Page 13 of Vicious Heir

“I can’t do it,” I say, crying into Kennedy’s chest.

“Can’t do what?” she asks.

But I don’t say. I can’t say. Because as soon as I acknowledge it out loud, it’ll become real.

I can’t have a baby.

I won’t do it purely because my grandmother wants me to so badly.

I’ll marry Adriano, but I’m going to keep control of my body, whether she likes it or not.

Chapter 5

Adriano

The club is quiet on a Friday evening. It’s still early, and the real crowd hasn’t shown up yet. My security cameras flash through various images showing my staff getting set up and preparing for another packed house. I have a pile of paperwork, a minor headache, and a few dozen major worries.

My sister, Bianca, lounges on the couch and watches me with a bored expression. “Did I really miss the orgy again?” she complains. “I should’ve come home from Italy sooner.”

“You’re not funny.”

“What? You get to throw a bunch of sex parties, but I’m not allowed?” She tuts at me and grins. “That’s a double standard, brother.”

“It’s a double standard I fully endorse.”

“What happened to becoming a new kind of Don? I thought you were going to be progressive.”

“Progressive to a point. And that point is letting my sister get anywhere near an orgy.”

“Probably for the best.” She hops up and walks over to the bar cart, where she pours herself some whiskey. I notice she selects the good stuff. Leave it to my sister to have a taste for the finest. She’s wearing all designer clothes, likely purchased during her little week-long jaunt to Rome, and her sleek black hair looks freshly cut. “I hear you record everything.”

“I’d never admit to that.” I wave for her to pour me a drink. “Did you visit with Papa yet?”

She brings over a glass. I take a sip as she sits in one of my guest chairs. Her expression hardens, and she looks away. “I sat with him earlier.”

“And? How was he?”

“Not good. You should’ve told me.”

“Would it have made a difference? Why ruin your trip?”

“Adriano, I can go to Rome any time.” She raises her glass, looking grim. “Here’s to Papa.”

“Here’s to him.” We toast and drink. “You know, it’s rare for people in our position to have fond memories of their father, right?”

“He was an exceptional man. Never once raised his voice at us. Never had to get physically violent. And still managed to churn out two incredible kids.”

I cover my face with my glass. “Well, one incredible kid. And one shopaholic.”

“Don’t be a prick, Adriano. I’m being serious.”

“I know, and you’re right. Papa did a good job with us. Sometimes I wonder—” I stop myself from saying it.I wonder if I can be half the Don he was.But that’s not really my problem.

“If you’re about to say you aren’t sure if you’ll run the family as well as he did, we both know the answer to that already.” She taps one manicured nail on my desk. “Revenue is up across the board. All our businesses are thriving. Our members are getting fat, rich, and happy. You’ve deftly maneuvered us into a position of power, thanks to our alliances. Papa would be proud.”

I nod to myself. She’s right, and that isn’t really my problem.

No, what I worry about is how soon I’ll end up just like my father.

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