Page 69 of Vicious Rule

My heart skips a beat as his words filter through my brain. Is he saying what I think he’s saying?

“Do you mean you’re getting out of the business?” I ask, stunned at this turn of events.

My father exhales in a rush and then stands up. Tapping his knuckles off my desk like he always does, he nods.

“I think I am. You know, I never thought I’d live this long to see you and your brother happy and settled down. Especially you. When my brothers stepped back and let bygones be bygones, I naturally figured it would be someone from one of these families we’ve been fighting who would take me out. That’s not an issue anymore after tonight. It feels like the right time to hand things over to you, Alex.”

My mouth drops open as I look at him in shock. I never imagined he’d let go of control without dying. I thought I’d be years older before I took over our family business.

“Are you ready to be the boss?” he asks with a smile. “You’ve got the girl, you’ve got youth on your side, and now you’re the head of the family business. Just promise me you won’t give your brother a hard time, or your mother will never forgive me.”

I laugh at that idea. “How could I? He’s not part of the business anymore. Gideon is just an honest hotel owner now.”

My father screws his expression into a grimace. “I know you two. Just tell me you won’t make his life difficult. He’s your brother, and while I know I’m not exactly the example to follow when it comes to brothers, I hope you will do better than I did. Gideon might be your polar opposite, but he’s good man. Even more, he’s your blood, Alex. When someone hurts him, they hurt you and vice versa. That’s why when I told him what happened to Sasha, he didn’t hesitate to come with me to help you.”

“He came because of her, not me, but I see your point, Dad. I promise I won’t give him a hard time anymore. Anyway, why should I? I won.”

Laughing, my father shakes his head. “This sibling rivalry between you two. I’d love to see you be brothers instead of rivals.”

I walk around the desk and join him to walk out of the office since we’ve finished our business. “Stranger things have happened. Who knows? I’m told I’m going to be his rugrat’s godfather, so maybe we’re on our way toward being brothers and not rivals.”

My father pats me on the shoulder. “I like that. Sasha is going to be the godmother?”

“Yeah. She’s pretty thrilled about it.”

“Your mother will be too. Hopefully, the next time we pass through here they’ll be back to the way they used to be.”

“I’m sure it’ll be fine. Mom apologized, so give Sasha some time.”

We stop just outside my office, and my father shakes my hand. “I’ve taught you all I know, and you’re better at this than even I am. Just one piece of advice. Don’t let business steal your happiness. I swore I wouldn’t make the same mistake my father did, and I think I succeeded in having a life outside of work. I want that for you too.”

“Thanks, Dad. For everything.”

“Time to see what you can do on your own,” he says with a smile as he walks back toward the other side of the villa. “The world better get ready.”

As I head toward Sasha’s room, those words repeat in my head. The world better get ready. Damn straight. There’s a new Rule in town.

Sasha smiles and stands from the bed when I walk in. “Everything okay between you and your father? I was a little worried.”

Still in shock, I say, “He gave me the business. He wants to travel with my mother and thinks it’s time to step down. You’re looking at the head of the family business not only here in Italy but worldwide. How’s that for okay?”

Her eyes wide, she throws her arms around my neck. “Oh, Alex! That’s wonderful! You deserve this.”

I lean back and cradle her face in my hands. “We deserve this. Think the world is ready for Alex and Sasha to rule it?”

She kisses me and smiles. “Love, being asked to be a godfather, and head of the entire family business. This must be the best day of your life.”

“I think it is. You know what would make it even better?” I ask as I slide my hands down over her neck.

“Better than best? I can’t imagine,” she teases as I kiss her.

“Yes, you can. You and me naked and celebrating all that’s happened today.”

Sasha begins undressing me and says, “You must be reading my mind.”

A dozen delicious thoughts about how we’re going to enjoy this night together run through my mind as I slide her negligee off and my gaze slides over her beautiful body. “We’re two of a kind, baby. Ready for the time of your life?”