Page 38 of Sinfully Savage Mafia

Or rather, didn’t do.

But that understanding is my burden. My problem to fix.

I take a deep breath. “All I know is that it’s time for a change.”

“Conor doesn’t help,” says Patrick as he turns, leaning his back on the railing. “Conor’s a wild card, but he’s the favorite in this, so I?—”

“Conor’s more than a wild card. He’s reckless to the point of stupidity. And he’s been pulling shit for too long, making enemies on every street corner, for Christ’s sake. I don’t understand what Dad is waiting for, why he doesn’t just pull the plug and stick Conor in another role where he can’t constantly put us in the line of fire.”

There are plenty of arenas Conor would excel at. Leading the family isn’t one of them.

“You know why,” Patrick says. “He’s the oldest.”

“Yeah, and the dumbest.”

“Well, last night wasn’t exactly your brightest move, was it?” He nudges me and chuckles. “Admit it, you both have that same hotheaded temper. Maybe instead of constantly undermining and outplaying each other, you come together and use your super-dipshit powers for the greater good.”

I smack his arm. “You’re a real dick, Patty.”

He shrugs. “I’m just happy to be alive after you almost killed me with that brutal run.”

I melt against the railing and raise my face toward the hot sun. “I don’t think it’s a good idea to invite anyone’s grubby hands into our cookie jar, especially Villani’s, and I know I’m going to be the only one who sees it as a bad thing.”

“Look, Heaven,” Patrick says. “You’re smart. Smarter than all of us. You know what this family needs to thrive, and Conor sees it, too. He’s threatened by you. Always has been. This time, don’t give him the upper hand. Keep your shit together and grab Dad’s ear when you’re alone. He’ll listen to you.”

“I’m always fighting an uphill battle with Conor. It’s bullshit that Dad keeps him close just because he’s a guy.”

“Dad’s old school. But if he was set on Conor, he wouldn’t have you on his other shoulder, would he?”

“I hope not,” I say. “Because I’ve worked too damn hard to get edged out by our dear brother.”

“Then play the game the right way this time.” Patrick winks at me. “Show them all that you’re the best one for the job.”

“Thanks, Patty.” I smile and slant him a look. “Are you saying all this so I make you my second?”

Patty might come across as a wiseass with a childish streak a mile wide and three miles long, but when it comes down to it, he can jump in with the best of them. Better yet, I know he has my back. Conor will be lucky if I let him tend bar at one of our pubs.

“Not if it’s hard work.” He laughs, then shrugs. “You don’t have to thank me. Just don’t drag my ass on any more of these fucking ‘jogs,’ okay?”

“Deal.” I loop my arm through his and we head up a winding path through trees and greenery that lead to the small area past the Eleanor Roosevelt Memorial, and up to where Patty parked his H2 on Riverside Drive, just off West 72nd. I still have no idea why he insists on driving that tank here in Manhattan, but he loves it and refuses to get something even a little eco-friendlier.

It guzzles gas faster than a dog laps water on a hot summer day, but something about it is so Patty. Maybe it’s the obnoxious neon yellow, the way it stands out and screams,I’m fucking here to play.

His car shines bright like the sun, and equally hurts my eyes when I stare at it for a second too long as it sits at the curb of the quiet street, one of the few in Manhattan.

We’re silent as we walk, and I take the time to process Patty’s words. He’s right. An all-out war with my brother would be counterproductive when we have a newassociateto deal with…at least it's a bad idea until I can get rid of the thug.

Sometimes I think I do shit like infiltrating the Villani lair to prove myself to myself more than to my family. Those insecurities are hard to eradicate, and I hate them.

Conor goes too far the other way. He doesn’t give a damn about getting anyone’s approval. He acts with no remorse or regret. And control? Hell, he has none. That’s why he’s on the hit list of so many of our enemies.

And still my father keeps him at the ready. All because he’s got a dick to swing around.

Yeah, old school definitely equates to sexist.

Whatever. I’m done with that shit. Which is why I’ll be the trailblazer. I just need to keep my cool tonight.

My stomach rumbles. “How does a bacon, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel sound?”

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