But I’m not that man. I never will be. My hands are still stained with the blood of those who threatened what’s mine.
I’ve just gotten better at washing it off before coming home.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the announcer booms over the microphone, “please welcome Vincent and Rowan Akopov as they officially open Emerald Bay Resort!”
The crowd erupts in applause. Politicians, business leaders, celebrities—all eager to rub elbows with the wunderkind developers who transformed a stretch of undeveloped coastline into what Travel + Leisure has already dubbed “the crown jewel of luxury eco-resorts.”
We step forward in unison, scissors positioned at the ribbon. As the metal blades slice through, I lean close to Rowan’s ear.
“I still want to bend you over every surface of this f*****g resort,” I
