Page 118 of End It All

"We both know I'm the one who does the fucking." He booped my nose. Me. Someone who's killed more people than he could possibly ever imagine. "You're cute though."

And he calls me crazy.The Vitale DNA was showing up more and more in Blake.

I thought about my words, the ones I’d rushed out on the phone. As much as I’d tried to wait, I couldn’t help but to tell him how I felt at that moment. I studied him, wondering if he would bring it up.

“Is there something on my face?” he asked.

“Not yet,” I teased. “But your night could improve at any moment.”

Blake rolled his eyes. He hummed as we moved around the kitchen together. Not once did he tell me to back up or let him go. I couldn't possibly fall for this man anymore than I already had.

Quincy refusedto uncurl from around my body. Every time I tried to move, he clung on more tightly. I tried to wiggle free, my bladder near bursting.

"Why are you so clingy?" I muttered.

He groaned and tried to move even closer. I sighed, giving up as I stared at the ceiling. Slowly, I turned to glance at him. He was fast asleep, a little dribble of drool sliding from the corner of his mouth. For some reason, that didn't make him any less sexy.

I'm starting to think I need serious help.

My phone buzzed on the nightstand. I reached over, snatched it up, and groaned when I saw the name on the screen.

Cesare.

One glance at Quincy, and I knew I had to get out so I could have a little privacy. I slipped my body from beneath his andnearly fell on the floor. Groaning, I got up and quickly exited our bedroom before I stepped out into the hallway.

"So, you got married," Cesare said as soon as I picked up.

"Yeah," I said. I started pacing. "So you heard."

"I hear everything."

There was silence. I didn't know what he wanted from me. Was he irritated? Did he not care? Why did I care if he cared?

"Sorry I didn't call you or anything," I said quickly, trying to dispel the awkward quietness. "It happened so fast. I didn't even know we were doing it until about twenty minutes before it happened."

Cesare grunted. "It's fine. I'm used to my family excluding me from things."

I pulled my phone away from my ear to stare at it. Was I still dreaming? For a moment, it sounded like Cesare Vitale was upset. Did he get upset? Benito insisted the man didn't have feelings, most of my brothers did, but he sounded sad.

"Sorry again," I said when I pressed the phone to my ear once more. "Seriously, it wasn't planned."

"Anyway," Cesare continued as if nothing had happened. "I was calling to see if you'd made your decision."

"My decision?" I asked.

"I told you, you have a future here with me. A way into the family that will not only secure your place, but put you on top. I could use a right-hand man."

My stomach tightened. What he offered was tempting. I had never been in control of anything in my life. Never had excelled at anything either. The temptation of not only being a Vitale, but running the city sent a rush to my head. And then I remembered Benito punching Gin. Or Enzo sitting as closely as possible to Tex when no one was paying attention. Or York and Paolo with their twins that I'd met the other day. As much as it felt good toknow that my father had wanted me all along, I couldn't betray my brothers.

"Listen," I said slowly. "I know this is what you want, but is it really? I mean, Benito's already running the family. Why not let him and get to know your family again? Is power really more important than that?"

"Power is everything," Cesare said after a moment. "Nothing else matters. Or lasts."

"That's not true."

He grunted. "You're young. One day you'll grow up and see the truth." He paused. "Quincy, huh? He and your brothers more important than a cushy life?"

Without hesitating, I nodded. "Yeah. As much as I love money, and I have to admit, it would be a relief to never have to struggle again, it wouldn't be the same."