Page 44 of Ruin Me
The Syndicate’s enemies are circling like vultures, and I’m smack in the middle of the crosshairs.
I’m the daughter of The Crowned Syndicate, whether I like it or not, and it’s time to act like it.
25
VOGUE
Half an hour later,I stand in the centre of the penthouse living room, arms crossed, as I take in the faces of Callum, Quentin, Harrison, and Thayer.
“We need to have a frank conversation. I’m talking, so you’ll listen. Okay? So, here’s the deal,” I start, tapping my foot impatiently on the polished floor. “The Syndicate’s been thrown off its game—big time. We’re bleeding influence.”
“We?” Calum asks with a wicked smirk.
“I said. I’m talking, you’ll listen.”
Callum nods, his eyes sharp. “I’m not good at listening,” he chuckles. “We need a plan to swing the momentum back our way.”
“Exactly.” I pace back and forth, my mind racing. “Each faction, gang, whatever they call themselves has its weak spots, right? The Vipers are all brawn, no brains. We need to exploit those weaknesses.”
“Solid strategy,” Quentin interjects, leaning forward on the couch.
“Right. But it’s not just about poking at vulnerabilities,” I add, thoughts clicking into place as I see this as a puzzle. “We need to show strength without overplaying our hand. A calculated strike.”
Thayer furrows his brow, the cogs turning behind those steel-grey eyes. “It’s simple. The assholes who gave up the Vipers are not going to roll over that easy after the big risk they took helping us track you down. We owed them and paid, but now, fuck that. It’s fair game.”
“But we have to do this without triggering an all-out war,” Harrison adds. “The Elites took what we handed them. Taking it back now is a dick move.”
“Harry’s got a point—we can’t afford more chaos,” I murmur.
“But,” he says, flashing that grin at me. “We can be dicks when we want to be. We just have to be smooth about it.”
“Exactly. We need allies among the regular students who have no clue about the real battles being fought around them.” The idea takes root, growing stronger with each nod from the guys.
“Now you’re thinking like a mafia princess,” Callum says.
“Then it’s settled,” I declare. “We play up our strengths, downplay our recent setback. We make strategic alliances and use our reputation to our advantage.”
“Sounds like you’ve got a plan forming, Vogue,” Thayer says, a hint of respect colouring his tone.
“More than forming—it’s unfolding, and if there’sone thing my mother taught me, it’s that when you’ve got the brains and the guts to fight, you don’t back down. You double down.”
“That sounds like a declaration,” Quentin says, narrowing his eyes.
“Maybe it is. I guess I’m all in or all out. Half-assed isn’t going to cut it. I just need that last push, and for that, I need to think it through just a bit more because facing my father is the absolute last thing I want to do. But it will be necessary.”
“Here’s to doubling down then,” Quentin says. “But with precision.”
“Precision, cunning, and a touch of class. Let’s put Crestmont on notice. The Crowned Syndicate isn’t just surviving; we’re reclaiming the throne.”
Each man in the room exchanges looks of approval and understanding. This isn’t just about regaining lost ground; it’s about setting a new standard. As much as I hate to admit it, this power play, this dance with danger—it’s electrifying.
“Get ready because we’re about to shake things up. And it starts now. I have no contacts, no power, no nothing, so this is up to you guys to get the wheels in motion. I’m the brains behind this operation,” I flash them a smile.
“And the pretty face,” Harry pipes up.
My smile widens. “Aww, you’re cute. But seriously, I have no leverage or sway. It’s up to you guys. Can I leave you to it while I get some rest?”
Not a single one objects, and I’m grateful. I’m tired, and my head is thumping. Turning on my heel,I make my way back to my sumptuous bedroom and crawl into bed, pulling the soft covers over me as I sink into heaven with a moan of pure lust.
