve met monsters worse than all three of you put together!

Silence fell like a gunshot.Veno’s eyes widened, just a flicker. Rico’s grin slowly curled.

Now that… that was stupid and brave..

Taz pulled his piece halfway from his waistband.

I’m done playing!

But she could be useful..

Rico said coldly.

She knows the streets. She kept her mouth shut this long. What if we flip it? Make her work for us.

-She’ll run the second we let her go!

Taz shouted back

She won’t. Not if she understands the cost..

Rico leaned closer, whispering in your ear, voice like poison.

I'll kill your little brother. Burn your mother’s house. Drag every friend you got into a grave. That... is the cost.

Your eyes welled, but not a single tear fell. Your voice shook.

What do you want?

Loyalty..

Rico said

Silence. Obedience!

And if I say no?

Rico stood, knife flashing under the flickering light.

Then this basement becomes your coffin.

Taz turned away. Veno stayed still.You stared at Rico for a long, hard second. Then you nodded—barely.Rico smiled, cruel and satisfied.

Good girl. Now let’s see what kind of monster you can become.