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“You took the steps in securing a wedding to Colten Sterling. You’ve already infiltrated your way into Sterling Ranch.”
I nod in agreement. That was my plan. Get us a step closer to Enzo so he sees we’re worthy of survival. That I can head up the LA organization.
“But we aren’t doing it your way. We’re doing it the Milano way. You’re going to take over Sterling Ranch, get rid of those cowboys to make it ours, and force Enzo to accept us.”
I suck in a breath and pain shoots into my chest. Surely he knows this is near impossible?
I calculate my response and say, “It’s just me and Dom going to the ranch, with a couple of bodyguards nearby? That’s a suicide mission, Dad.”
He laughs. “You’re a resourceful woman. You’re my daughter. You’ve got the Twisted Serpents on your side, based in the same state now. You will be inside the Sterling's fortress. I’d say this is an easy task for someone as smart and evil as you.”
I almost smile at his compliment, but I can’t. The Twisted Serpents are a motorcycle gang we’ve made an alliance with. They run drugs and arms for us, and take a cut. Quite a considerable cut. And Levi Thomas, their new President, is a complete and utter asshole. His second, Zach, isn’t much better. I wouldn’t trust Levi as far as I could throw him. He’s already making enemies in Vegas, and Mikhail Volkov is the last man on this planet, aside from Enzo, you want to make enemies with.
My plan for the Milano family is to move into states that Enzo doesn’t have a hold over and claim new territory. Yet my father and Levi don’t understand the power they’re up against. I know damn well Enzo’s organization only lets you believe you’re in front for a while, until it swoops in and kills every last person. Which is what I’m trying to avoid.
“So to clarify, in order for me to take over this family, and for you to step down, all I need to do is take down the Sterling family?”
“Yes, sweetheart. Remove them, show Enzo how powerful we are, and then take over LA,” he demands with a smug grin.
I swallow the lump in my throat. Anyone else, I wouldn’t think twice. But the Sterlings? Harper, and her baby.
When I met and fought alongside them, they didn’t seem like most of the asshole’s in the mafia I’ve come across before. They would tear down the world for each other, quite literally. Those cowboys have a heart, and they’ll do anything to protect the ones they love.
“And if I don’t?” I ask quietly.
His eyes form slits, and the true Vito Milano appears. “Then Dominic will be digging your grave beside Fabio’s tomorrow.”
I shrug, playing it off, pretending that isn’t a knife through the heart coming from my own father's mouth.
“Fine. I’ll do it,” I tell him as I stand and round the table. I drop a kiss on his cheek.
“I have all faith you’ll make our family proud, Piccola.”
Nothing about this sits right with me. I’m probably walking into my own death whichever way I choose.
“I’ll do my best,” I whisper. And then leave, with my head held high, nodding to the maid as I go.
By the time I’m in my car, my fingers are trembling. I hit dial to the only person in the world who actually has my back and understands my world.
“G, how did it go?” Dom asks, the concern clear in his voice.
I pull out of the drive, open the windows to let in some air. “I’m alive, which is a start. But I’m not sure for how long. Meet me at our spot.”
I don’t trust that our lines haven’t been tampered with. I don’t trust anyone or anything except Dom with my life.
“You got it. Be there in twenty,” he tells me.
And I smile. Because, maybe, just maybe, it’s time for the two Milano heirs to force the changes that should have happened when we were kids.
CHAPTER SIX
Colten
Song- Fireball, Pitbull ft John Ryan
The bar is packed, and yet I can still hear Jett’s awful rendition of whatever song this is blaring over the hum of the crowd and even the speakers.
The door slams behind me, and I scan the room. The usual suspects are all where I’d expect them. Hunter is leaning against the bar, nursing a whiskey, probably the only one he will have tonight because he’s got a newborn and is getting about one hour's sleep.
