Page 162

“I can guarantee you’ll be treated as an equal,” Nico says, his merciless voice swelling the tide of panic in my chest. “You’ll be expected to rebuild your dynasty, keep your men in line, run Guilty pleasures, and pull your own weight as a Capo. Now, you can either suck royally or instruct someone who qualifies to act as your proxy.”

The ring feels like lead, dragging me down to the depths of something I’ll never escape. Bolts of terror shoot down my spine.

How is this not a cruel joke? Me? A Caporegime of the fucking Chicago Outfit?

I’m just a girl—one with too much courage and too little common sense, it would seem. I was stupid enough to dangle a prize lamb in front of a predator, and now I’ve got my hand bitten clean off.

Desperate, my mind scrambles for an out, some way to claw my way out of this mess without sealing my fate. Nico wouldn’t give Guilty Pleasures back if I begged on my knees—of that, I’m sure. And at this point, I’d give it to him willingly if it meant escaping this goddamn Caporegime noose.

“Can I turn it down?” My voice trembles. “You can keep the app. I don’t care. Just . . . take back the offer.”

Nico tilts his head and smiles. “Sure.” He gestures at the ring. “Simply toss it.”

The silence grows heavy, pressing down on me until I’m suffocating. Toss the ring. That’s all it takes. Just throw it down on the table and let it clatter to the floor.

But I know—everyoneknows—what happens when you throw your ring back at a Don.

Death.

But Nico wouldn’t hurt me. Would he?

My breath comes in shallow gulps, my chest tight, and it takes everything I have not to bolt from the table.

Where the hell are you, Cade?You brought me into Nico’s orbit, and you’re the only one who can get him off my back now.

And then it hits me like a freight train, freezing me in place. Cade is also the only person who can take this seat for my family. He’s just as commanding and ruthless. He more than ticks every one of Nico’s boxes.

But Cade would never agree to this. That is . . . if he ever returns.

My heart sinks, and I stare at the ring in my hand; its shadowy gleam mocks me. This isn’t an offer. It’s a trap, and I’ve walked straight into it.

“Well?” Nico prompts.

“I—I can’t do it,” I stammer. “And I can’t think of anyone who—”

“I can,” Nico interrupts, his smile razor-edged. “Your boyfriend.”

“Cade?” The word catches in my throat, choking me. I force it out, trying to sound incredulous—pretending I didn’t just come to the same conclusion minutes ago. “He’d never agree to be part of the Mafia.”

Nico’s smile doesn’t falter. “He’ll do whatever you ask him to, Luna.”

I shake my head. “I can’t . . . I need to think about this. I need . . .” My voice cracks, and before I can stop myself, a sob escapes.

I need Cade.

“I’m sorry,” I cover my face with one hand—as if that might shield me from Nico’s gaze.

Phoenix glances at Nico, who gives him a small nod, then leans back in his chair, folding his arms as if passing the reins of my fate to Phoenix.

“Nico will leave you alone. He’ll even take his hands off your business—pretend like this whole deal never happened—but only if you agree to move here. Permanently.”

My head jerks up. “I’m sorry . . . you want me to move here?” I ask, genuinely confused.

“Yes.”

I blink, trying to process the sheer absurdity of the suggestion. “Let me get this straight. You’ve been treating me like a fucking leper since the day Cade brought me here, and now you want me to live here? Why?”

Phoenix shrugs, his expression slightly sheepish but still carrying that wolfish edge. “As a father and the Prez, it’s my job to vet anyone who gets close to my family. But,” he raises a hand to cutoff my retort, “I can see you’ve found your feet. You’re making friends. The women are starting to look up to you.”