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He has to have some sociopathic tendencies and a death wish with all the shit that comes out of his mouth. This is why he’s the perfect last piece for us to become legends among mortals, kings of an empire everyone whispers about and fears.
When they leave, I go through an attack plan. The DeCavallaros will regret the day they thought they could take over my territory. But a frontal attack might garner too much attention. Hours later, the sensuous music stops, and I know the party is about to end.
I retire to my headquarters at the compound. Each one of us has a place here, a large space with all amenities and comfort money can buy, from polished floors to high-end furniture. I crash on the king-sized bed, thinking I don’t even have Chiara’s number. Not that I would call her.
I punch the pillow until it takes the form I want and close my eyes, her enchanting eyes following me even in my dreams. A siren waiting for my demise. I’m not strong enough to resist her allure.
The next morning, I shower and change into a three-piece black suit. Getting in my car, I drive to our meeting location—one of our night clubs.
The door opens to a long table, the seat at the head unoccupied. My father and my future father-in-law on each side, their most-trusted men at their backs and surrounding the table. Rituals and traditions are important. No legacy of man has been built without these two paramount steps.
My brother and cousin both nod my way as everyone stands and congratulates the new boss—me. I gesture for them to sit down.
Unbuttoning my jacket, I stare at the ten men seated and the fourteen scattered in the room. I take my seat at the head of the table, placing my forefinger on my lips, relishing in this moment.
My father slides a ring box across the table. I open it, and I realize it’s not the one my father wore on his finger.
I snap my head to him, and he rushes to say, “You are now the ruler of two families. This is meant to symbolize that.”
I look at the ring, the letters MB are stamped on it in the background with a bold C uniting them in the middle. Sliding it on my index finger, the cold metal reminds me of my cold heart.
It’s at the tip of my tongue to ask about Chiara. Is she scared? Is she still brave enough to think she can overpower me? I can’t believe she’s bringing a modicum of excitement to my life. I can’t wait to start playing, cara.
“Do you pledge your loyalty?” my father asks, while my future father-in-law eyes us with a placated yet nostalgic expression on his face.
I stand up and place my hands on the table, my gaze fixed on everyone else.
“Loyalty is not stronger than blood. I don’t pledge loyalty; I pledge my blood for this family and this cause.”
I pluck the knife from my pocket and slide it down my palm.
“I’m the new head of the families. I will bring us where no one else could, to the fucking top. Respected and feared on both coasts of the continent and beyond. If you cross me, if you so much as think of betraying me, I will wash my face in your blood.”
My father opens his mouth, but I add, “And if I ever need advice, I will seek both of you out.”
Silence descends.
“I will rule as I see fit. Now, leave.”
My father-in-law clasps my shoulder. “Ruling with an iron fist. It has something of the old school feel, when we fucking ruled and didn’t pussyfoot around. I made the right decision.”
With that, he’s the first to leave.
My father stands up. “I wish you luck in your endeavor and a long life.”
“I don’t need luck, Father. The difference between us is that I don’t hang on to life. I don’t give a fuck, except doing the best job I can.”
One after the other, they trickle out.
Alone with my brother and cousin, they look at me expectantly. “Your hands.”
Dario and Marco place them in front of me, not even blinking as I slice through their flesh.
“I can’t guarantee you’ll live a long life, but your names will be spoken with respect and fear. We’re going to conquer this land to build our empire.”
They nod, and I gesture for them to leave too.
I throw my head back, basking in my new reign.
