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PROLOGUE
VALEN
Life doesn’t always bringyou what you need when you want it. Fate steps in at times, and it throws shit at you that you least expect. And at that moment, you may think it’s the worst thing that could ever have happened to you. Perhaps it is. But you’ll never receive anything you can’t overcome, or that you can’t handle.
We grow from our darkest moments. Like a seedling planted in the depths of the earth, we wait it out. Humans count life in hours, minutes, days. Weeks and months pass, and we live out those instances with abandon. Some reckless, some not.
But each time we grow through the shadows, through whatever pain and challenge we are given, we come out on the other side. We find the light. Even if we didn’t see it then.
The darkness of my past has followed me for so long, I didn’t think I would ever step out into the light again. But then, I met the two men who changed my life.
I grew up with hatred in my heart. Love wasn’t an option. I didn’t want to feel those emotions for anyone ever again. Even though I convinced myself I would die alone, it was Kai and Judah who forced me into the light.
They came along and made me see I wasn’t wrong. It was those around me who tried to break my spirit. With the actions of others, my soul shattered. And then two men mended it. There may still be cracks, but at least I know who I truly am.
I’ve come to accept my natural instinct.
I’ve come to learn that loving someone outside of the social norm isn’t wrong, it isn’t blasphemous. It doesn’t matter what the world says, they only want to force you into their own perceived notion of whatnormalis.
I don’t live by those rules or beliefs. And in the future, if I ever have children, they will grow up to learn the same. My story may not be easy to learn, but I know Brielle will soon have to listen to it.
The idea of delving into the past—confessing the memories that haunted me for years as I was growing up—sends revulsion through me. It’s difficult. But nothing in life is easy.
The sun is rising on a new day. And I look forward to the ceremonies. Perhaps the darkness that has followed us for so long will pass.
But with Judah and Brielle, and the challenges they face, I’m sure it’s going to be a bumpy ride to the light.
IN THE MIDDLE
BRIELLE
The gunshotthat rings in my ears sends both Judah and I to the ground. His heavy weight on top of me, keeping me pressed into the soft grass. The scent of earth invades my nostrils, but the fragrance of his cologne—spice and warmth—takes over and soon, all I can feel, hear, or smell, is him. It’s as if he’s burrowing himself in my veins. He’s the blood that’s coursing through me, keeping my heart pumping, keeping my lungs filled.
“Get the fuck off me,” I bite out as I push away from the lawn, but he’s too heavy, too strong.
“Remember when I told you that you’d never escape me, that if I found out you’re a lying little spy, I will end you,” he reminds me, and I still all movement. The frozen state of me makes him chuckle. The vibration of his chest against my back sends rage racing through every nerve in my body.
He’s right though. He told me that, and I didn’t listen. I should have come clean, but I was scared. My father didn’t tell me all he wanted from me. There was no conversation between us about his plan. Overthrowing one Boss is difficult, but trying to overthrow three, that’s another story altogether.
I should never have listened to him. In the past, Papa had radical plans to free us completely from the ties to Italy. I believed him. When I was younger, he painted these beautiful stories about how we’d never have to live a life within the confines of an organisation, even though ours was one of the more infamous. But it wasn’t because my father was a hero, it was because he broke the most important rule within our world.
More shots ring out, but then there are some that come from the house, and I hear it—death. Lifting my head as much as I can, I glance out at the perimeter of the estate, but I can’t see anyone from where we are.
“All clear.” A few of the soldiers who work for Judah come sauntering past as they shoulder their weapons and head indoors. Suddenly, I’m left shivering on the ground as Judah stands, and offers me a hand. I don’t expect him to help me up, and I don’t know why he’s doing it, but I gratefully accept.
He tugs me to my feet before gripping my face between his thumb and forefinger. His eyes are dark, filled with rage and malice.
“Such a pretty little spy,” he hisses in a low, sadistic tone. “Too bad you’re going to have to pay for Daddy’s sins.” There is no denying I’ve fucked up, but he wouldn’t kill me. Surely not. “Take her to the dungeons.” He shoves me away from him just as Kai steps out onto the lawn.
I stumble into the arms of that man I’ve come to learn is so broken, so tortured, I wanted to save him. But looking up into his dark stare, I realise the person who cared for me is no longer present. In his place is a stranger.
“Judah, please listen to me,” I plead as I’m pulled in the opposite direction. “Please,” I beg once more, but the man who I’m meant to be marrying in a few days is no longer paying attention to me.
Yes, I have made a mistake, but it’s not what he thinks it is, at least, I’m sure it’s not. The email from my father told me one thing, that he’s going to free me and end the reign of the Veniers. But he didn’t tell me how. All I had to do was to lure Judah outside, which I didn’t do, but instead, he forced me into the garden.
“Kai, please, if you just listen to me, I can fix this.” My words, though, they fall on deaf ears because as much as I would like to explain myself, none of these men will hear me. When I see Valen, I meet his frosty glare, and I pray he’ll be the one to actually take on board what I need to say. “Val, there are things that are out of my control. You have to talk to—”
“Time for talking is over, princess,” Valen says to me and I’m shocked at how hostile his tone is with me. I’ve never seen him like this, not with me at least. “You’ll have your time to state your case, but right now is not it.”
