Page 168 of Falling in Reverse

“From South Shore, from any other town or gang that tries to rival ours. Whether I like it or not, the hatred between our towns is ongoing.”

“Yet, you had Levi Wallace in the palm of your hands when Torin took him.”

And I hate thinking about that, but it’s true. My best friend could be dead right now and that could never be fixed, bartered, or ever repaired.

“What good would that do me, Haven?” He returns his attentive focus back to the beach and I don’t bother correcting him on my name. “I was hoping that if you wanted to build a bond, very slowly of course, that maybe you would like to help build The Void.”

“And how would that happen if I would’ve died in that bar?”

Emilio doesn’t falter a bit when he says, “Did you?” I stare at him, and he averts his attention back to the playground. “I’m not going to kill you. Unless you’re planning on killing me. You have an opportunity here. One that I’m not able to act upon, only you.” I wait for the ball to drop, keeping my lips in a fine line because, with each second that goes by, I feel as though I’m betraying Levi more and more by being here. “Gain a Titan seat.”

“No.” The answer is firm and immediately off my lips. “That’s…I can’t.”

“You know, out of all my children, it goes to you, right? And in turn…that’s going to make Torin despise you even more.”

“You’re not doing a good job with selling me on this.”

Emilio releases a light chuckle. “I suppose I’m not. However, you are my bloodline. My only blood.”

That you almost killed because I wanted nothing to do with you.

“I hear your oldest son is a…a little off his rocker.”

“I won’t deny that Ramsey is bloodthirsty. It’s what kept men fearful of him and, in our world, that’s what you want. However, the Titan seat is your right. With power doesn’t always have to come violence, Bay. You could do great things for South Shore.”

“But it’d be a seat for The Landings.”

“And maybe you’re the missing key. I’m getting too old to be caught up between gangs and guns. It’s why I gave up the Forsaken Crew?—”

“I heard Lorenzo Black managed it.”

“He does. Now, the boys will take over and have been. It’s sticky…however, good can come from behind powerful people.”

“Does your eldest know you’re willing to give away something that he’s been anticipating?” He doesn’t falter when he shakes his head again. “That’s fucked up.”

“Ramsey knows he’s not a good leader anyway.”

“So, give it to Torin.”

Emilio sighs and averts his attention elsewhere. “I don’t expect a decision of any kind today, Haven. This was just to get to know each other. Not to start talking power trips and where you want to land in ten years. I know you have your schooling, and I’d like to see you continue that. You’re smart enough to make your own decisions about me and not what’s been said about me. You have Roger, he’s your father in your eyes and I don’t expect anything different. However, I ask for time. I ask for you to somewhat open yourself up to the possibility of a relationship with me. And if you don’t want anything to the with The Landings then nothing changes.”

Still don’t believe you.

Since when does this hurricane of a man who kills people want to do with some South Shore girl who was raised by another man? Am I just supposed to sit here and hope for the best?

I eye him suspiciously. “So, this is what you wanted to talk about?”

He kicks his ankle over his opposite knee, wearing his suit sticking out like a sore thumb on a beach where everyone is in casual attire and bathing suits. “I’m sure you want to know about your mother.”

My breathing staggers because the answer to that is yes, but I honestly can’t take any more Emilio talk right now. He just shoved a power play in my face, and this involves a lot more beef with the boys that I don’t want.

I just wish he’d fuck off and leave me alone, and I’m still trying to figure out how to make him do so without doing something awful to my family.

“Not today,” I finally reply. “I need to get back home.”

“Well, then…” He offers me a small grin. “I appreciate you meeting with me. We’ll speak about it another time.”

“Sure.” I rise from the park bench and wipe my sweaty palms off my jeans. “See ya.”

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