Page 5 of King of Wrath

“Never.” Which isn’t totally true. Before the Italian Mafia killed my brother, Leo’s father, Leo was happy a lot.

And somehow, Kim has brought him back to that man. It might almost make a crusty old-school asshole like myself believe in love.

Nah.

That’s for other people who can afford it. And I don’t mean money. Financially, I can afford whatever I want. Kincaid Enterprises is worth billions and as one of five Kincaid men, I’m an equal-share owner.

I have always been tougher, meaner than my nephews. I grew up with an old school father who was fond of using the whip and he had no trouble bringing me into the business when our family was dirty.

Not like it is now.

Mason, my oldest nephew, makes our money nice and legal. I got to hand it to him, he’s done a good job.

But even now, even with Mason, we skirt on the edge of darkness. Darkness, I’ve always been afraid I might fall into. Like I said, I grew up different than the boys.

They need my help now. There are a few dirty jobs left, and one of them is getting revenge on Toni Carcetti. The man who killed my brother.

I know I can do what they can’t, which is why I’m going to help.

Leo came up with the plan to get the job done before he went completely soft.

But now it’s on me to see it through. Because anyone who sees the way Leo’s holding Kim in his arms as he says his vows, they know…

Leo isn’t the man for this job.

“I promise to love, honor, and cherish until death do us part.” His deep voice echoes over the backyard of their new home.

A mansion in the swankiest district in Vegas, the pool sparkles in the morning sun.

Across the aisle, Kim’s mom sits in a chair, Kim’s roommates dabbing at their eyes.

One of them, a leggy brunette, makes eyes at me across the way. I think her name is Kendall or something.

I turn away with a barely covered snort.

I don’t get mushy enough at weddings to fuck some chick because I caught some feelings.

I don’t have feelings. At least not those. I’ve never been in love and as I’m pushing thirty-five, I think I’m a pretty baked cake. Which means, I’m not changing now, and love isn’t finding me.

But I am craving more stability. Or maybe just change. Perhaps I’m tired of this life but whatever the reason, after this job is done, I’m getting out. They can buy my shares and let me start a security business of my own, away from Vegas and all the dirt.

The girl bats her eyes again, and I give her a longer appraisal. I could be sold on the idea of taking advantage of this moment and screwing one of the women here who’s got bride envy.

Except, I’m smart enough to know that messing with one of Kim’s friends is a choice that is likely to bite me in the ass.

And I can get tail anytime I want.

So, I sit back in my seat, listening to Kim repeat her vows, Leo grinning like a complete fool as she says them.

Christ.

He’s making me a little nauseous.

I could argue that he’s only marrying her because he got herpregnant. That’s an old-school reason to get hitched. But I know it isn’t true. Leo is in love.

He already bought a crib, even though Kim isn’t due for months, and earlier this week, he invited us over to assemble it.

I’m a cigar-smoking former gangster. I don’t assemble baby gear.

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