I was wealthy.
I was powerful.
And I was a beast in disguise.
I stood slowly, wiping the water from my sunglasses, keeping my eyes locked on my father as he moved to a standing position. He obviously had business on his mind.
While Elena waved, I could tell she’d either had an argument with Winston or was disgusted by the pomp and circumstance. Either way, my anger remained riled. I moved toward the bar, noting even a member of Miami’s finest was in attendance. My father paid well for silence.
The gin and tonic was barely in my hand when my father rounded the corner of the pool. I studied him through my dark lenses.
He didn’t bother acknowledging me in any manner other than to nod toward his office. I wasn’t in the mood for a confrontation but there was no way of avoiding it. I trailed behind him, taking my time. He was taking a significant chance discussing anything. While the majority of guests would look the other way, there were some I had a feeling would enjoy double crossing us for their fifteen minutes of fame and glory.
Taking down the Garcia family would be national news.
I closed the door behind us, remaining just inside.
“I’ll keep this short, Miguel. What the fuck are you doing?”
“What are you referencing?”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about. First, you employ a snake then you dump his body where the authorities could have found it. Then you go to Cuba against my orders, entering into a deal with that slime bag. Then you haven’t been able to control the other suppliers. You know our enemies can smell blood in the water. Meanwhile, Santiago will no doubt double cross you.”
“The asshole wouldn’t dare and you’re the man who taught me that retribution is necessary.” I kept my answer short and sweet, just like my father preferred. He was a loving man, doting on my mother as if she were a queen, spoiling my two sisters in every way. With me, he’d been brutal and unforgiving, teaching me the ways of his ancestors.
Or so he’d told me dozens of times.
“I suppose I taught you well.” He allowed a smile to cross his face as he walked closer. “And what if he does? What are your plans? You don’t realize just how powerful he is.”
I took a swig of my drink, savoring the Bombay, my mind going elsewhere for just a few delicious seconds. I could almost taste Valencia’s sweet pussy, her soft lips and tongue. My cock ached from the thought alone. “If he does, I will annihilate him. As far as our other suppliers, I plan on sending out a specific message. No one will cross us at any juncture or they will not like what happens.”
“Empty threats, Miguel?”
He knew he would anger me with his goading question. He wanted me to become the same kind of leader he’d been all these years, brutal in every manner. I preferred enjoying aspects of life rather than watching my back at all times. Perhaps I was far too much of a romantic at heart.
Something else he’d accused me of more than once.
I had to laugh. Not a single woman I’d ever dated or fucked would accuse me of being romantic.
Including Princess Valencia.
“Father, you know exactly the kind of man I am. I know when to act or react. I will handle this as I see fit.”
He narrowed his eyes, allowing his gaze to sweep down over me. “I’ve had business dealings with him before. He is quite… formidable.”
For my father to admit either was interesting. “You never told me you’ve dealt with Santiago Rivera before.”
“There had been no reason.” An odd series of emotions rolled into my father’s eyes. Sadness and remorse.
“Fascinating, Father. You’ll have to tell me the story and the truth one day.” I expected another round of anger. He simply seemed resigned, almost broken. What the hell had occurred years before?
He exhaled, rubbing his eyes. “Do you have friends, son?”
Friends. The question came out of nowhere. “I have… acquaintances.” I wasn’t certain I wanted to call any member of the Sons of Darkness a friend. “Why?”
When he tipped his head, I could swear his eyes were rimmed with tears. “Friends are important, even in our profession. Never forget that. Not only are you able to share good times together, but they can often be very good confidants. And some break your trust.”
I remained quiet, wanting nothing more than to see where this was going. My father never issued a single statement without meaning. “And some friends enjoy the act of betrayal.”
“You are a hard man, Miguel. I assume you learned that from me.” After swirling his drink, he rubbed his hand down the front of his shirt, as if composing himself. “I’ve been lucky to have several men I considered good friends over the years. Some of the best years of my life I spent around them.” His laugh was hollow, haunted. “If only I could go back and reset the clock. If only I could do some things differently.”
“What are you trying to say, Father? That I can trust Santiago?”
“Oh, hell, no. He is as conniving and ruthless,” he snorted. “But there are a few that you will always know you can count on. Never find yourself with regrets, Miguel. Trust me, they will eat you alive.”
I had the distinct feeling he wasn’t going to expound any further. Whatever had occurred in his past had found its way into the present.
“I’m not a young man any longer, son. The doctors have warned me that I need to slow down.”
“Giving up, Father? I find that beneath you.”
After a few seconds, he laughed, lifting his own glass for a toast. “No matter how hard I try to rile you or how hard I’ve pushed you over the years, you’ve always been a levelheaded man. That is something I have always admired about you. You will make an excellent head of this family when I retire.”
“And when do you plan on retiring?”
As he shrugged, I could see a haze forming in his eyes. “In a matter of months. Your mother would like to travel the world. I want to be able to enjoy every special moment with her.”
I was taken aback. My father had always been such a strong man, one who refused to take many days off. Only birthdays, christenings, and Christmas were special to him. “What aren’t you telling me, Father?”