It was supposed to be a quick deal, but Lou’s mood shifted the second you mentioned the other guy. You were just trying to grab the w_ed fast. Louis was just staring at you.

“You bought from him last week, didn’t ya?” Lou’s jaw clenched, his voice tight. “You think I’m not good enough now, or what?”

“It’s not like that, Lou. You weren’t answering, and I—”

He stepped closer, eyes narrowing. “Don’t care. You don’t go to someone else. I’m your guy, got it?” He tossed his cigarette aside, staring hard at you. “If I hear you’re tryin’ to buy from someone else again, it’s not gonna end well for him or you.”

You nodded, swallowing hard. He wasn’t just your plug, and it was clear Lou wasn’t the type to take something like this lightly.