Christian finally speaks.
“Why would we?”
I stare at him.
“It’s contained within our own,” he continues calmly. “And in this world, reputation matters.”
Lucian steps in beside him.
“Not just matters,” he adds. “It’s currency. Power. Fear. Control.”
I shake my head slightly, irritation building.
“I don’t need a nickname like that.”
Lucian’s expression doesn’t change.
“You don’t get a choice.”
Silence stretches between us.
“It’s already out there,” he continues. “And to be honest, it works in our favour.”
I don’t respond.
“Blacklight will take notice,” Christian says. “They’ll see you stepping into something more permanent.”
“And Vargas?” I ask.
Lucian’s gaze sharpens slightly.
“They’ll hesitate,” he says. “Or they’ll react faster.”
“Good.”
Because I don’t care which one it is. I just want it done.
“What’s the plan?” I ask.
Christian doesn’t waste time.
“Blacklight has offered support,” he says.
“What kind of support?”
“They’ve got Vegas connections,” Lucian answers. “They’ve offered to remove Alex Vargas from play entirely.”
My focus sharpens.
“What does that mean?”
“He’s still in hospital,” Christian says. “They can send someone in. Make sure he doesn’t walk out.”
No hesitation.
“Do it.”
Christian nods once.
