As soon as Axel stepped in, Liv had already received messages from the girls working the streets. So when Axel stopped at the entrance of the Iceberg Lounge, Liv was already there waiting for him, wearing a polite smile that did not quite reach her eyes.
"Mr. Axel, I apologize for not coming out to meet you sooner. Please come inside with me. We can talk comfortably."
"You already walked far enough," Axel replied calmly. "Your backstage area is at least three or four hundred meters in. Don't overdo it."
They exchanged brief pleasantries as Axel's gaze drifted openly over Liv's black stockings, his satisfaction obvious and unapologetic.
Behind Liv, the showgirl Axel had specifically asked for raised her hand and gave him a lazy wave. She looked half asleep.
Axel noticed immediately. He leaned in, gave her a firm pat on the backside, and smirked.
"Why do you look like a corpse that just crawled out of a grave?"
"I only finished resting at three in the morning," she complained, pouting. "And it's not even nine yet. You think I volunteered to get dragged out of bed by Big Sis?"
Before Axel could reply, she slipped into his arms, clearly ignoring personal space, and greedily pressed her lips against his.
After a long kiss, Axel wrapped an arm around her waist and another around Liv's shoulder. The three of them moved into a private room.
The showgirl poured Axel a drink while Liv waited patiently.
"I need information on the Dimitrov Family," Axel said, taking the glass. "Specifically where their boss is hiding. Also, arrange a car and a driver."
"No problem, Mr. Axel."
Liv immediately took out a phone and handed it to him.
"It's a gift. Dimitrov's location is already marked on the navigation. As for the driver, I borrowed Bartel from Oswald. Do you think he'll do?"
"Bartel?" Axel chuckled and glanced toward the door. "He's sensible enough, sure. But driving for me is basically signing his own death certificate. I promised him a better life once, and now I'm dragging him closer to his grave. Kinda unethical, don't you think?"
Axel's grin widened as his eyes flicked toward Bartel, who stood guard outside.
Liv shook her head lightly, unfazed.
"To get him away from Oswald, I told them he would be useful to you. Since I said that, he'd better prove it. Otherwise, death is waiting for him anyway."
She continued smoothly, her tone almost casual.
"Besides, Gotham is full of nameless gunmen. Driving for you could actually give him a reputation. Don't underestimate how tempting that is for low level thugs. If they think they can die gloriously, even cowards will walk straight into hell."
Liv turned toward the door.
"Bartel, come meet your new boss."
Bartel stiffened. After a brief hesitation, he entered the room carefully.
Despite his bulky build, he stood there awkwardly, looking more like a nervous teenager than a hardened thug.
Axel downed a mouthful of champagne, then without warning, fired a shot at the floor near Bartel's feet.
Bang.
Bartel jumped so hard he nearly lost his balance.
Axel clicked his tongue, clearly irritated.
"I don't need people throwing themselves into gunfire for me. Killing is the fun part, and I prefer doing it myself."
He leaned back, eyes cold.
"I'm not asking you to go full Victor Zsasz, but at least act like a gangster. Stand properly. Sit properly. Stop looking like a scared puppy."
Axel then glanced at Liv, unimpressed.
"I'm already regretting this. I prefer vicious followers, like Victor."
"I understand," Liv said with a nod.
"For thirty years, Carmine Falcone ruled Gotham. He was the most dangerous man in the city, and his followers matched him. Since you want to challenge Falcone, it's natural you want someone like Zsasz by your side."
She paused briefly, then smiled.
"Since you admire assassin types like Victor Zsasz, why not recruit professionals from the assassin world? Your abilities are practically a nightmare for them."
Axel's eyes lit up.
"Wait… you mean…"
He clapped his hands together, laughing.
"You're right. If I put a massive bounty on my own head, I'd become perfect bait. Eight million, ten million, doesn't matter. None of them will ever succeed, and they'll be forced to deal with me over and over."
He rubbed his chin, clearly amused.
"Liv, get me in contact with elite assassins. Immediately."
"The most famous is Deadshot," Liv replied. "He operates around Gotham and I've worked with him before. Aside from raising his price at the last second, he's flawless. He's never failed a contract."
Her expression sharpened slightly.
"But I need to warn you. Falcone is already moving against the Dimitrov Family. Victor Zsasz has likely taken his men there already."
She looked directly into Axel's eyes.
"If you don't hurry, Zsasz might wipe them out first. Even you admitted he's the best assassin in Gotham."
Liv leaned closer, her voice low and teasing.
"So if you want Dimitrov dead by your own hands, you'd better move."
Axel grinned.
"Falcone really is quick. Using the fall of another family to bury news about me, huh? That won't work."
His tone turned sharp.
"I don't let revenge sit overnight. Dimitrov is mine."
He stood up, then stopped mid sentence when Liv suddenly bit down on his lip.
When they separated, blood seeped from the corner of his mouth. Liv ignored his glare and gently traced over it with her tongue, applying lip balm as if nothing was wrong.
After a long moment, she finally pulled away, satisfied.
"You really should go now," she said softly. "I'd hate for you to regret being late."
Axel nodded.
"I'll come back when I need something else."
He grabbed Bartel by the shoulder and dragged him out of the room.
As Axel walked away, Liv licked her lips, eyes gleaming.
"Perfect," she murmured. "Even when Falcone fades away, I can rely on him to remain Gotham's most powerful intermediary."
"Cough. Cough."
Axel suddenly reappeared at the doorway.
"You sound pretty damn hot praising me like that," he said with a grin. "Do it more often."
He paused.
"Also, find me some tracking devices. I want to install them on myself."
Liv froze.
"On yourself? That's insane. If the signal is intercepted, even your enemies could track you."
Axel burst out laughing.
"If I don't install one, even my driver won't know where the hell I am."
He waved dismissively.
"Don't ask questions. Just get it done. I'll pay extra."