Page 61 of Dark Alliance
Over what? Not seeing me fully? That’s not his fault. Women are a support system. We’re maids, chefs, bearers of offspring… I don’t blame my father for adhering to the old way. He’s already proved he’s a trailblazer by always saving a seat for me.”
I drift back to his bedside. “I love you. You’re the perfect father.”
“No one’s perfect, Cat?—”
“You are to me.” I grasp his hand. “Don’t ever forget that.”
He places his other hand over mine and squeezes. His fingers are no longer stone-cold the way they were just days ago.
My father brushes his fingers over my cheek. “I’ve just been thinking about who I want to leave this family to and about how I want it to look moving forward.”
Ice forms in my chest, and my blood freezes.
What’s he saying?
A soft smile graces his face. “Dead or alive, I have to trust the men…the people…at the helm. Trust them above all.”
His words terrify me.
How am I any different than Nino when I went rogue with Connor to protect my family from the Bratva and toppleBelinski and his men? The hit on Domenico Verone was a cog in a much bigger machine.
Connor and I saved my father’s life, but does the end truly justify the means?
I’d never defect like Connor’s brother Brody did, but the fact remains that no deal exists between us, the Irish Kings, and Port Kings. Nothing’s on the books to date. Does that mean I acted treasonously?
Yet he says…he trusts me?
Father sips his tea. “A man is remembered by what he builds when he’s alive. I think about what my legacy will look like. When you have children and they have children, what will they say of Eduardo Ricci? How will I be remembered?”
“I hope you’re worrying about this less now that you have the antidote.” My nose stings. “You’re going to be okay.”
He shakes his head. “Now that I’m starting to feel like myself again, I’m thinking about it more. That’s what second chances do to a man. Or should do, if he’s wise.”
I’ve fantasized about this moment. Of my father saying—even implying—that I could run the family. Take the position Nino got to assume solely for being male since I’m the eldest and more capable. Talk about busting through the glass ceiling. Wouldn’t that be something?
I’ve remained in the background for so long that leading was a pipe dream I could never envision clearly. A reflection in a pond…a wavy, transparent image that vanished in the ripples.
The voice in my head reminds me of my place in this family and in the world. After all, working behind the scenes allowed me to get shit done without shaking things up.
I can’t really do what he’s implying. I could never take my brother’s inheritance, even if my father wished it.
My father’s strength fades, and he slips to sleep without another word. I pull the covers up over his chest.
If Nino remains the heir to the family, then where do I fit in?
Chapter 19
Caterina
The gallery reopening and gala loom over my head all day Friday.
The redesign put the Cosmopolitan Museum of Art into a whole new category. Who knows, maybe we’ll start giving MoMA a run for its money. A girl can always dream.
To avoid boosting his already big ego, I won’t tell him, but the addition of Connor’sRain on Jupitercontributed to the venue selling out.
Every guest arrives dressed to the nines, sweeping into the museum in tuxes and ball gowns in winter shades.
The exhibition hall at the Cosmopolitan Museum of Art is less of a “hall” and more of a circle. Four wings display single-artist collections. The art hangs on the crisp white walls, fencing in the party. You can spin in a circle from the amphitheater-like space and view every piece.
