Page 106 of Dark Desires

A moment passes, Mario’s face fixed in thought.

“What’s up?”

He purses his lips for a moment. “I don’t want to speak out of turn.”

“You’ve earned it. Go ahead. Consider it your turn.”

“I’m not sure what you had in mind for your future, but your father always imagined you’d be the head of this thing. Neveronce did he ever doubt that you had the brains, the spine, or the heart for leading the family.”

“Funny, I always imagined myself more the interior-décor-small-business kind of girl.”

“I’m sure you’d have a knack for that, too. But in the meantime, I think you’re right where you need to be. And there’s not a doubt in my mind that your father would feel the same way.”

“Thanks, Mar. That means a lot.”

He gives me a rare smile before heading out, leaving me alone in the study. I let out a breath, leaning back in my chair.

Head of the Mancini Family. Who would’ve thought?

As daunting as it is, I feel ready.

CHAPTER 36

ISABELLA

“Vince, I’m telling you, we need to double security at the docks,” I say, leaning back in my chair. “The Colombians might be on their last legs, but that doesn’t mean their allies won’t take a swing.”

I’m seated at the long table in the dining room, a cup of decaf espresso in hand, facing Vince across from me. His tailored suit is impeccable, as always, his silver hair neatly combed back.

Vince nods, scribbling something in his leather notebook. “I agree, but we’ll need to reroute resources from the South Side if we do that. Unless you want to cut into other operations.”

I raise an eyebrow. “I’m not cutting anything. Make it work. That’s why you’re the consigliere, right?”

He smirks. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Good. I need updates on the casino contracts next week. And let’s lock down that new warehouse deal by Friday.”

“Consider it done.”

Before Vince can continue, Mario steps into the room, clearing his throat. “Ma’am, you’ve got a visitor.”

I glance at him, surprised. “Who is it?”

“Alexei Plushenko.”

The world seems to freeze.

Alexei?

He’s back?

I clear my throat, forcing myself to keep cool. “Send him in.”

I turn to Vince and say, “We’ll finish this later.”

Vince closes his notebook. “Of course. Call me if you need anything.” With that, he gets up and leaves.

I glance down at my belly, now too big to hide. I sip my espresso, as if that’ll fix everything.