He stood watching, like a hawk, as the activity slowed. At least the mood had settled somewhat-- from outright hostility to passive aggression.

Hopefully it would stay passive-- Vale would hate to realize that he had stained the new carpet with blood. And there was no way in hell Ciro would help him clean that up.

Still, they were ‘guests’ of sorts-- he had to at least attempt that he didn’t share Vale’s deep loathing--

“Next time you plan on coming--” His voice seemed like a dulled knife, “Don’t bring useless additions. And don’t start s**t.”