“I think it is,” I say, leaning forward and propping my elbows on my knees. “I’d like to offer you the position of Consigliere. I know you’ve settled in to a smaller role after many years as part of the family, but I can’t imagine anyone else for the job. I need you by my side.”
“If I can be so bold, I was hoping you’d come to me,” Lorenzo replies. “The truth is, with Joseph gone, we need someone like me. Someone diplomatic and who has your respect. I think I can be both.”
I smile, pleased that he agrees. “Consider it done, then.” I stand, ready to move on to contacting Carlos.
“Dante,” he calls, halting me. “If I may be so bold again, I’d like to nominate Riley for a different position.” My brows rise, but he keeps speaking. “More like a replacement for me with some advanced responsibilities.”
“He’s not even an associate,” I reply, fucking dumbfounded.
He lifts a finger, halting my thoughts. “But he has killed to protect you. He can be inducted right alongside Ivan.”
“And you’re willing to be his sponsor? You trust him that much?” I lift a brow, encouraging him to think deeply on this matter before responding.
“Consider it done,” he replies.
“Well then, direct me to his room.”
The conversation with Riley reminds me why Lorenzo trusts him so much. He was brought in as a simple bodyguard in a time of concern, and he did his fucking job. He put his life on the line and killed to protect me. He deserves the honor of becoming a Made Man, and I’m willing to bestow it upon him. His new duties will resemble Lorenzo’s old ones, with the added aspect of overseeing our hired guards. They’re not Outfit members, and they need to be kept at arm’s length.
As I return to the penthouse, my mother is just leaving. “Dante,” she says in her usual uppity way, offering a fake kiss to my cheek. “I reported your father missing today, so you should expect someone to contact you.”
My eyes narrow as they look over her, not an iota of remorse to be found. “Are you not bothered by his disappearance at all?”
She waves a nonchalant hand. “I can only assume he’s run off with his goomah, but if it’s more than that, what am I supposed to say? I’ve begged you all to give up this dangerous lifestyle, and you refuse.”
I shake my head and walk the fuck away, effectively dismissing her.
I find Piper on the sofa, speaking quietly into her cell. I sigh as I take a seat beside her, silently listening to her half of a conversation with Cinthia, a very good friend of hers I’ve yet to meet. Though it sounds as if that might change, as the funeral time is their current topic.
She slips her free hand over and searches for mine, offering me comfort with her simple touch. It works. My entire body sighs at the contact as I close my eyes and sink into the feel of our connection. It’s not much, but it’s all I need to remember that she’s here for me.
She’ll always be here for me.
After absorbing as much of her wonderfulness as I can, I slip into my office to make one final call for the day.
Carlos answers on the first ring. “Boss?”
“Who else?” I ask, weariness seeping into my voice.
“What can I do for ya?” he asks, his tone light.
“I’m thinking a new position is in order,” I say, considering my words. “Ivan will be the new Underboss, but I think we need a middle-man between him and the Capos. Are you following me?”
“Sure, Boss,” he replies. “What you thinking?”
“I want that man to be you,” I say pointedly. “I’d like to see you nominate a Capo to replace you, and you take over as the Boss of Capos. Maybe we’d call you the Capo Bastone, but of course, Ivan will outrank you.”
“Shit!” he exclaims. “Are you sure?”
“Absolutely. I need operations to remain running smoothly, and I trust you can facilitate that,” I reply, my voice sure. “This will all be new to Ivan, and I don’t want to overwhelm him.”
“I’m honored,” he says, and he even sounds a little choked up.
“Good.” I smirk. “First order of business: get your pansy ass emotions under control.”
He barks a laugh. “Got it, Boss. Anything else?”
“Make sure the right people are in the right place at the right time.”
TWO
TENSE GOODBYE
The induction ceremony goes as I expect—meaning everyone keeps their fucking mouth shut and accepts my every decision. Carlos nominates a long-time soldier, Janine, his cousin and now the first female Capo in the Outfit. I don’t bat a fucking eye. If I’m going to expect him to keep the crews running smoothly, then I damn well better trust his choices.
Becoming the Boss is supposed to change the way I do business. I’m now the most important asset to the Outfit—the figure that must be protected above all else. My orders will extend to three people: Carlos, Ivan, and Lorenzo, and they’ll ensure everyone below them is clear on their course of action. My hands are supposed to stay clean, yet with the war looming on the horizon, there’s no way I can sit back and allow them to do my bidding.
I will be in the thick of it.
I’ll personally dethrone the fucking Kents.
But today, I bury my honorary aunt and uncle. Two people who have been beside me my entire life. Their roles have varied through the years, but they encouraged, taught, and protected me until the very end. They dedicated their lives to the Outfit, and today we allow them to rest in peace.
Feminine hands snake around my waist and warmth presses against
