Lorenzo's proposal, and his scheme

Lorenzo's cold gaze met Errol's, his voice low and menacing. "So, these coppers are using my boys, eh? Ordering them around to intimidate or rub out witnesses and rivals? Using them for debt collection, extortion, and vice rackets?"

Errol swallowed hard, nodding as he faced the young man's icy stare.

Lorenzo stroked his chin, a chilling smile curling his lips. "Well, well, I never knew the boys in blue here in Los Angeles had such... colorful and creative tastes."

Max and the others remained silent, their eyes glued to the floor as they awaited their boss's judgment.

"You're all risking everything over pennies, is that right?" Lorenzo's voice was quiet, but it held a dangerous edge. The men bowed their heads slightly, unable to meet their boss's gaze.

"Well, well," Lorenzo drawled, turning back to Errol, "it seems these coppers' racket is risky business with little return, but it'll do for now. I'd say it's quite a profitable venture for a newcomer like me in this town."

Errol's eyes widened, his voice shaking. "W-what do you mean?"

Lorenzo's cold grin sent a chill down their spines. "What do I mean? I'm taking over this operation, of course."

"B-but, boss! I'm just a middleman for those coppers! This ain't my racket!" Errol stammered, sweat beading on his brow.

Max chimed in, his voice trembling. "That's right, boss! Floyd Rose is a homicide dick at LAPD - we can't mess with him or his boys! We ain't got the juice in this town yet!"

Deborah's face was etched with worry as she watched Lorenzo, her heart pounding in anticipation of his next move.

Lorenzo held up a hand, his voice cold but measured. "Easy, boys. I ain't about to start a war with those coppers just yet. I've got a plan. We need to make them play nice, give us the lion's share of their profits... willingly."

Errol's jaw dropped, disbelief etched on his face as he stared at the young man.

Max and the others exchanged glances, their interest piqued by the mention of a plan.

"How do you propose we get them to hand over their rackets, boss?" Patrick asked, intrigued.

Lorenzo's smile turned predatory as he kicked Errol, who groaned in pain.

"Well, first things first, we'll be needing our friend here's... cooperation." He gestured towards Errol.

"W-what?" Errol stammered, a sinking feeling in his gut.

"Well, I'll be using you to gather the evidence of these coppers' corruption and bribes," Lorenzo said, patting Errol's cheek. "And then, we'll just 'persuade' them to share their profits... generously."

"You're insane!" Errol blurted out, his fear of Lorenzo barely held in check. "Blackmailing cops? It's suicide!"

Lorenzo chuckled, unfazed. "Insane? I'd say it's poetic justice. These coppers have been blackmailing folks for years. Time they got a taste of their own medicine."

Errol tried to protest, but a stinging slap silenced him.

"Pipe down," Lorenzo growled, his patience thinning. "You're either with me or against me, and I don't take kindly to traitors."

"No! No, boss! I'm sorry! I'll do it! I'll do whatever you say!" Errol stuttered, panic in his voice.

Lorenzo's cold gaze softened ever so slightly. "Good."

Max and the others exchanged glances, speechless at their boss's ruthlessness.

Lorenzo's keen eyes caught Errol's furtive glances at the desk drawer. He sauntered over and, sure enough, found a revolver hidden inside. A Smith & Wesson Model 27, nickel-plated with pearl grips, serial number S71893.

Lorenzo chuckled, admiring the piece. "Well, well, look what we have here," he drawled, slipping the gun into his pocket. "A fine piece you got yourself, Errol."

Max and the others exchanged surprised glances, unaware Errol had been packing heat.

"Well, boys," Lorenzo said, "I think it's time for me and my love here to have a little... privacy. Mind giving us the room?"

"Y-yes, boss!" Max stammered, herding the others out of the room.

"O-okay, we'll use the other room," Errol stuttered, leading the way to the adjoining room. This apartment had two rooms in total, and he was thankful for it now.

Julius and Patrick each took one of Errol's arms, practically dragging him out of the room.

Peggy lingered behind, her eyes meeting Lorenzo's. "Um, boss... did you manage to get Philip out?"

Lorenzo sighed, his expression softening. "No, Peggy. I'm sorry. It's not that easy. Philip's in deep for the drug trade, and it's not something we can just walk away from."

Disappointment clouded Peggy's face, but she nodded. "I understand." She turned to leave, her shoulders slumped.

"Peggy, wait."

She turned back, hope flickering in her eyes.

"We'll build our power here, and when the time is right, we'll find a way to get him out. I promise."

Peggy's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, boss. I... I appreciate it." With a genuine smile, she left the room.

Once they were alone, Lorenzo turned to Deborah, his expression softening. "I'm sorry you had to see that, Deb. I didn't mean to scare you."

Deborah shook her head, a smile playing on her lips. "No need to apologize. In fact, I kinda liked it."

