Page 26 of Wicked King

“And you, don’t you dare call me that either, you pàntú,” I whisper. Traitor.

My grandfather’s eyes widen as he scans the empty kitchen. I might be furious, but I’m not insane enough to speak to my grandfather that way in front of others. Marco doesn’t count.

“Careful, baobèi,” he murmurs.

“If I truly were your treasure, you never would have done this to me without at least asking!”

“It is exactly because I treasure you so much that I arranged this deal with Mr. Rossi.”

I knot my arms across my chest. “Then we have very different opinions on the definition of the word, Yéye.”

“Perhaps you two can carry on this conversation in private,” Marco whispers.

My grandfather dips his head. “Yes, your fiancé is right.”

That word from Yéye’s lips only ignites the fire in my veins. “How could you?” I snarl as we turn toward the double metal doors that lead to the dining room.

“It is clear that you are upset and not thinking logically. We will discuss this at home, child.”

My head whips back and forth in frustration, and before I can control my tongue, I spit, “You are no longer welcome in my home.”

My grandfather’s silver brows twist as Marco releases an odd, strangled sound. “I’ll go see where Jimmy is with the car,” he mutters before stepping around us.

Yéye’s gnarled fingers curl around my forearm. “I will not tolerate this disrespect, Jia. I understand that you are surprised by the turn of events, but I implore you to act appropriately. We are still in public beneath the gaze of watchful eyes.”

Those unshed tears sting at the back of my eyes. I blink quickly to compel them back, but it’s no use. “How could you, Yéye?” A sob sends tremors racing across my shoulders. “I trusted you implicitly. You said it was my choice.”

His rough hand cradles my cheek and the tears fall faster. Oh, God, please have mercy and don’t let anyone see me like this. The kitchen is still empty, and I can only hope it remains that way. This sort of outburst would be completely unseemly for the new head of the Four Seas.

“You are strong and yet so stubborn, baobèi. I fear for you as a woman. I know it is unfair, but it is the way of the world. With Marco Rossi at your side, you will be unstoppable. I’m certain of it.”

I shake my head, my lip trembling. “I don’t want to marry him.”

“He is a good man, Jia.”

A grunt escapes, and I only cry harder. “He murdered Qian.”

“And Qian murdered your father, and then Marco saved your life.” He heaves out a breath, his shoulders suddenly seeming frail compared to the impossibly broad ones that held me only moments ago.

Right. Of course. And Qian tried to kill Nico’s girlfriend. What a fucked up, twisted world I’m now forced to navigate.

“Rossi has agreed to allow you to rule the Four Seas as you wish with minimal interference. He is wealthy, powerful, and obviously attractive. I may be an old man, but even I can see that. He will treat you well; I will see to that.”

I stiffen my lower lip. I would see to that too. I’d never let another man lay a hand on me again. Or they’d suffer the same fate…

“Come, Jia, we can speak more on the ride home.” Grandfather tugs me toward the door, and this time I follow after sweeping the remaining tears from my cheeks.

Jianjun Zhang and Hao Wei still linger in the dining room. Both dip their heads at our approach, and I hope I don’t look too splotchy. This meeting has been a total disaster.

“I hope you are not still unwell, Jia?” Jianjun offers a tight smile.

“Much better now, thank you. Must have been some bad lox.” Lame, I know.

“I am sure your grandfather will bring you up to date on the discussion after you left. There is much to be decided now that you and Rossi will head the Four Seas.”

“Jia will be the laodà of the Four Seas in keeping with Triad tradition,” Grandpa interjects. “Rossi will merely exist as enforcer.”

Great, so Yéye doesn’t think I’m strong enough to control my own men. Judging by the sneer hitching up Jianjun’s lip, none of them do.

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