“No, my dear. We are fine.” My mom is still smiling, which warms my heart even more.
I’m so lucky to have been reunited with them.
“So, Caterina—how much do you know about being an heir, and running the Rossi family?” my dad starts.
“Not much,” I admit. “The guys have told me some stuff, but I’m flying a bit blind right now.”
My dad nods. “That’s why we’re here. Once you accepted the position, all the other families in the states got word of it, aside from the seven. I don’t foresee anyone coming for you, but I want you to be prepared. There's a lot to running a mafia family.”
“Also, my dear, please know that you’ll never be one hundred percent safe, no matter what kind of security you have. With money and power, it’s inevitable someone will want to knock you off the chess board. The more power, the greater the danger,” my mom adds.
“Are you part of this, Mom?” I ask her, interest likely showing in my eyes.
“Yes, Carina, I am. Your father and I work together as a unit. We each take half the responsibility. Unlike many other wives, who are shoved into the background. It's also why we’re seen as a bigger threat.”
“You get your backbone from your mother,” my dad says, patting my leg, which is bouncing all over the place.
I laugh. “I love that. You're a badass, Mom!”
She chuckles. “You’re so full of spirit. You should do well.”
“Now,” my dad cuts in. “What do you know from your time with your husbands?”
I explain to him the little I've learned.
My dad nods, thoughtfully answering. “Being an heir is a massive undertaking. Once you’re the leader, it’s even more work. You must run your legitimate businesses flawlessly next to the illegal ones.”
“Why do we need the legitimate ones?” I ask curiously.
“To keep law enforcement off our backs, mainly. However, our family already has many agents in our pocket.”
“Okay, that’s a lot. Tell me about the illegal dealings.”
My mom speaks next. “We run guns and drugs, for the most part. We also deal in gambling. Then, the more unsavory aspects, such as the more violent things we must do, including murder.”
I startle. She said that so matter-of-factly.
“I’m so glad you’re going to guide me. I need the help to figure it all out,” I tell them.
Synn interrupts us. I glare at him, knowing he was eavesdropping.
“We are heirs to all our families now, so we can train Phoenyxx right, as well. Luckily, she isn’t opposed to violence.”
I choke on my spit. “Synn!”
My mom laughs so hard, tears spring from his eyes. “So passionate, that is a good thing. Just remember this—never succumb to the bloodlust. It will rule you, if you’re not careful.” She holds my gaze.
“Wait, wait... do I get that from you, Mom?” My eyes bulge in disbelief.
“You sure did, Caterina.”.
We continue our discussion, the other guys filtering in to add their two cents.
My mind grasps an idea, and the more I think about it, the more excited I get.
I wait until my parents leave before saying anything.
Clapping my hands, I get my guys’ attention. “So, I want to implement something that will correspond to my parent’s business that helps kidnapped women and children. Ghost and Purge—you two will be my wingmen for this.”
