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She took her time. She didn’t care that cars passed while she tortured him. The car was more likely to get someone’s attention, but they had a gun if someone thought they were stranded and would be easy game. She used her years of experience to drive him crazy. She laughed when he reclined the seat, rolled her beneath him, and fucked her. A warm breeze brushed over their sweaty bodies as they came down from the high.
“I love you,” Vinny whispered.
“I know,” she said as she ran her hand through his sweaty hair.
He raised his head. “Gavin’s stepping down.”
“I know. I can’t believe it.”
Gavin had been born to rule, and he did so with a ruthlessness that kept everyone in check. Gavin deciding to give up his position was like giving up a chunk of his identity. It proved beyond a doubt that he loved Lyla more than anything else.
Vinny positioned them on their sides, so they faced one another. “He needs a replacement.”
“I know. Does he have someone in mind?”
He tensed. “I offered to do it.”
“Wait, what?”
“You don’t think I can?”
“Uh, yeah, I’m sure you could but …”
“But what?”
Her husband presented a polished and suave exterior, but he battled crippling anxiety. He had always been a worrier and was constantly making lists because he was terrified of making a mistake. Vinny concealed his disorder well, but it was still there. It stemmed from his need to fit in with the Pyres after his parents died.
“What did Gavin say when you offered?”
“He said no.” Vinny sat up, and she scooted onto the console as he straightened his clothes. “He doesn’t think I’m tough enough.”
“Why do you want to do it?”
“Everyone looks up to Gavin. Everyone knows his name. I want that respect. I want to make Uncle Manny and Gavin proud.” He gestured with his hands as he spoke, which betrayed his anxiety. “There’s something about men like your dad, Gavin, and Blade … There’s a camaraderie between them that I don’t have. I’ve always been second to Gavin, as it should be, but this may be my only chance to see if I’ve got what it takes, you know?”
His face was creased with uncertainty. He gripped her thigh and squeezed gently.
“You think I can do it, right, babe?”
“Of course, I do. You know how to shoot a gun.” She held up one finger. “You’re a Pyre.” Another finger. “You know all of Gavin’s contacts, and your father-in-law is a legendary enforcer. No one would dare fuck with you.”
“That’s true.” His face clouded. “Gavin doesn’t think I have what it takes.”
How many times had she heard that line over the years? It was always, “Gavin said” or “Gavin thinks that …” Vinny idolized his cousin and cared more about Gavin’s opinion than hers. Gavin could do no wrong in his eyes. They had argued way too much about him over the years, especially after Lyla disappeared. Vinny always defended and deferred to Gavin, and it drove her up the wall. It was like having a third person in their relationship.
“Screw Gavin. Lots of times he told you that you weren’t ready, and you always proved him wrong. This is no different.”
“But he said—”
“Tomorrow, you talk to him again, and this time, you don’t take no for an answer. You’ve gone to underworld meetings with Gavin. He can pass his anointing to you. This is your opportunity to prove him wrong once and for all.”
“You really think I can do this?”
“Of course, I do.”
He cupped her nape and drew her down for a sweet kiss. “You make me believe I can do anything.”
“That’s what a good wife does.” She nuzzled close. “If it doesn’t work out, Gavin can always find someone else, right?”
