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What good has that ever gotten me?
I gaze upon Beckett for a moment, and while time has passed and memories have soured, I can’t deny that no man will ever match him. He was the real chance I had at finding someone who had demons that played with mine, but our choices were made, and we drew lines.
“What happened to us?”
“I don’t need to answer that,” he argues, his voice becoming tight. “You killed our chances. You don’t get to question anything anymore.”
Indignation lights a fuse, and I flare my nostrils, preparing for a fresh onslaught, but a tap on the door cuts our chat short.
“I feel like we should’ve updated the décor in here.”
Sebastian scrutinizes the same wallpaper that was here seven years ago, his eyes flickering over the ornaments and trinkets I abandoned.
“Maybe that could be a passion project.”
Beckett chuckles. “What do you want, Sebastian?”
“Does she know?”
“What… that the hands I’m being dealt are utter bull crap?” I ask sarcastically, rubbing my head again. “Yeah, she knows.”
“What did you pick, doll face?”
“She hasn’t yet,” Beckett says, closing my knife and slipping it into his pocket. “We were just getting to that part.”
“You can’t do this.” I start for him, stopping short of touching distance. “People will know I’m missing.”
It isn’t a lie. I have an entire consort of men who work beneath me, who work the rules and teachings my father gave me. If I just disappear, they’ll wonder where their next pay packet will come from.
I advance for the door, but Beckett’s reflexes are unquestionable, and he reaches for me, catching my hand in his. By the time I’m facing the bed, he’s standing before me, more fearsome than ever. He’s become a dark shadow so omnipotent I know this is not a fair game.
“Don’t worry, darling girl. I’ve got that covered.”
I narrow my glare. “What did you do?”
“That’s not your concern anymore.” He smirks, placing his hands in his pockets. His entire demeanour has remained cool. “Just know all you’ve got in this world now is me.”
He shakes me, his fingers digging a little deeper, and I feel my eyes water.
“If you ever loved me-”
“That’s the problem. I did love you,” he bites, interjecting my comeback. “Loving you came with a price, and it’s time I got what I’m due.”
“Then kill me.”
“It can be arranged.”
I grin viciously. “If you manage it, I’m taking the crown with me.”
Beckett laughs. Sebastian joins him, and the two men exchange a look.
“You talk a good talk, Natalia, and I’ll hand it to you, what you’ve managed to do is sophisticated, but you’re a little girl in a big boy’s game.”
That’s laughable.
“The way I see it, you’ll always be the insubordinate little boy your father always said you were. He’ll never give you respect; he’ll always be the boss of you, just how it has been our entire lives.”
“Actually, he’s now my boss.” Alistair’s musing pierces the room. “When I’d heard you were back in the city, Natalia, I was a little shocked, but not at all surprised. Shame you missed your father’s funeral and seeing Beckett take his place at the head of the company.”