Lorenzo raised an eyebrow, amused. "You don't mind the rough stuff, huh?"

"Not when it's for me," she purred, running a finger down his chin.

Lorenzo couldn't help but grin. "You like it when I'm tough, eh?"

Deborah nodded, her eyes darkening with desire.

Without another word, Lorenzo swept her into his arms, their lips colliding in a passionate kiss. His tongue danced with hers, their bodies pressed together as they lost themselves in each other's embrace.

Lorenzo's lips lingered on Deborah's, his heart pounding with more than just desire. The sudden ding of a system notification in his mind startled him, but he didn't let it show.

[Ding! Congratulations! You've completed the mission: Relocate your gang!]

[Reward: +3 Level Up, Ring of the Lady (Boosts charm and intimidation for ladies and gents, an ideal gift for your lover)]

[The "Ring of the Lady" has been sent to your inventory.]

Lorenzo's smile widened, but he kept it to himself.

Lorenzo hesitated, guilt still gnawing at him. "Deb, I've been feeling guilty about... you know, with that dame..."

Deborah raised an eyebrow, her expression a mix of understanding and exasperation. "Lorenzo, we've been over this."

"I know, I know," he said, his grip on her chin gentle. "But I wanted to make it up to you. I got you something. It's a gift."

Deborah's eyes widened with surprise and curiosity. "A gift?"

Lorenzo nodded, a playful glint in his eye. He reached into his system inventory and secretly produced a luxurious-looking box, presenting it to her with a flourish.

Deborah gasped, her eyes transfixed on the box. "My goodness, it looks expensive! Where did you get this?"

Lorenzo grinned. "The box ain't the important part, Deb. It's what's inside that counts." He opened the lid, revealing a stunning golden ring with a dazzling diamond centerpiece.

Deborah gasped, her eyes shining with wonder. "Oh, Lorenzo... it's breathtaking."

Lorenzo's heart raced as he got down on one knee, the ring box trembling in his hand. "Deb, I've been wanting to ask you this for a while now..." He took a deep breath. "Will you marry me?"

Deborah's jaw dropped, her eyes reflecting equal parts shock and joy. "Oh, my goodness... Yes! Yes, of course!"

Lorenzo couldn't help but grin as he slipped the ring onto her finger, its band glittering on her delicate hand. He pulled her into a gentle hug, their hearts pounding in unison.

"I love you," Deborah whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

"I love you too, doll," Lorenzo murmured, before sealing their vows with a passionate kiss.

Lorenzo's lips met Deborah's in a kiss that seared with newfound passion. Their tongues danced together, their bodies pressed against each other as if they couldn't get close enough.

Without a word, they began to undress each other, their clothes discarded in haste on the floor. Naked, they fell onto the bed, their skin slick with anticipation and desire. Their lovemaking commenced, Deborah's moans filling the room, even permeating the thin walls.

In the next room, Max, Patrick, and the others, including Errol, could do nothing but blush furiously at the sound of Deborah's unabashed pleasure.

---

Later that afternoon, Lorenzo and Deborah lay entwined on the bed, their naked bodies slick with sweat and contentment. The room was filled with the musky scent of their lovemaking, and the sheets were in disarray around them.

Suddenly, reinvigorated, they made their way to the bathroom, hand in hand. Once inside, they couldn't keep their hands off each other. They stepped under the shower spray, the warm water cascading over their heated skin as they continued where they left off. The wet slaps of their bodies colliding echoed off the tiled walls, along with Deborah's muffled moans.

Afterwards, they emerged from the bathroom, sated and refreshed. They dressed quickly, but Deborah found herself yawning, her eyelids heavy from their exertions. "I'm going to take a nap," she said, crawling back into bed.

Lorenzo nodded, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Sleep well, my love."

He closed the door behind him, and made his way to the other room where Max and the others were gathered. As soon as he entered, he saw the flush creeping up their necks, especially on Errol's. He knew they had heard everything through the thin walls.

"Gentlemen," Lorenzo began, his eyes locking with Errol's, who knew he had no choice but to cooperate. "Tonight we start our plan to collect evidence on the corrupt cops. We'll blackmail them once we have enough dirt."

The group huddled around the table, their heads bowed over a piece of paper as they meticulously planned every detail. Time seemed to fly by as they plotted their sting operation against Leroy Tate, the first step in taking down Floyd Rose.

"Alright, tonight's the night," Lorenzo said, his voice low and determined. "We'll gather evidence against them, bit by bit. Make sure the cameras are hidden, and we'll also need to steal any documents with Floyd's contacts."

"Understood, boss," Julius saluted, followed by the others.

"Remember, patience is key. We don't want to spook them. We'll bring them down, but on our terms."

Nods of agreement filled the room.