Page 10 of Crimson Fate

“Absolutely,” Eva agrees, her enthusiasm contagious. “I think it’s essential that it’s clear everyone is to be in attendance so there will be no mistaking how much support you have.”

I laugh, teasing her. “Damn, Listen to you. Maybe I should make you my new underboss.”

She smiles and shrugs. “I would, but I don’t think that would work out very well for you.”

“And why is that?” I ask, my eyes fixed on her.

She flashes me a devilish grin. “Everyone is sure to like me more than you, and then where would you be? You can’t have everyone wanting your second-in-command to be the one in charge.”

I smirk, shaking my head at her playful banter. “I think you underestimate my charisma, Eva.”

She raises an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Is that so? I don’t know, I haven’t seen it yet.”

I chuckle, enjoying the friendly back-and-forth between us. “Well, if you keep helping me like this, maybe I’ll finally have the chance to show it off.”

Eva’s eyes shine with excitement. “I can’t wait.”

As we finish our meal and continue discussing the party, I feel a growing sense of gratitude for Eva’s support. She believes in me and will do whatever it takes to help me succeed.

“Do we have this party here?” I ask, meeting Eva’s eyes.

“Absolutely.” She nods, enthusiasm lighting up her face. “It’ll be a way to show everyone that the empire no longer belongs to your father, and you’re your own man now.”

“It’s settled, then. I have everyone’s contact information in my office.”

“I’m so excited about this,” Eva declares, finishing the last bite of her meal. “There will be no question left in anyone’s mind that you are embracing your new title.”

I take in the last bite of my toast and avocado mixture, letting it linger on my tongue, its flavors melding perfectly. I look at Eva, eager to express my gratitude. “Besides saving my breakfast disaster, you might be rescuing me again with this party.”

Her eyes soften, and a warm smile spreads across her face. “Oh, I am definitely saving your ass on both counts,” she replies. “But that’s what friends do. Don’t forget, we have that dinner at Amelia’s tonight. I’ll see you in the lobby at seven, right?”

“How could I possibly forget?” I still have mixed feelings about attending, but if Eva is willing to accompany me, it might not be so bad. “I’ll see you then.”

“Great,” she beams, rising from her seat and gathering the dishes into the sink. “I actually have to get going. I promised my mom I would help her with some errands.”

“Always the little helper,” I tease, walking her to the elevator. We exchange brief pleasantries before she leaves me alone with my thoughts.

With Eva gone, I turn my attention to more important matters. With the change in leadership, there has apparently been a rumbling among the capos that I simply can’t allow to go unanswered. The question is, how do I best send a message without upsetting the already delicate balance?

As I step back into my office, I sit at my desk and pull out my father’s address book so I can make a copy for Eva.

Eva may have been joking when she mentioned her being the underboss, but there was some truth in what she said. There is strength in having an inner circle. I was the underboss, and my father also had his consigliere. I thought Amelia would be my underboss, but her marriage to Alexei ended that idea. If I hope to keep the wolves at bay, I need to name both an underboss and a consigliere. It has to be men I trust, and the capos will afford the respect they deserve.

As much as I try to think of someone, the only name that comes to mind is Amelia. Maxim just turned eleven, and despite being my half-brother, the truth is I barely know him. On top of that, after my father’s murder, Maxim’s mother prefers to keep him as far away from this family as she can, and I don’t blame her.

As I think it over, my eyes wander to the photo of my father on my desk, a pang of sadness and anger hitting my chest. He left me with this mess, and I have to clean it up on my own. I know this isn’t his fault, but I can’t help but hate him for creating so much self-doubt in myself. I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I need to focus on the present, on what I can control.

Chapter Four

The moment I walk into the lobby, my eyes find her. Eva stands at the front desk, the soft glow of the chandelier above casting an ethereal halo around her. Her cocktail dress hugs her curves, radiating an aura of elegance. She’s chatting with Marco. His brow furrows as if he’s concentrating on every word from her mouth.

“Buona sera, Eva,” I say, approaching them. She turns toward me, her lips curving into a smile, sending familiar warmth through me.

“Vincent!” she exclaims. “You look dashing.”

“Grazie, and you look wonderful.” My gaze lingers on her, taking in the sight before me. Even though Eva has been a family friend for as long as I can remember, I would be lying if I said I’d never noticed how beautiful she is.

I turn to Marco, who has been apprehensive about our dinner at Alexei Ivanov’s place since I told him about it earlier in the day. “Hey, boss,” he says. I’m still not used to him referring to me like he used to refer to my father. “Are you sure I can’t convince you to let me tag along with you two tonight?”

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