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Just over two months out from when my first underground casino is set to open, Xavier approaches me.
“Is there something wrong?” I ask.
He takes my elbow and moves us over to the side. This place is starting to look like a real business, and I’m making sure we have everything we’ll need.
"Vanessa, we need a stronger hand,” he whispers, his tone defiant. “I've been quiet, but it's time to assert ourselves. Your cautious approach risks making us appear weak. We need tosend a message to the others, show them we're not to be trifled with."
His words, charged with a desire for dominance and a more aggressive stance, cut through the air, challenging the strategic subtlety that has guided our actions thus far.
"Xavier, strength is not always measured by aggression. We're building something here, a foundation that requires finesse. If we lash out recklessly, we risk exposing ourselves prematurely. There's a time for bold moves, but it must be calculated."
He shakes his head, clearly adamant. "I don't want us to be seen as weak. The others need to know who's in charge. We can't afford to be perceived as hesitant."
I don’t appreciate him challenging my authority, but I suppose I can see why he might think as he does.
“Moving too quickly has its own risks,” I counter. “We have the undergrown casino here to focus on first?—”
“That’s not all you need to focus on.”
“Oh? I have security measures in place and eyes on Cass and Ivy?—”
“You should…”
I lift my eyebrows. “If you have anything else to tell me, just spit it out.”
“I’ve heard whispers. Jesse… someone named Dylan… Are you playing games with all of us?”
The intensity of Xavier's words pierces through the shadows, exposing the vulnerabilities in the carefully constructed facade.
"Xavier, I understand the importance of loyalty. There's no deception, no games.”
“You’re sleeping with them.”
“I am.”
“Do they know about us?”
“Dylan and I haven’t talked about being exclusive.”
“And?”
“And I wouldn’t agree to that,” I say smoothly.
“Do you know who he works for?”
“The. Mayor. Someone we should have in our corner.”
He lifts his eyebrows. “You want him in on this?”
“I’m seeing if that might be feasible, yes.” I grab his hand. “We're building something here, and personal connections are inevitable. Trust me, our unity remains intact."
"I need to know where your priorities lie. We can't afford distractions, especially when we're on the verge of opening the casino."
“In that case, we can’t be too worried about any one relationship,” I point out.
He flares his nostrils. “I would do anything for you.”
“I would do anything for you too.”
