Sweet Sixteen

As soon as Downton entered Little Italy, streetwalkers had already sent Liv word.

So the moment Downton reached the entrance of the Iceberg Lounge, Liv came forward with a smile to greet him.

"Mr. Downton, forgive me for not welcoming you sooner. Please, come inside the lounge so we can sit and talk."

"You've already come plenty far. There are three or four hundred meters between the entrance and the backstage area where you were."

Downton exchanged a few pleasantries with Liv, his eyes meanwhile giving her black stockings an approving once-over.

Behind Liv, the dancer Downton had specifically asked for also waved at him with a sleepy expression.

Noticing the dancer, Downton walked over, patted her ass, and asked,

"Why do you look so sleepy?"

"I only got to rest at three in the morning, and it's not even nine yet. Why do you think Big Sis dragged me out of bed?"

In response to Downton's greeting, the dancer pouted and complained, then lazily slipped into his arms and greedily claimed his lips.

After a long kiss, Downton wrapped an arm around the dancer and sat down in a private room with Liv.

While the dancer poured him a drink, Downton gave Liv his instructions.

"I want information on the Dimitrov Family, especially the location of their boss.

"Also, arrange a car and a driver for me."

"No problem, Mr. Downton."

After hearing Downton's request, Liv promptly took out a phone and handed it to him.

"Consider the phone a gift from me. Dimitrov's location has already been marked in the navigation system.

"Oh, and as for your driver, I saved Bartel from Oswald. Do you think he'd be suitable?"

"Bartel? He's pretty sensible, but driving for me is a little dangerous.

"I did say I'd give him a good life. Taking him off to die now would be a bit shabby, wouldn't it?"

Downton grinned and glanced at Bartel, who was standing guard outside the door.

Noticing Downton's look, Liv smiled faintly and shook her head.

"To save that unlucky fellow from Oswald, I specifically stressed that he would be useful to you.

"Since I said that much, he'd better be useful to you. Otherwise, the only thing waiting for him is death.

"Besides, Gotham has countless unknown gunmen. Driving for you might actually earn him a name.

"Don't underestimate how appealing success is to ordinary thugs, Downton. If they know they can die gloriously, even cowards may be willing to die generously."

Having said that, Liv called toward the door.

"Bartel, come meet your new boss."

The moment her words fell, Bartel's body stiffened. Then he carefully turned around and walked into the room.

Standing before Downton and Liv, the burly Bartel somehow managed to look as bashful as a sweet sixteen girl.

Downton awkwardly took a swig of champagne, then suddenly fired a shot at Bartel's feet.

Bang!

As Bartel trembled all over from fright, Downton cursed irritably.

"I don't need anyone charging into battle for me. Killing is such a pleasurable thing that I usually do it myself.

"But while I don't need you to slaughter people left and right like Victor Zsasz, you should at least carry yourself like a proper mob ornament, right?

"Stand properly, sit properly. Don't wriggle around like some limp-dicked coward."

At that, Downton curled his lip at Liv.

"Liv, I'm suddenly regretting making this guy my driver. I'd rather have a fierce underling like Victor."

"I understand."

Liv nodded at Downton sympathetically.

"As Gotham's ruler for the past thirty years, Roman was the finest among Gotham's big shots, and his underling was likewise the finest underling.

"Since you aim to challenge Falcone, it's only natural that you want an underling comparable to Zsasz.

"But Downton, since you admire sharp, killer-type underlings like Victor Zsasz, why not try recruiting some elites from the assassin world?

"After all, your ability is naturally an assassin's nightmare."

"Wait, you mean...?"

Listening to Liv, Downton vaguely understood something, and he clapped his hands excitedly.

"You're right, Liv. As long as I put a high enough bounty on my own head, I'm perfect bait for assassins!

"Whether it's eight million or ten million, they'll never get paid for successfully killing me, and I'll be able to latch onto them for good!"

At that, Downton rubbed his chin with interest.

"Liv, tell me, what elite assassins are active in the business right now?"

"Speaking of elites, the first would be Deadshot from Gotham's Narrows. I've worked with him before.

"Other than his habit of raising his price at the last minute, he has no other flaws as an assassin.

"His record of never failing an assassination since his debut also means his employers don't care much about his last-minute price hikes.

"But Downton, as your intermediary, I have to remind you of something.

"While you're considering candidates for your future underlings, Roman has already set his sights on the Dimitrov Family.

"If nothing unexpected happens, Victor Zsasz has already taken people to your target.

"Obviously, Victor Zsasz could kill your enemy at any moment, because even you said that Victor Zsasz is Gotham's finest assassin.

"So hurry up and race Zsasz for Dimitrov~"

As her words fell, Liv turned Downton's face toward her and gazed into his eyes seductively.

Meeting Liv's gaze, Downton grinned.

"Falcone reacted pretty quickly. He wants to bury the news about me with the destruction of an entire family?

"That won't do. I almost never leave revenge overnight. I have to kill Dimitrov myself.

"No more wasting time with you, I'm leaving..."

Downton stopped halfway through his sentence, because Liv bit his lips hard.

After they parted, Liv saw the blood seeping out. Ignoring Downton's displeased stare, she gently used her tongue to apply lip balm to his lips.

No one knew how long she kept at it, but Liv finally took a satisfied breath and escaped from Downton's arms.

Gently patting Downton's chest, Liv urged him with a smile.

"You really should get going this time. I don't want you to be left with regrets because you arrived too late."

"It really is time to say goodbye. I'll come find you again when I have new needs."

Downton nodded and led the uneasy Bartel out of the private room.

Watching Downton's departing back, Liv could not help licking her lips.

"What a perfect man. He's my fated partner. Even if Falcone is old, I can still rely on him to remain Gotham's most powerful intermediary!"

"Ahem!"

Before Liv could finish, Downton, who had returned after leaving, interrupted her.

"Uh, you look pretty hot when you praise me behind my back. Do it more often.

"Also, help me find some tracking devices. I need to put a tracker on myself."

"Huh?"

Liv froze slightly at his words.

"Why would you put a tracker on yourself? That kind of thing has no benefits at all. If the signal gets intercepted, even your enemies can track your movements!"

"Haha!"

Liv's words made Downton burst out laughing. As he laughed, he said,

"If I don't put a tracker on myself, even my driver won't be able to find me.

"Don't ask questions. Hurry up and find some tracking devices. I'll pay you extra later, Liv!"

I didn't get a recommendation slot this week, but I can still fight for one next week. Please keep reading—just flip to the last page of the latest chapter every day.