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He steals me from the darkness and pulls me into a corner where nobody could see if they walked by. I messed up by replying to Dario when I should have been quiet. And Kai will not let this go. I can feel Judah’s presence not far away, and when Kai spins me around, Judah’s eyes land on mine, and then Valen appears like a fucking shadow.
Three Kings too young for their roles, but far too confident in the violence and mayhem.
Kai pulls me back against his body, while Judah and Valen step forward. I’m nestled between them, three men who look like they’re about to devour me whole.
“You’re going to go upstairs. There’s a bedroom to your left as soon as you get onto the landing,” Kai instructs me in a whisper. “Bring us the information that’s on the desk that’s at the window which overlooks the backyard. Two folders with the Errani family crest on them.”
“How do you—?”
“Don’t forget, little spy,” Judah whispers, “don’t get caught, and don’t fuck this up because it’s your chance to prove your loyalty.”
Kai’s hand tangles in my hair and he tugs my head back, while Judah and Valen both lean in and I feel the warmth of their mouths against the curve of my neck.
Teeth graze my flesh sending tingles through me and my body prickles with goosebumps as I’m tormented. I can’t deny, their threatening demeanour has my thighs squeezing together.
“Now go, little spy,” comes Judah’s order. “Find us in the living room when you’re done.”
I’m not sure why Kai doesn’t ask Mario for them, but I don’t question my task. Instead, I rush for the stairs, and make my way into the silent darkness that awaits.
My heart thunders in my ears, and I pray I’m not caught.
BROTHER’S PROMISE
KAI
When I findMario in the office on the ground floor, I shut the door behind me and take in my brother. I was adopted, while he grew up with his parents. The thing is, he’s never made me feel as if I’m an outsider. And for him to step back and allow me to take over his bloodline heritage means more to me than I ever expected.
“It’s nice to see you outside of New York,” I tell him as I settle in the chair opposite his desk.
“Enzo said I can take some time to sort this shit out here and get you ready for the initiation. It’s only a few weeks and you’ll be taking over from Dad.”
“I know,” I say as I rest my ankle on the opposite knee. “I’m worried though. I mean, I should not be the one taking over. You should.”
Mario settles into his chair and he looks at me like I’ve lost my mind. “You realize that I’m not coming back to Italy. I’m happy where I am. Enzo is good to me and I have to stay loyal. I made my vow already.” His New Yorker accent is thick, so far removed from my Italian one.
We both grew up in Sicily, until Mario left to find something better in America, and it left me at home. I didn’t mind it because things were good. The house was warm when it needed to be, and it was cool when summer hit. And I had parents who supported me right until I wanted to come to Black Hollow. They weren’t happy, but they didn’t stop me.
“He wasn’t over the moon that I wanted to study here,” I tell Mario as I recall our father’s words.It’s not a good place. What if you fall in with the wrong crowd?
“You know the man would do anything for you. It’s even in his last will and testament that you’re taking over the organization.”
Sighing, I nod, knowing that he’s right. I shouldn’t feel like I do, but I think it’s because I was the adopted son, not the blood relation. It makes things a little more difficult.
“I’ve spent my life fighting this war inside me. I didn’t want to think the way I do, but being adopted changes your outlook.”
The thing about it is, Mario and his parents, our parents, never once made me feel as if I wasn’t part of the family. It’s my own issues I need to deal with. And I have to do it soon because in a few weeks, I’m going to have to take the vows.
“You know you’re being an asshole,” Mario throws out. “And don’t you dare think I’m insulting you. Brothers are meant to spar with each other.”
This makes me chuckle. “Oh, yeah, don’t I know it. There was never a dull moment in the house growing up.” It’s a reminder that all my doubts are nothing more than my mind playing tricks on me. I should know this by now. I’m old enough to realise it, but there are times I question everything.
“Is your girl getting everything she needs?” Mario questions. Brielle believes it’s a genuine test, where Mario is in on it. I asked him to ensure the folders were ready for her the moment I knew he was hosting the party. It made things a lot easier for us to have her come here and snoop around the mansion.
“Yeah, thanks for doing this,” I tell him. “With Saviatti trying to take us out, we want to make sure he knows he can’t fuck with us.”
“What is the plan once you find him?” Mario questions as he watches me with intrigue. I have a feeling my brother is going to offer his help.
“I’m not sure. Judah wants him dead, but Brielle has questions. She needs answers, along with her half-brother, Emilio.”
