“It’s Prescott, isn’t it?” The world already called him Vianca’s puppet.
“No—though it’s probably better you don’t know. I don’t want you doing something reckless and interfering. He’s useful—but he’s difficult. Anyway, after the debate, I decided he won’t be a problem much longer.”
Levi’s heart quickened. He knew Vianca well enough to recognize the cold flippancy in her voice. Vianca was going to kill him, whoever he was. If it was happening before their own plans were carried out, then Levi would be powerless to stop it. He might not know who the third was, but death at Vianca’s hand was a fate he’d imagined for himself dozens of times. If he could uncover the boy’s identity, he could try to save him.
“Oh, don’t look at me like that,” Vianca snapped. “He’sfarfrom innocent. And I’m one of the only ones who knows his secret.”
“Have I met him?” Levi asked.
“We’re not playing that game,” Vianca said sharply. “The only person in New Reynes who truly understands how this empire works is my son, but he’ll do everything in his power to burn it down. I’ve worked too hard to be where I am to have my legacy destroyed. So, for the very first time, Levi, I am offering you a choice.”
She slid the emerald ring off her fourth finger and set it in front of him.
“The Augustine Family owns one of the largest empires in New Reynes. And I’m offering it to you.”
Levi’s initial reaction was shock, quickly overshadowed by abhorrence. When he imagined himself walking these halls, portraits of dead Mizers watching him, he could think of nothing but Vianca. In this office, he thought of nothing but Vianca. In the card rooms, the theater, the suites... The donna’s so-called legacy was only torment.
But once those emotions settled, his ambition stirred. Levi had come to New Reynes to write his own story, and rising from nothing to become a don had an attractive sound to it. It wouldn’t be the first time in his life he’d made a decision with his own legacy in mind. His relationship with Narinder, his dangerous promises to the other lords... Levi had gotten to where he was by seizing opportunities when they came his way. He wasn’t sure he wanted Vianca’s empire, but he couldn’t simply dismiss her offer, either.
“I’m not interested in the narcotics trade,” Levi said. “That’s what this casino is built on, isn’t it? Mortar and Mistress?”
Vianca pursed her lips. “The Apothecary families are keeping this Family in business, yes.”
“But once, it was just a casino,” Levi countered. “The Irons run all their operations on gambling. It could be done, if I wore both crowns.” The Irons and St. Morse. It made an impressive palace for an impressive empire.
“Is that an acceptance?” she asked.
Levi thought of the casino on the boardwalk, of the opportunity that had passed him by. But now he couldn’t imagine that casino without also remembering Enne in it.
“What about Enne?” he asked, his voice choked.
“You’ve always been my favorite,” Vianca said, and it was strange to hear those words from her. For so long, those words had been used by others to cut him. Vianca’s favorite. Vianca’s bitch. “But I have faith in the both of you. I know that by offering it to you, I’m also offering it to her.” Vianca gave him a crooked smile and tapped her fingertips together. “You really arequitethe pair. I hope you’re both grateful for all I’ve given you.”
This time, the pain on his face must have been obvious, because Vianca leaned forward and licked her lips.
“Is something the matter?” she asked.
“Nothing,” he said quickly.
She pouted her lips. “This won’t do, Levi. I had really hoped for the set.”
Levi recoiled in disgust. “Forcing us together seems like a new low, even for you.”
A glimmer of something passed through Vianca’s eyes. He’d hardly imagined he’d insulted her—nothing he said ever seemed to wound her. But then she shivered, and Levi realized what that look was. A memory.
She folded her hands neatly on her desk. “Very well. My offer stands, and it’s for you alone.”
Alone.
He swallowed down the painful lump in his chest.
“I’m wanted for treason and murder,” Levi said. “How can you want my association?”
Vianca shook her head. “Once Worner wins the election, you’ll be pardoned. All of the gangsters will be. The plans are already in motion.”
Levi had been so focused on Harrison winning the election and giving him this freedom, he’d never considered that maybe, just maybe, this scenario could be a win-win. Harrison had supported Levi and Jac when they needed it, so Levi didn’t like the idea of betraying him. But now, Harrison’s promise was a sinking ship.
Still, could Levi really abandon all his efforts these past few months for...Vianca?
