Prologue
In which we meet the most unpleasant uncle ever.
Aria…
“How are you, my dear girl?”
I hate it when Uncle William calls me that. I’m not his girl. He’s just my father’s brother. And the man who murdered him.
He cornered me in my office and I’m going to slip Ex-lax in my assistant’s coffee for this. Jamie knows to warn me if he shows up.
“How can I help you?” I ask brightly.
“I need your help with Elana,” he says, seating himself without an invitation, folding his hands, and looking grave.
There’s a slow, scorching feeling under my skin, creeping up my chest like flames. He wants me to help sell off my sister?
“In what way?” I fake concern, “She’s been doing great in school.”
He chuckles indulgently, like educating a female is just the cutest thing. “No, it’s business. We’re negotiating an alliance with the Alonso Cartel in Cartagena. The oldest son Juan is looking for a bride, and he’s very interested in our Elana.”
OurElana? None of this ishis,not the business, and certainly not my sister.
“My parents assured Elana that she could finish school and that choices like these would be hers to make,” I say, leaning back in my chair, mirroring his posture.
Another condescending laugh. “We all have a duty to the family,” he says. “It’s not likeIcan marry him.” He slaps his knee like he’s hilarious.
“These sorts of deals have long-reaching implications. This is something that Zed should be discussing with Elana and me.” I smile sweetly while picturing burying my letter opener in his neck. Despite my upbringing and my family’s background, I was never a violent person before finding out about what he did to Mom and Dad. Now my dreams are full of blood and death.
The worst ones are when I see the blank, gore-streaked faces of my brother and sister.
His practiced smile falters. “Your brother will be a fine leader one day. But it is my responsibility to your parents to run the family business to the best of my ability until he’s ready.”
“My father was twenty-four - a year younger than Zed - when he took control of the King Syndicate,” I remind him. His false joviality is fading into barely concealed dislike.
He rises, buttoning his expensive suit and looking deeply disappointed in me. “I’d expected more from you, Aria. I’ve been working night and day to honor your father’s dream. We need to work together as a family.”
“I’ll be happy to meet with Zed and Elana regarding your concerns,” I say sweetly. As he whirls and strides indignantly through my office door, I swallow down the toxic rise of self-disgust in my chest.
There’s no other choice. It’s time to meet with Mr. Blue.
Chapter One
In which we meet the most uncomfortable visitor to a sex club ever.
Aria…
“He saidwhat?”
My sister’s pretty tough, but I can hear her voice tremble. “He said that he’s been looking at matches for us both and he’s in talks with a syndicate that would, and I quote, ‘Require my enthusiastic cooperation.’ Bastard.”
“Uncle Bastard, I like it,” I say calmly, even though my skin feels like it’s on fire. Sucking in a deep breath and shoving down the fury, I give myself a moment to sound calm again. I can’t let Elana know how angry I am, she’ll just get more upset. “Of course, he waited until I’d left to approach you. I’d told him this had to be discussed with Zed as the head of the syndicate.”
“Why is Zed letting him get away with this?”
“Because our brother is too noble and pure to believe that Uncle Bastard ordered Mom and Dad’s deaths.” My Uber driver’s gaze in the rearview mirror is suddenly alarmed. Good. Maybe he’ll stop trying to flirt with me. “I promise, sweetie. I’ll be home soon. Don’t sign anything, or agree to anything he says or does, okay? Pretend you’re sick. Go stay at a friend’s place that he doesn’t know. What about Caren?”
“She’s out of town,” Elana sighs, “somewhere in the Virgin Islands.”
