Fucking bastards.
Why didn’t I take care of them when I had the chance?
I should’ve put a bullet between their eyes, and now, I doubt I’ll get close enough to try.
After I proved I could break into their warehouse, I’m sure they’ve shored up and gone underground, or heightened their defenses.
Getting to them again will be damn near impossible.
And you won’t get the chance if you’re too busy fighting with your dad. Think, Mason, and tread carefully. You’ve got an opportunity here.
Jack scoffs. “You always did have your mother’s sentimental side. I thought we’d taken care of that. It seems I was mistaken.”
“You’re wrong about a lot of things.”
Jack’s eyes flash, making the hairs on the back of my neck rise. “Clearly. It’s a good thing I have other options.”
“I’m the only one for the job.” My tone is cool and even. “You and I both know it’s why you chose me.”
My father chuckles humorlessly. “Is that what you’ve been telling yourself? That I can’t find anyone else? I could walk out this door right now and find someone far more capable and a lot less troublesome.”
I don’t flinch. “Be my guest.”
His eyes narrow further, but he says nothing.
For a tense moment, I wonder if I’ve pushed too far.
He did, after all, spend a good part of my childhood molding me into his image, and the better part of my adult years honing me as a weapon. Even when my mom was alive, I still did as I was told, and as I stand here, searching my memory for the last time we were at odds, I’m coming up empty.
I have no idea if he’s going to drag me out and make an example of me, or if he’s going to step back into the shadows and let me ruin myself.
I don’t know which option is worse.
How am I supposed to fight a war on all fronts?
Jack’s eyes never leave my face. “Mathew was right to insist I come down here myself. This is far worse than I realized. Fuck her out of your system as many times as you want, and when you’re done, you’d do well to remember who you are.”
I press my lips into a thin line and say nothing.
Jack pushes back the leather chair. Then, he reaches for the glass decanter and pours himself a generous amount of whiskey. I watch the red and orange flames of the fire crackling and dancing, casting long shadows across the walls.
I stand a few feet from the door and watch my father carefully.
He eyes me over the rim of his glass. “When you came to me and begged me to put you in charge, I thought you had grown into the man I thought you could be. I had considered looking outside the family to ensure our future, but you insisted you were the only one for the job.”
“Iamthe only one for the job.”
Jack sets his glass down slowly and far more calmly than I expected. “The only job you’re good for is fucking everything up. And for that cheap little plaything, no less.”
I stiffen. “She’s not cheap or a plaything.”
Jack steps out from behind the desk and advances on me. “I don’t fucking care what you want to call her, or what you want to dowithher, but one of the first lessons I told you is to never let a woman distract you.”
“I’m not distracted.”
“The Fitzpatricks and Everetts are muscling us out of our business and forging alliances with other families.” Jack continues as if he hasn’t heard me. “I was under the impression the empire was in good hands, but you know how much I hate liars.”
“I didn’t lie. We’ve tripled our profit, and we’ve got people on the inside, manipulating the system in our—”
