“And you could’ve lied,” I said, meeting her glare with one of my own. “Everyone plays a role when they think someone’s watching. I needed to see who you were when you knew you had no one coming to save you, and what I saw impressed the hell out of me.”
They looked at each other, still unsure.
“Look, I’m not here to manipulate you or turn you into mindless soldiers. I’m offering you a seat at my table, where you’ll gain power, protection, and enough money to change the direction of your entire bloodline.”
I glanced at Nova. “You won’t ever need to hide your genius again.”
Shifting my gaze to Ro, I said, “You and your daughter don’t have to run or hide anymore. All is forgiven, and your slate has been wiped clean. You owe my family nothing.”
Ro didn’t look convinced. “And how do I know you’re not lying, and what gives you the authority to make that kind of decision?”
I grinned and sat up straighter. “I’m Don Tatum Genevese-Bulgari.I amthe authority.The head bitch in charge. What I say goes.” I leaned forward, voice calm but final. “Any more questions?”
Ro stared at me for a beat longer, then slowly shook her head.
I looked at Chyna. “I’m not here to beg for loyalty,” I told her. “Or to convince you I’m different from the men you watched fall.”
She raised an eyebrow but didn’t speak.
“I know your type. You don’t follow, you lead when it serves you, and disappear when it doesn’t, but all that ducking and dodging is small-time. I’m offering you a seat at a real table.”
Still nothing. But she was listening now.
“No more babysitting fools who can’t stay out of jail, and no more hustling for crumbs while some man fumbles the bag. I’m talking territory, respect, security, and power—with your name stamped on it.”
Finally, she scoffed. “What’s the catch?”
“You answer to me, and you keep my name clean. That’s it. You bring that cold strategy of yours to my team, and I’ll make sure nobody ever looks down on you again.”
She stared at me for a long second, then gave the faintest nod. “Guess we’ll see if you’re worth the hype.”
“Keep that energy. It suits you,” I replied, smirking as I addressed everyone.
“I’m offering you ladies something bigger than just a crew. I’m offering you family—one that can’t be torn down. One run by women who know what it means to lose everything and still stand.”
They were listening now, not just hearing, but really listening. Sophia stepped forward and placed a black duffel on the table, and Riley unzipped it, revealing stacks of cash.
“I have a hundred and fifty grand in that bag for each of you. If you choose to join me, great. If not, you can walk with the cash and never hear from me again,” I said, knowing damn well I couldn’t risk letting them walk away after finding out who I was. “But if you join me, that number keeps growing. You take care of business. I’ll take care of you, and I can ensure you’ll never have to struggle or beg another soul for anything again.”
Ro gazed at the money as if it were a trap. "You're really going to let us leave with all that cash?" she questioned, still doubtful. “I don't believe it.”
I shrugged. “Believe it or not, it’s no hard feelings on my part. I’ll make sure you’re dropped off in a safe location, but once you’re gone, you’re gone. You won't get another chance like this.”
“Count me in,” Meeka said, cool and certain.
She was a thirty-two-year-old, hood-born, ex-military sniper with bodies on every continent. Came home with PTSD and a discharge paper in one hand, only to find out her husband had knocked up some girl and filed for divorce before she could even unpack. Now she was gay and didn’t mess with men at all. The hatred she carried for them showed every time one of them got too close.
I watched her tilt back in the chair, arms folded like she was ready to post up on a rooftop somewhere and pop a muthafucka for fun.
“Welcome to the family,” I said, and she grinned maniacally.
“I hope you got more firepower than just these hoes,” Chyna jabbed, but I saw the respect flicker in her eyes when she looked from Meeka to the rest of the ladies.
“We’ve got a whole armory,” Sophia answered, flashing a sharp smile. “If you don’t believe me, you’ll see.”
Nova reached for one of the stacks and thumbed through the edges with practiced nonchalance. “This real?” she murmured, almost to herself.
I nodded. “It’s real. If you want, you can have it tested. I’m not running a scam here.”
