Page 2 of The Lost Kings
El Peligro had started buying up property so they could offer housing to those who needed it most instead of corrupt billionaires buying out of greed. El Peligro was a thorn in the side of any politician or real estate mogul who wanted a foothold in North Carolina. Juan and Taylor wanted to stretch their hands further and cover a broader scope, but it would take time.
Time they didn’t have if we had to continue running.
While they were playing Robin Hood, I stabbed everyone who dared to breathe wrong in their direction. Juan didn’t realize this, but even he had accrued several enemies by standing on the right side of the law. Those real estate moguls wanted blood, and I was the person who took the hits. I did it because I’d created so many other messes that Juan had to save me from. It was an honor to have his back.
“I don’t want to use El Peligro unless we have no other choice.”
Juan dipped his head and shifted closer to me to quiet his voice.
“Once upon a time, we talked about who would take over for us. Do you remember that?”
A fist gripped my heart as I watched Presley sleep. Back then she wasn’t even a thought. I had assumed one of Juan’s kids would lead or take over, but now my daughter was here, and there’d been a separation in how we led and what we did. Juan was the good guy and had a community to protect. He’d become a symbol of hope for so many, there was no way I could ask him to sacrifice his sons to fix all the shit I’d started with these families.
I had envisioned having my own outfit…stealing from the other families in the mafia and creating a large enough one of my own so that I would be invincible. I wasn’t the head of any family; I had no ties anywhere…I was The Joker. Someone who crept into the underbelly of society and tricked them out of their holdings. While I was prepared to walk away from all of it entirely, I fucked up.
I fell in love, and when her life nearly became forfeit because of my role in the mafia world, I stepped away. I was prepared to never step back into that life again, but it yanked me by both legs, not giving me any choice.
The threats were endless, and I wasn’t sure we’d ever be able to outrun them.
Not unless something drastic changed…
“We’ve been running for five years straight.”
Juan turned toward the door, ready to head back to bed no doubt. His raised brow encouraged me to continue.
“We need a new plan…” I trailed off.
He glared at me then flicked a gaze over at the kids who were still sleeping.
“What sort of plan?”
This could be insane. It could be the worst idea I ever had or the only option we had for survival.
My fists clenched and unclenched at my sides. “First, we consolidate, give our kids roots. The manor…it’s large enough to give each of our families privacy. We move here, permanently.”
Juan’s eyes were dark in the muted room, but I noticed as they narrowed on me angrily. I knew what he was worried about: that I’d drag his boys to the front of the line to go to war for us. It was a thought we had years ago when the idea of who would take over was brought up. But this was my plan, and it had to be me who was willing to take the risk.
“Okay…and then what?” Juan asked cautiously.
I paused, letting my mind work. Rylie was going to kill me, but Scotty would have my back. My uncle would understand, and deep down I knew I was right about what I had in mind.
We could do this.
“They’re going to grow up understanding the dangers we face.”
Juan shook his head, stopping me. “That’s too vague…what exactly do you mean?”
I turned so he caught my expression. “Every family now knows my playbook…we aren’t establishing a foothold anywhere as an official family would. Unlike the Costa Nostra or the Bratva…we have no place at any table.”
Juan’s eyes narrowed on something behind my shoulder. “You burned the table and killed most of the players. Now you’re dealing with their relations and offspring. Hiding in your hole like a snake who swallowed his meal.”
A smile curved along my lips. “Exactly.”
“Are you going to tell me what the new plan is beyond all of us moving into the manor and raising our kids together?”
My mind began to churn out scenarios and ideas of how we could get out of this, and all of it revolved around that image of me being in a hole, devouring my meal. I wondered what would happen if I were given enough time…
“Just keep my kids out of it, whatever it is you’re planning,” Juan grumbled one last time.
