Page 53 of Kiss of Ruin (Brutal Empire)

Against my better judgement, I pick up the box and open it. An exquisitely cut diamond sits in the center of white gold surrounded by accenting diamonds. The ring is the perfect replica of who Scarlett is as a person. She believes she needs to sacrifice to take care of everyone else, when in reality, she’s the one surrounded by people who are willing to do anything she asks, even when they know she shouldn’t.

Am I one of those people?

The number of times I’ve stopped myself from going to the airport and getting on a plane to Miami could number in the thousands. Each and every time I convince myself to stay here.

This is another one of those times.

“Why are you bringing these to me?”

He leans back and props his ankle on his opposite knee. “You’re the only one who knows where she is.”

“You could reach out to her and know where she is as well.”

“I have.” I clench my fist in my lap. How many times has he called her? “All of my calls and texts have gone unanswered.”

Relief floods me. I know Antonio is in love with Scarlett. Would he be the type of man who could handle Scarlett doing things behind his back. Making plans with Carlos and Andreas that could get her killed?

“I’m not sure what you want me to tell you.”

“I want you to tell me how she is.”

“I can’t. Since I haven’t’ spoken with her either.” I don’t mention that she texts me at least once a day, not that I’ve read a single one of them.

“Unbelievable. I saw the way you looked at her that night. The fear when Elena’s gun was trained right on her chest, yet you ship her off to Miami and stay here.”

He scoffs as he stands. “You’re no better than Luis.”

He attempts to swipe the jewelry box off the desk. “Don’t touch that,” I hiss between my teeth. “I will warn you once, that you are dangerously close to pissing me off. Because Scarlett and other members of the Romero family think so highly of you, I’m simply going to tell you to leave my office and stay out of my sight in the near future.”

Smart man takes a step backward, belatedly realizing he’s crossed a line. “Now get the fuck out of my office before I change my mind about being nice.”

Antonio storms out the door letting it slam into the frame. For the briefest of seconds I think about chasing him down, but I realize that my anger is not directed at him. He just happens to be the perfect scapegoat.

I prowl across my office and splash some liquor into a glass. I don’t bother trying to sip it, tipping it back all in one swallow.

Carlos and Andreas will be here soon and I don’t need to let my anger out on them.

I sit back down behind the desk and call the contact of a possible new supplier.

By the time Carlos and Andreas arrive, I don’t want to destroy the house anymore.

I can’t help but think about Scarlett. Before her, I was known as a man who always kept his composure in every situation. It’s how I’ve managed to stay out of trouble all of these years. You don’t make as many connections as I have without one of them trying to kill you at one point or another. I never let my emotion control my decision making, at least not until Scarlett.

Antonio’s words replay in my head.

I saw the fear in your eyes when you raced forward, realizing that Elena had her gun trained directly at Scarlett’s chest.

Fear pushed me forward that night. Kept me running through stray bullets and flying fists. Anything to get to her before something happened.

“Have we caught you at a bad time?” Andreas’ voice rings out into the room.

I look up from the desk which I’ve been staring at for who knows how long. Always with the niceties. He didn’t care whether it’s a good time for me. It’s all about what is convenient for him and Carlos.

“No, your timing is perfect. I just finished setting up a meeting with the new supplier.”

“Good. I’m glad to hear that business is continuing.”

“Can I get either of you a drink?” I ask hoping for a more relaxed meeting that the last time we all sat down together to discuss the state of the business.

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