Chapter 7 - Tentative Trust

Emma watched Cassandra walk into the pool room, drop her towel and dive into the cool, clear water. She sipped her coffee and shook her head. Her sister had a burden she’d not wish on her worst enemy. Yes, it was their livelihood, and she’d been raised into the role, but still, the constant target painted on her back, on her family’s back. Emma couldn’t think she’d ever be able to carry that weight. She was afraid of this war between the families, a power struggle always left innocent people dead, hurt, or heartbroken.

“Are you going to the party tonight?”

Olivia’s question brought her back to the now. “Yes. It’s sort of mandatory for me. I’m the sister of the big boss, so I’m the host.” Emma snorted. “I hate these things. All those people pretending to like us, acting like they are loyal to my sister. It makes me sick. Most of them are only there to say they’d been to a Panagio party. The others want to rub shoulders with Cass. And mixed in between them all, there’s the few who’d tak