“Of course, not,” I say. “But the casino was Dad’s. Everyone expected it to go to Roman.”
“He trusts you.”
I swallow. “He had no choice.”
We lock gazes for a second, leaving so much unspoken. We all had our ways of coping during the years Roman was on Death Row. Cesare lost himself in women and drugs. I had Mortis House. And Reaper.
Together, we transformed those boys from misfits to loyal soldiers, ready to kill for the cause. Now, it’s my turn to provide them and the Montesano family with a future.
He clears his throat. “Your speech should hit them with what they need to hear, then stop. Let the silence hang.”
I glance at his reflection in the mirror. He’s talking about showing them that I’m not just Roman’s brother but a force in my own right. “Any suggestions?”
“Make it clear they’re either with us or against us. No middle ground.”
Nodding, I tighten my tie, the silk sliding under my fingers. The knot settles on the base of my throat like a noose. All I ever wanted was Ginevra. If she hadn’t been so blinded by power, I’d have her instead of needing to take this bloody, convoluted path to greatness.
“And if they push back?” I ask, though I already know the answer.
Reaper’s smile is cold, a flash of teeth that doesn’t reach his eyes. “Then our boys will be ready to cut them out. The first to step out of line will be an example of what we do to dissenters.”
With a smile, I turn to meet Reaper’s gaze, mirroring his resolve.
“You look the part,” he says. “Make Mortis House proud.”
I take a deep breath, the weight of what’s to come settling on my shoulders. “I’ll deliver.”
Nodding, he follows me out to where Roman awaits by the exit in a sharp suit, looking every bit like Dad’s heir. A tiny kernel of doubt creeps in that he’ll change his mind and take the casino for himself, but I shove down that thought. He promised it tome. Besides, he’s too distracted by that woman to wrestle me for power.
The three of us exit the elevator into the basement, where our vehicle awaits. Cool air clings to my skin, and I savor a final moment of calm before what might be a shitstorm. We’ve weeded out the worst of the betrayers, but roots have a way of resurfacing as choking vines.
Roman rides at my side, with Reaper sitting in front with Gil and the driver. The journey to the casino is mercifully short, giving me little time to succumb to nerves.
When we step out, the sun beats down with the heat of twin cremators, tempered by the fountains' cold spray. A building crew at the entrance strips down Capello’s vulgar sign. By tonight, it will be the Casino Montesano.
Pride tightens my chest. This is ours. It’s finally back where it belongs.
Roman and I walk through the grand entrance, which is exactly as Dad designed. Marble, gold accents, the ceiling a burst of color from the glass installations.
Applause echos from staff lining the path toward a podium. I keep my gaze ahead, moving shoulder to shoulder with my brother. When we reach the stage, he gestures for me to step forward.
A hush falls across the crowd, followed by quiet muttering. They were expectinghimto take control. Not me. Ignoring a burst of nerves, I place both hands on the lectern and glare at their confused faces.
“When my great-grandfather built this place,” I begin, my voice slicing through the chatter, “he had a vision. A vision of unparalleled luxury, steady employment for the community, and a legacy to pass down to his descendants. That vision was taken from us. But today, we take it back.”
Chatter breaks out, punctuated by a few gasps. If they didn’t know we executed last night’s attacks, they do now. I let the words settle, tighten the tension. I fix my gaze on each member of the management team, examining their masked features. Anyone still loyal to Capello will join him in hell.
“This casino—this empire—was built by our family. From this moment forward, it’s under new management.” My voice reverberates through the silence. “If you’re with us, you’ll be part of something unstoppable. If you’re not, then you’re in the way.”
Reaper, who’s standing at Roman’s side, offers me an encouraging nod. I square my shoulders, stand straighter. “Your loyalty, your dedication, is what will keep this place running, what will make it stronger than ever. But make no mistake—there will be no room for weakness, no tolerance for betrayal.”
The silence is absolute, every eye on me. I don’t need to spell it out. They understand.
Finally, the employees applaud, hesitant at first, then stronger. As the applause swells, I turn toward Roman, catching his eye. He smiles, letting me know I have his full approval.
I’ve finally taken control of the casino.
Now, it’s time to take control of Ginevra.