She didn’t cower—didn’t look at me with disgust—when she saw the man I’ve become. No, she fuckingmatchedme.
Izzy isn’t the sweet, innocent thirteen-year-old that I left behind. I’m starting to realize this.
Seeing that cold, icy, expression? I couldn’t hold myself back. I had to taste her.
And fuck—nothing has ever tasted better than her cum on my tongue. I savor the coppery taste of herblood on my lips.
And then I fucked it up.
I close my eyes, breathing deep, as I pinch the bridge of my nose.
“Uhhh, boss?”
The sound of Dante’s voice has my head snapping in the direction of the door.
“What?” I bark, my patience thin.
“Just letting you know that the big boss is waiting for you in your office.”
I nod once. “Okay.”
Dante turns to leave.
“Wait!” I call out, striding over to him.
He twists, waiting.
I slap a hand on his shoulder. “Thank you.”
He shrugs me off. “Anytime.”
When I get back to the apartment, I shower first, making myself presentable in a new suit—black, as always—then find Papa sitting in my office chair.
I gulp, standing before him, waiting for him to speak. I know he’s here to berate me. I gave him an order when he’s the boss. I shouldn’t have spoken to him like that. I was just so consumed by Izzy that everything else faded to the background.
Papa leans forward, his head tilted. His eyes—ones that match my own—are watching me with quiet intensity. The silence stretches. Then he finally speaks. “I want you to take over.”
I think there’s a loading bar on my brain that’s frozen because the words don’t compute.
“Huh?”
He rolls his eyes. “As leader. It’s time.”
Nope. Not understanding.
“What?”
Papa sighs, and I notice for the first time just how tired he looks.
“I’m stepping down—you’ll be the new Don.”
“Why?”
“I’m getting old—”
I snort. “Hardly.”
“—and I want to take some time to get to know your sister.”
