Page 17 of Wicked King

“You didn’t?” I blurt. “Then how did I get out?” The last thing I remembered was scrambling for the door when I got dizzy and fell.

His lips curve into an expression I can’t quite decipher. “As unbelievable as it may sound, it was Marco Rossi.”

“What?” I gasp.

My grandfather nods. “I did not wish to implicate him in the attack.”

“But why? What was he doing here?”

“I do not know. I did not have time to question him before the ambulance arrived.” He pauses and sucks his lower lip between his teeth. “It seems we owe the man a debt of gratitude for saving your life.”

Oh, God, no. Anyone but the cocky mob boss.

Instead of voicing my thoughts, I smile and nod and bring the teacup to my lips once again.

“You must be careful, baobèi. Two days remain until the meeting, and it appears Lei Wang is attempting to sway your decision.”

“Clearly,” I hiss.

“I assume his tactics have not done anything to soften your heart in his direction?”

“Of course not,” I snap, a little more harshly than intended. Modifying my tone to a more respectful one, I add, “How could I be with a man like that?”

“Perhaps, it seems ruthless to you, but to us, who have been honed by the harsh edges of this brutal world, it shows strength.”

My brows slam together, righteous indignation coursing through my veins. “So you’d have me marry Lei after he tried to kill me?”

“It’s not ideal, baobèi, but at least you would not have to rule alone. It is a solitary duty to hold, Jia. I wouldn’t wish it upon you.”

“Anyone but him…” I murmur under my breath.

The hint of a smile twitches the corners of his mouth. “That is what I had hoped you would say.” He rises, and I shoot up after him, but my head spins and I fold back down on the couch.

“Where are you going?”

“There is an important matter I must attend to.” He reaches for his jacket on the hook by the door and offers a reassuring smile. “Stay here and do not open the door to anyone but me. Until the meeting on Monday, you are to remain at home. I do not trust that Lei Wang is quite finished with his wooing.”

“Wooing?” I screech. “You’re kidding me.” God, why couldn’t I have been born into a normal family?

Grandfather pulls the jacket on and turns for the exit. “Lock the door. I will be back soon.”

As soon as the door closes, I slowly rise and stagger toward the entryway, bolting the lock shut. My head still hurts, and a bruise is forming above my brow. I must have hit it pretty hard when I passed out. My fuzzy thoughts float back in time, and the hint of a memory struggles to the surface. A feeling of safety. Strong arms wrapped around me, quiet whispers, and that scent. Bergamot and cedarwood.

Burying the errant thoughts to the far corners of my psyche, I stagger back to the couch and flop down. I suppose a lazy Saturday wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. I just have to survive two days. Then come Monday, I’ll assume the throne of the Four Seas.

Rubbing slow circles into my temples, I try to imagine what that would mean. Gritting my teeth, I steel my resolve.

If Qian could do it, so could I.

CHAPTER 9

SOME PERKS

Marco

“Well done, coglione. I didn’t think you had it in you.” Nico peers into my office, darkening the doorway. My brother wears the typical smug smile we share, only where mine is a practiced mask, his boasts a well-deserved confidence.

“Had what?” I push out from behind the glass desk to cross my leg over my knee.

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