What she didn’t know was that no matter what, she was dead.
Humans are disposable in my brother’s eyes. The way he’s watching Keiratonight reminds me of the way he watched that woman—predatory, with a purpose.
The woman’s blood will forever coat my hands and my black soul. There’s no way in hell I’ll make that same mistake twice.
No. Keira’s blood would never coat my hands.
“I can always get you a new toy if I break this one by accident,” he boasts, smiling at Keira. “Though, it would be a shame to break something so fragile. She really is far too pretty to break so soon.”
I watch her shudder, and I want nothing more than to wipe that smile off Xander’s face with my fist.
“All right then, let’s sit down for dinner and we can discuss the technicalities. There is no need to fight over pussy, no matter how good it is. There are plenty more women for the two of you to select from.” Uncle Dom chuckles, like he’s enjoying our little bickering match. He motions for us to follow, and we all walk into the dining room.
I have half a mind to tell Dom Keira’s pussy feels like no other, but that isn’t any of his damn business—none of it is anyone’s business.
My other uncle, Vincent, is already seated at the table, a drink in his hand and an annoyed expression on his face. “Look who made it. I didn’t think you would actually show. What’s it been? Three years?”
Unlike Xander and Dom, he pays no attention to Keira. In fact, he ignores her, acting like she isn’t even there—and that’s perfectly fine with me.
“Hello, Uncle Vincent.” My greeting sounds like a chore. This entire fucking event is a headache.
I make Keira sit on my right while Xander takes the seat beside me. My Uncle Dom sits across from us and beside Vincent. The table is set, looking like we’re about to have a Thanksgiving feast. When Xander sets up dinner, it’s a fucking party—an extravagant event and nothing less. I watch as some of Xander’s men meander around the room, standing guard. The thought of my brother needing a guard makes me laugh.
The bastard could kill all these fucking people with his bare hands. He doesn’t need a bodyguard, but the fact that he feels the need to have one is amusing.
Keira fidgets in her seat. I want to tell her to hide her fear from these men, that they will do nothing more than eat it up—but I don’t. Warning her of anything that is to come is a slippery slope and will only be seen as a weakness.
“Bridget!” Xander yells, and a staff member scurries into the room. “Get my brother and the girl whatever they would like to drink.”
Bridget’s fearful gaze moves to Keira and I.
“She’ll have a water, and I’ll take a whiskey.” I save my pleasantries for another time. She’s not expecting a please and thank you, I guarantee it.
Bridget runs back to the kitchen, bringing the attention back to us.
“Oh, come on, brother. Can’t the girl have some wine?”
“Nope. I want her coherent when I fuck her later.” I don’t miss a beat, and Xander chuckles.
Our drinks appear moments later, and I keep my gaze anywhere but on Keira. Tonight is going to be hard for her. I may have to do some things I’m not proud of, but I’m certain she’ll leave here in one piece.
I take the glass of whiskey and down half. I don’t even feel the burn as the brown liquid slides down my throat with ease. Fuck, I’m going to need a lot more of it if I plan to get through the rest of the night still sane.
The salads arrive, and we start eating. Tension hangs thick in the air like a fog. I keep peeking at Keira, but avoid eye contact. Her hands are shaking so much, I worry she might drop the salad fork. Before I reach out to steady her with a calming hand, my brother clears his throat.
“So, let’s start talking business,” Xander announces, setting his empty whiskey glass on the table. My uncles nod in agreement, dabbing at their mouths with their napkins.
“What business is there to discuss?” My gaze stays trained on the remaining amber in my glass. I try to sound aloof.
“Keira is rightfully mine. Her brother worked for me, then betrayed me. He stole a lot of money from me. Just before I slit his throat, he said he couldn’t pay me back, but that I could have everything he owned, and clearly, that includes her.” He points the salad fork at Keira, and I have to bite my tongue before I tell him to fuck off. Sparring with my brother isn’t going to make this conversation smoother.
“I have to say, killing him was fun, though. I tortured him for a while to make sure he was telling me the truth—though, I suppose anyone will say what you want them to when they’re staring down death.” Xander keeps staring at Kiera.
I know what he’s trying to do, and I hope Keira isn’t falling for it. Playing into my brother’s hands does nothing but feed the monster.
“He cried when I cut some flesh out of his leg. He begged me to stop over and over and over. Those are the most fun, you know—when they beg for the pain to stop. Personally, though, I loved it when he promised meyourvirginity. That was the best part—like he expected your frail, virgin body to pay for his debts.”
I’m about to interject when I catch Keira’s movement out the corner of my eye. She grabs the knife and lunges at Xander, her beautiful face wearing a mask of fury. Xander remains seated. His sadistic smile tells me he knows he’s proved his point.
