The feeling of power I hold over my step-mommy feels amazing. She’s always been a sneaky, cruel bitch. My father never saw it as she switched on her charm any time he was around. When my father died, I was stuck in Rome and didn’t even know of his passing until I returned home. I wasn’t able to attend his funeral and I also don’t know if I believe that he passed from a heart attack in his sleep.
The autopsy magically disappeared from their systems when I had called in to get a copy. There’s too much shit going on to be a coincidence. My father dies, dealings are made under his name, and deliveries of our guns have gone missing. An uneasy feeling settles heavily on my chest and I need to figure out what the hell is going on.
“So, when were you planning on telling the board of your capture in Rome and your suspicions of Bianca? For all they knew, you were gone handling business.” Antonio plopsnext to me on the couch, resting his feet on the very expensive coffee table.
I’m used to him making himself at home since he’s not only my right hand but also my cousin. He’s also the only one who knows where I stay if I’m not at the mansion.
“Get your damn shoes off my coffee table. I’m about 99 percent sure Bianca’s the one who set up my hit, like she killed my father. I just don’t have proof of her involvement. When I was able to escape, only one of their minions had stuck around and wouldn’t give me anything. So I killed him.” I smirk as I set my book down on the table.
I know I won’t get any reading done with this buffoon here. Might as well not even attempt it.
“And your stubborn ass wouldn’t wait until I got there. Once I realized you were missing, I tracked your phone to find your general location. The rookies took your phone but didn't turn it off or destroy it. You looked like shit once I found you walking on the side of the road. But I’m glad you’re back and we will get your revenge and then some,” Antonio reassures me.
I’ve always loved my cousin. He’s the only one I could truly count on and doesn’t think I’m completely deranged. He follows suit with his own sick, twisted head. That’s why we make the perfect duo. He never thinks I go too far, in fact, thinks I could do much worse.
Growing up, we were taught by our fathers that fear is weakness that will get us killed. If you do not fear, you can’t be killed. After my mom passed away, my father was adamant about making sure I trained to become lethal and know the ins and outs of his business. I was the son he never had and he was determined for me to rise to the top and take over his spot once it was time for retirement. He never had the chance to retire.
Females were meant to sit by their husband’s sides andproduce heirs to keep the family business alive. My father wanted to show the world that I’m not a breeding machine but even more powerful than a man. The endless training in krav maga, jujitsu, target practice, and conditioning with his men ensured I could take down anyone bigger than me. It was brutal; I had my ass handed to me more times than I could count. The day that I was able to take down one of the most lethal of them all, pride glistened in my father’s eyes. That's all I needed to validate that this was what I was born to do.
My mother died due to cancer. It was slow and painful. The treatments made her weak and super skinny. When she finally passed, it made him colder than he ever was due to the love of his life being ripped out of this world. She was so innocent, sweet, and patient. She didn’t come from a powerful family. She owned a cute little bookshop that also had an attached cafe. He went in one day for a coffee and when their eyes locked, they were done for. Fate brought the two together. Many were not happy that he took in a “nobody” but he didn't care.
When Bianca came into the picture years later, you could tell he was just lonely but he never truly loved her and she knew it. She had come from a semi-powerful family and the marriage was simply to bring an alliance. Her husband had died from some illness, she claims, and she had brought a son with her. He was a little shit, always causing trouble. She tried to shove him to take over the spot of my father’s favorite and prepare him to be the heir since he was a male. But my father brushed it off and gave him a petty job within the company. He was a nobody.
Bianca has always loathed me and tried everything to get me out of the spotlight and came up with stupid scenarios to make me out to be senile. She wasn’t all that wrong. Because my father didn’t give in to her demands all these years, Ibelieve she did something to him like she did to her late husband. I’m determined to find out what she did so I can destroy everything she has. I’m doing it slowly and I know her true colors will show soon.
“Don’t forget, we have to be at the club tonight for the auditions of new dancers. It’ll be good for you to show your face to establish who the boss is and not your grimy little stepbrother, Mike.” Antonio makes a face just speaking his name.
The job my father gave him was to watch over the club. Like always, he failed at keeping the girls happy and complaints began to file in about his behavior.
“Yeah, I’ll be there. Melodie, one of the managers, had reached out to me asking for a meeting as she had some concerns so I’m curious to see what’s going on…” Looking at the clock, I jump off the couch.
“Shit, we need to go. Why didn’t you tell me we’re going to be late instead of sitting there lazy as hell on your phone.” I glare at him as I walk into the master suite to hurry up and get ready.
Rummaging through my closet, I grab my choice of poison and quickly dress. Looking in the mirror, I examine myself, confident with my choice.
“You’re the boss, we can be there whenever we want. I’ll call the driver to be ready in thirty minutes. Is that enough time for you, princess?” he teases.
Peaking around the door, I flip him the bird causing him to laugh before he leaves to his suite on the level below me.
Thirty minutes later, I’m fully dressed waiting in the elevator, heading down to his level. The doors open and he steps in whistling.
“See, you can get ready in thirty minutes looking like a bad bitch.” He smirks adjusting his suit.
I have my red suit on with a lace black tank under the jacket. The button to the jacket sits low under my sternum leaving the top to expose my nice tits. I paid a lot of money for them, why not show them off? I have matching red pants and black red-bottom shoes on. My hair is down with loose curls, red lipstick paints my lips, and a winged eyeliner along with bold lashes make me feel gorgeous and confident.
“Whatever. I’m always a bad bitch and don’t forget it!” I poke his chest before the doors open and he walks out before me, instantly assessing the area, making sure it’s clear.
Now that I took over the dynasty, it’s going to be a lot more of that. Everyone wants to be head and there’s some people who are not so happy that it’s me. I don’t give a fuck though. I have several businesses to run and don’t have time to worry about what people think.
We get into the car and take off to the club which is right in the middle of New York City. It’s top of the line entertainment where only the elite attend. We bring in all the top business owners, men and women. The money flows in steadily and is almost equal to what we bring in with the gun trades. Our women are treated with the most respect and we make sure we have the top-of-the-line security for their safety.
They bring in a beautiful art that deserves to be showcased and admired. I hate the stereotypical persona that they’re disgusting humans and have no self-worth. These women are single moms needing to make ends meet to make sure their children are taken care of. For that, I respect them. Plus, thesewomen make way more than sitting in an office. If they love what they do, then do the damn thing, sis.
We pull up to the building about twenty minutes later and exit out of the car. We’re greeted at the door by a guard who opens the door for us. I give a subtle nod before I move through the threshold. The elevator takes us to the next floor where the club resides. The beat of the music vibrates off the walls along with a soft glow from the lights of the stage illuminating from the floor. Waitresses saunter to their prospective areas, taking orders from their customers as dancers sway their hips on and off the stage.
Approaching the bar, I order myself a chilled bourbon from a young girl who flashes me a smile. “Good evening, Ms. Hansley! Are you here for the auditions? Looks like we have some promising girls.”
“Evening. I am. Looks like we have a good size crowd tonight. Make sure they tip you big.” I wink at her as she hands me my bourbon.
