After Luca left, I made my way to the bar only to get stopped by Francis, who'd been busy talking to Kai until now.

"Excellent turnout," he said as Kai shot me an indecipherable glance before slipping away. "It looks like the entire East Coast Valhalla membership is here." A pause, then, "You have quite a presence in the club, don't you?"

I regarded him coolly.

My great-grandfather had been one of the club's twelve founding members. If I nominated someone for admission, they’d be sure to get in.

"Not any more or less than other members," I said.

"Right." Francis's smile came alive like a shark sensing blood in the water. "I hear there'll be an opening in the Boston chapter soon. Some nasty business with Peltzer's bankruptcy." Ironic he should sound so gleeful about it when he would be in the same boat as Peltzer soon.

I couldn't fucking wait. Until then.

”So I heard." I tilted my head. "You were denied the last time you applied, no? Perhaps you'll have better luck this time."

Francis's face darkened before relaxing into another smile.

“I'm sure I will with your support. We're practically family now, and family helps each other out. Don't they?" He cast a meaningful look at Luca.

Rage clamped my jaw tight at his obvious threat.

Legacy Valhalla members were granted five nominations. I'd already used two, I would rather cut off my dick than waste one on Francis.

"I don't have much insight into the Boston chapter." It was a lie. I had connections there. "Valhalla's membership committee is diligent in its selection process. If someone is worthy of being admitted, they'll be admitted."

Red splashed across Francis's cheeks at my dig.

"While I'm all for helping family..." My smile hardened into a warning.

"They should know better than to push too hard. It never turns out well for the parties involved."

Before he could respond, {{user}} returned, "What did I miss?" they asked. ”Your father and I were just discussing wedding logistics." I look at Francis "Isn't that right?"

"Right." Was all he responded.