“We are formally married. You wanted inside my world, Ember. You’re in it now. Neck-deep.”
I’d intended to tear his entire family down to the foundations, but now I wasn’t sure there would be anything left for me to destroy. Not with the unerring precision with which my husband was dismantling his father’s entire empire.
“I did want inside,” I admitted. “So, I could destroy your family. And I only went through with the wedding because I meant to destroy you, too.” I took a breath, wondering if I was making an enormous mistake.
“But now… I’m wondering if we’re fighting the same war.”
Dante glanced at me, blue eyes bright as they caught the light. “Well. You finally figured it out.” His grin was blinding. “I could use your help,la mia sposa. I’ve been fighting alone for a long time.”
37
GABRIEL
Istared around my anal retentively tidy office at the Sala del Giuramento.
Intact, for now, but the bottle of scotch on my desk was still half-full, and I was deciding where to start smashing when Nico strolled in, hands in his pockets, whistling a popular human tune.
The annoying fucker.
Always knew how to piss me off.
“That went well, I think.” He dropped into the chair opposite me and eyed the bottle, then my face. His expression evened out into something like disappointment but could also be envy since he wasn’t allowed to drink on the job, the poor bastard.
“Better than well.” I swirled my glass, trying to balance pride in my brother with the fact I fucking hated him right now. “Our plan is back on track, with a few minor adjustments.”
“What sort of adjustments?”
“Like the fact Emberline is married to him, not me.”
The second the words came out of my mouth, I regretted them.
Regretted how clearly I revealed my pain, my obsession, my fucking hurt ego.
“Ah, I see,” my friend shifted in the too-small chair. “Dante won’t hurt her. In fact, I think half of that little act today was him protecting her.”
“Don’t fucking rub it in, asshole,” I grunted, replaying the intensity with which my brother threatened everyone at that table, including me, while stamping his claim over her.I couldn’t fucking breathe, couldn’t fucking think around the white-hot fury bleeding me dry.
I really needed to break some more shit, but I liked my office just the way it was.
“Well, good talk.” Nico rapped his knuckles sharply on the desk, bringing me back to reality as he shoved to his feet. “Just wanted to check in before I headed over to surveil his place like a good Draconi soldier.” He air-quoted surveil,and I rolled my eyes.
“Nothing happens until I give the word.” I tossed back my scotch and slammed the empty glass down. “You’re still our go-between since no one can know I sprung my brother from The Fossa. Tell me what you find. I want to know everything about his security and those wards.”
For informational purposes only, I told myself.Not because I want to break in there and make sure Emberline is okay.
“Done, boss.” He paused at the door. “For what it’s worth, I am sorry. I really thought the two of you were…” He snapped his lips together. “Well, yeah, I’ll let you know what I find.”
Then he was gone, leaving me with my fucked-up feelings and my half-full bottle of scotch.
38
EMBERLINE
Gossip spread through the city faster than the Black Death.
Before dawn, the first servant knocked at the door of Casa Di Merda, bearing invitations for hastily arranged luncheons, balls, and formal dinners.
The Council had spoken.
