Page 40 of Vicious Little Games

“You know I appreciate everything you do for me and my girls. But I have to start thinking about this seriously. There's a billion-dollar empire that will be left behind when I'm gone.”

I can’t even fathom a billion fucking dollars. It’s more than I could ever dream of.

“Somebody I trust has to run it, or a lot of people will be out of a job, losing the way they support their families. Then the city will be infiltrated with the types of drugs that send kids to the hospital and cemeteries. I don't want that to happen, and I doubt you do, either.”

“Of course, I don't want nasty ass drug dealers to take over the streets of Vegas. But I do not want my son to be the one in charge either!” she huffs. “What about Cass?”

Dante reels back a foot as if she's struck him in the face. “What about her?” he asks softly, calmly.

“Why aren't you having this discussion with her, your own daughter, your flesh and blood? Cass is a smart girl, tough as shit, and more ruthless than most men I've ever met. She trains with guards and can probably take out half a dozen without a weapon, using her own two hands.”

“That's a bit of a stretch,” Dante says, crossing his arms over his chest. “Yes, Cass is strong and can win a hand-to-hand fight, but that doesn't mean that she's...emotionally capable of running a legit business, much less an illegal one where people need to be handled in a particular way.”

“Oh, but you think Cole is emotionally equipped for such a thing?”

Dante stares at her and grits his teeth. “I know what you’re implying, butterfly. I am not being sexist.”

“Oh, really? Because it sounds like you are, Dante. You wanted Lochlan Dunne to be your heir, and now Cole, while never once considering your own girls.”

“Because they are girls! Girls, not women who can bring powerful men to their knees.”

“Cass could,” my mother says simply. “In fact, I think we should bring her down here to join this conversation.” My mother pulls her cell phone from her pocket and starts typing.

“Don't you fucking dare,” Dante warns her.

“So, it's okay for you to talk to my son without my approval but I can't invite your daughter down here to ask her what she thinks about all of this?”

A moment later, there's a swift knock on the door.

“Vanessa,” Dante grumbles, using her actual name instead of the pet name because he is fucking furious.

My mother strolls right over to the door and opens it wide. “Come in, Cass. We were just talking about you, and I thought you should at least be able to participate in this conversation since it affects you as well.”

Cass's pale green eyes widen a bit, then fall right on me. I give the slightest shake of my head to tell her this is not what she thinks it’s about. Our parents haven't found out we've fucked behind their backs.

“What's up?” she asks, sounding out of breath. “Is this about why Sophie came home bawling?”

“Your sister is going through a tough time right now. Try not to be a raging bitch to her,” Dante says, causing my mom to huff in outrage. “What?” he asks her.

“Did you ask Cole not to be a raging bitch to Sophie too?”

“No, because he doesn't actively try to kick people when they're down or seem to enjoy it.”

“And you think I do?” Cass says in disbelief. I'm not sure why though since it's true.

“Sophie is vulnerable, and she might be...”

“Knocked up,” Vanessa finishes for Dante. Picking up the discarded pharmacy bag from the floor she says, “We've got some tests for her.”

“Oh,” Cass replies, brow furrowed. “I can...I can help her take them.”

“Not if you're going to make her feel worse,” Dante says.

“I won't. I swear.” She sounds like she's being sincere, which is…odd.

“That’s kind of you, Cass,” my mom says. Then, “Back to the reason why we called you down here. Your father is considering who will take over the family business when he's dead.”

“I didn't say dead,” Dante grumbles. “Maybe I want to be able to spend more time with you and have less stress on my shoulders.”

---