“No,” Cain said dropping her robe and getting back into bed. “The way I figure, the club needed remodeling, and the pub was going to be expanded and closed for renovation anyway.”

She sat up, straddled Cain’s waist, grabbed her wrists, and held them above her head when that was all she said. “Don’t make me beat it out of you.”

“Whoever wants a piece of me, my darling girl, is going to think it’s okay to take a bite. When they try, though, I’m going to rip their heart out and let them watch it stop beating in my hand.” Cain put her hands on her hips and smiled. “Sometimes bloodying the water is the best way to get the sharks to come out and play.”

“Are you sure about that?” She knew who Cain was. She’d always known, but love was love no matter if she was the devil incarnate. She could no more deny her feelings for Cain than she could stop her own heart from beating. “Inviting sharks to a party doesn’t sound like a good idea.”

“I can’t live with the not knowing, love. You and the kids are the most important people in my life, and I can’t stand that I don’t know when all this will crash down on me.” Cain moved her hands higher, and she came down to lie on her. “Bringing things into the light lets me take my shots without missing.”

“Just as long as you understand this family can’t survive without you. Hayden needs your time to learn what it is to be a clan leader, and Hannah and Billy need you to show them who they are.” She lifted up a little and framed Cain’s face with her hands. “Don’t leave me out of any of this.”

“You know better than that. Tonight wasn’t about leaving you out, but letting you enjoy your night without having to worry about all of it.” Cain shook her head when she opened her mouth. “And don’t insult me by accusing me of treating you like a feeble female. That’s not what it was.”

“I wasn’t going to do that,” Emma said but smiled because it had crossed her mind. “But how do Ramon and Vincent fit into this?”

“Mano stayed behind to help Ramon put out the narrative I want. Vincent is going to do what I asked him.”

She pinched Cain’s side and widened her smile. “I think I will have to beat it out of you.”

“If I’m seen as weak, the next targets will be Vinny and Jasper because it’s well known they’re under my protection, even if our businesses don’t overlap. Someone already took their first shot at them, and if whoever that was thinks I can’t back them up, they’ll deliver the killing blow.”