Page 107 of The Merciless King

I climb off the bed and quickly dress, then race downstairs where I see Mama walking through the living room with a coffee mug.

“Where’s Papa?” I ask in a rush.

“In his office. What’s wrong, Gianna?”

I shake my head and head through the house to my father’s den. The door is open, but he’s inside speaking to one of his senior lieutenants.

“Papa,” I say and know I look flushed.

“Gianna, we are busy,” he replies, annoyed.

I rarely interrupt him. Both Dante and I learned early in life not to interrupt our father when he is working. It was not just out of respect, but because dangerous people come into our home.

At a certain age, it became more obvious to me. The men would look at me differently and Mama always kept me away from them.

Dante, too, until he was fifteen.

Then he began to shadow my father. I always thought he wanted this life until yesterday. Now my mind is full of questions.

Right now, I can only focus on Braxton.

“Papa, I need to speak to you,” I say with urgency.

He watches for me a moment as I stand at the door, my heart pounding. Then he nods and waves me in.

The lieutenant leaves.

As I step inside, my stomach curdles. I’m not sure if I’m about to do the right thing.

Then again, I’m not sure if I have a choice.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

BRAXTON

The option of driving was taken from me when Salvatore demanded I ride with him and a few of his goons. They are armed with weapons that armed personnel usually possess, and it’s clear shit is getting real.

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