“No wonder with everything you have to juggle,” Cato grumbles.
Of the four of them, he’s the one who seeks revenge most. He got shot, and for a vicious man like him, retribution is not a demand, it’s a given.
“I want to propose something,” I say in my most matter-of-fact voice.
That piques their interest, and Cameron steeples his fingers, studying me. “Let us hear your proposal.”
Hayden cocks his head and arches an arrogant brow. “And what do you want in return?”
“An alliance by marriage,” I say, sweeping my gaze over them.
They exchange a furtive glance, taken aback by my proposition.
That’s why they call me the strategist. That’s why I don’t need anyone. I have done perfectly well on my own.
The atmosphere shifts as Kieran and Hayden tense.
I could throw up in my fucking mouth—their sister, Leonie, is only sixteen.
The only one who should be wary looks unbothered before I stare Cato down.
“Viviana.”
The other two relax slightly while Cato’s jaw sharpens. “No.”
I wave a hand through the air, going for a disinterested pose. “Fine, even though it would benefit you more than me.”
Kieran seeks my eyes as if searching for the real reason. “Why her?”
“She’s of age and the only one who could fortify our alliance. Are there any women in your family I don’t know about?” I say, with no inflection in my voice, making it appear strictly business when everything in me burns to make her mine already—officially.
I am losing my patience, threatening to crack my well-crafted poker mask.
Silence sits heavily between us like a predator before it gives chase.
I sweep my gaze over them. “Thought so.”
“So, it’s strictly business?” Hayden asks, his eyes turning into two slits, the distrust clear.
“What else could it be?” I narrow my eyes at him as if the concept is preposterous.
“And what would we get in exchange? Make it fucking good,” Cameron says.
“Peace.”
“We don’t seek peace,” Cato grumbles, fisting his hands on the table.
“You don’t want war either. Both Coasts would have bled out by now.”
Mutual sabotage and veiled threats have been the only interactions.
I stand up as if I am not dying to get my deal, but the moment they sniff something else is going on, they would latch on to that drop of blood like famished sharks.
I haven’t come so far by not playing the game the best.
“My offer has an expiration date. There are other alliances I can enter.” I shrug. “You know the saying, blood is thicker than any pledge.”
I let them ponder my words, knowing I will get her.
