Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 55792 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55792 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
“I’m not in the mood to go out,” I tell him as I pull away. We have snogged before, and there were times I enjoyed it. He’s not a bad-looking guy. But he doesn’t set my soul on fire, he doesn’t make my skin burn at his touch. That’s what I want, what I’ve always craved. Perhaps I’m reading far too many romance novels.
“I think you should listen to me, darling,” Marco coos, but there’s no gentle tone to his voice, instead, it’s drenched in a darkness that makes my chest tighten and my stomach recoil.
“Perhaps you should leave. I’m sure you can find someone to join you on your escapades.” When I meet his dark, stony stare, I can’t help but shiver. He’s no longer the friendly young man my father brought to the house. Over the months, he’s changed, and I know my initial gut feeling about him is true. He’s not a good person at all.
“Make no mistake, Brielle,” he whispers as he leans in close. His lips brush along my cheek, sending revulsion coursing through me. “I’ll be back. I don’t like being sent away like a child, but for now, I’ll respect your decision.”
That’s when I feel the cold metal grazing along my neck, and a gasp of shock races through me. The sharp blade kisses my flesh, and I know if I were to move just an inch, I’d be bleeding all over the steel.
“Enjoy your night, Brielle,” Marco murmurs in my ear once more. “I’ll be watching.” And then he turns to leave. When I hear the front door shut, I sag into the chair and let out a breath I’d been holding as I met his angry stare.
I’ll be watching.
The words force me to sit up in the darkness and I can’t deny, I’m shaken. I know I killed Marco, but he had allies. A man like that never walked the city alone, and when he called on the men who followed him, they obeyed. He may not have been a Boss, or even Underboss, but as a well respected Capo, he brought about a wave of obedience in the men.
They didn’t want for anything because Marco made sure they got what they asked for. And in return, they got their hands dirty when it came to the schemes he planned.
The creak of a door echoes in the dark, and I push to my feet. They’re coming for me, and I have to be ready. This time, I’m going to have to fight for my life. Judah will not allow me to kill anyone else. He will not want to test my loyalty. He’s going to want to kill me if I don’t offer what I know.
And even then, I’m not sure he’ll let me live because I betrayed him. He knew what was coming before I could tell him. Before I could warn any of them, Judah was already privy to the plan. Which means he’s been spying on me. I suppose it puts us at even levels when it comes to lies. However, my future husband will not see it that way.
It was my father who forced his hand. It was my bloodline who started the war that’s just started amongst our families. And there’s not much I can do to stop it now.
Question is—Will Judah still want to marry me? And if he does, will he ever forgive me?
DECEIT
JUDAH
We’re going to be the Ruthless Kings soon. It’s a name that will be given to us when we step up to the thrones of our families. I thought I would have a queen beside me, but she lied. She hid things from me I can never forgive. And now, I will walk on this journey with Valen and Kai.
I don’t love her.
I felt nothing for her.
That’s the same mantra I tell myself every single fucking day.
But I know it’s all a lie.
When the door slides open and scrapes along the concrete ground, I don’t wince, but I do grit my teeth. I hate the sound because it reminds me of what my father used to do. When he brought me down here, he wanted to teach me what we, as Venier Bosses, needed to do. He enjoyed it. There was never a time I didn’t see satisfaction on his face when he walked into this dungeon to torture, maim, and kill someone.
Granted, I was convinced I’m the same as him. Throughout my life, I wanted to be, and as much as I enjoy the job, I don’t do it to innocent people. My father had no morals. Even though I live a violent, chaotic life, and I have most of the students in this school, on this island afraid of me, it’s nothing compared to what the old man was capable of and it makes me wonder if Jordan will become just like him.