Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 78464 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 392(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78464 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 392(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
I needed him to focus on me, not the stairs. “I quit a while ago. I have nothing to offer you.”
“Yes, I’m aware. Chosen to settle down in a quiet life with your lovely bride.” He studied my expression, waiting for the rise of my anger. “And she is lovely, by the way. And her cooking…” His hand moved to his chest. “Phenomenal. And that means something coming from a French man.”
I tested the zip ties, but they were locked tight.
His eyes lifted again.
I did what I had to do and decided to charge him.
He anticipated it and sidestepped me.
I lost my balance and hit the floor.
Two of his men lifted me and forced me upright.
But now his back was turned to the rest of the house, and the timing couldn’t have been better because I spotted her making her way down the stairs. I yanked my gaze away and locked eyes with Draven, knowing any shift in my stare could give her away.
“That was elegant,” he said with a slight smirk.
“I told you I’m not in the business anymore, so what the fuck do you want?”
“And I heard you the first time. But I need you for something.”
“What?” I snapped. “Just tell me, and I’ll do it.” I couldn’t care less about it, especially now that Dante wasn’t a part of it. Draven could have the damn thing. The rest of us would be just fine without it.
His smile widened. “I wasn’t expecting such enthusiastic cooperation.”
“I just want you out of my fucking house. So what do you want?”
His hands slid into the pockets of his pants. “Theo. I want him here. Now.”
The blood started to drain from my face. For a moment, I forgot about Scarlett when I realized my brother was the real target.
“From what I understand, you’re very close.”
Fuck.
“Call him. Tell him if he doesn’t show up here in fifteen minutes, you’ll get a bullet to the brain.”
“I’m sure he would bow out if that’s what you want.”
“Really?” he asked, his tone suggesting he’d already explored that route. “Because we already had words, and he made it very clear, in no uncertain terms, that he would skin me alive and hang me from the Duomo for all to see if I stepped foot in his territory.”
Yep, that sounded like Theo.
“I don’t underestimate him. He’s the Skull King for a reason. So the quickest way to end this is for you to make that call. One of you is going to die—him or you. Who do you think he’ll choose?” He cocked his head slightly, a flash of mirth in his eyes, like this was child’s play for him.
“Dante is the one who involved you. You should talk to him—”
“He’s notified me of his retirement. I have my own production, but what I need is the distribution channels. And from what Dante has told me, Theo can move product like no other motherfucker.”
“Even if you kill us both, the Skull Kings will come after you—”
“No, they won’t,” he said simply. “Not when I take his place. You’d be surprised how quickly loyalty can switch once they’re on a commission scale rather than a salary. The Skull Kings will make far more than they ever have with me in charge.” He nodded to one of his men.
He reached into my pocket and pulled out my phone. He opened the screen, found Theo’s name, and held it up between us.
“Ready?” Draven asked.
I didn’t know what the fuck to do. If I made that call, Theo would come, and he would be shot. And I wasn’t entirely sure if Draven would let me go at that point. He might kill me anyway. Why hadn’t Theo mentioned any of this to me?
The guy tapped the screen, put it on speaker, and then the phone started to ring.
Please don’t pick up…
It rang and rang.
Jesus Christ, don’t pick up the phone.
“Yeah?” Theo barked into the phone.
I closed my eyes in sheer disappointment. I’d never been more annoyed by the sound of his voice. One of the men kicked me, and I jerked as my eyes opened again.
Draven stood there, hands in his pockets, and watched.
“Axel, you there?”
“Yes, I’m here.” I gave an irritated sigh.
“What’s your deal?”
If I didn’t have a wife, I knew I would just take the bullet and spare Theo. But I did have a wife, I did have a family, and if I died…she’d be alone. So I told him the truth. “Theo, you need to listen to me, alright?”
When he turned quiet, I knew he understood shit was real.
“I’m here with Draven.”
Theo’s reaction was an audible breath.
“I’m in zip ties. Not much I can do.”
He didn’t ask questions, didn’t play his hand, and he didn’t ask about Scarlett to protect her.
“I think you know where this is going.”
He remained quiet.