Page 13 of Wicked Villain

“Everything?” His eyes narrow. “What exactly does that mean?”

“I’m surprised you have to ask. Everything means everything. Your business. Your assets. Your wealth.”

He pants again, but this time, he’s shaking, a combo of the blood loss and the bomb I just dropped on him. “But… my daughter is my heir.”

“I know, Corrado. I know.” My smile widens. “Like I said, I want everything. You do the math.”

His eyes lock on mine, and he finally understands me. Understands that the devil didn’t come to play tonight.

I’m only just getting started, and I plan to leave him with nothing.

He’ll pray for death before the end.

Chapter

Four

Allegra

One, two, three. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.

I inhale slowly, pulling the air through my mouth instead of my nose. I learned the technique in therapy. Supposedly, the moisture on your tongue cools the incoming air, and that lowers the body’s temperature when you’re stressed or incredibly anxious. Like I am now.

The technique gets double points from me because it helps when I’m trying to appear calm when I’m actually freaking out.

I’ve kept my gaze fixed outside the car window, looking at every- and anything as we drive by—the shadowy trees, the moon in the sky, the clouds gathering in a thick dark mass against the night.

The scenery has been my only distraction. Not the best, but it’s something. Better than focusing on the man next to me, who looks like Lev, and the man driving the car. The guards called him Roman.

I’m not sure who the man is sitting next to me, but I’m pretty sure he’s Lev’s brother. They look too similar to not be brothers.

Being brothers means I’m in the company of another Karsavin.

We’ve been in this car for close to an hour. I went willingly, but I knew the moment they ushered me into the back seat and drove away from my home, any hope of going back was nonexistent.

And where are they taking me?

We appear to be heading toward Westchester, but I can’t be sure. Just because we are going in that direction doesn’t mean that’s where we’re going.

I dare not ask. I’m scared enough as it is to breathe.

Papa, what have you done this time?

What the hell has he done?

Last time…

God, if this is anything like that time, I don’t think I’ll survive. In fact… I know I won’t.

But last time started with me. There is no way I can remember that nightmare and excuse my guilt. My father has always been protective of us, always been overly strict and controlling. Always.

At that time, Gabrielle and I were still in school. We wanted to go to the junior prom. I wanted to go. Papa forbade us. We weren’t allowed to do anything like that, or socialize. We didn’t even have friends. The only acquaintances we had were from the families in the alliance, and that’s all they were—acquaintances.

As the daring twin, I was eager for a taste of freedom. Just a little taste. I wanted to experience normal just for one night and attend an event that didn’t require armed guards.

I planned to sneak out and go to the prom. Gabrielle found out what I was up to and insisted on going. But not before trying to talk me out of my crazy idea.