Page 76 of King of Wrath

My eyes go wide because it’s never felt more like Jake is on my side. Fighting for me, even with his family.

And I do have a lot of valuable knowledge. As soon as my family finds out Toni is in prison, vying for his position will begin. And that means that I shouldn’t delay either. With a sigh, I slip my hand into his and let him lead me down the hall.

But I nearly lose my nerve when we enter the kitchen and they’re all standing around the island with drinks in hand.

Luke is the first to turn and greet us. “Hey, you two want a drink?”

“Bourbon,” Jake answers.

“Shocking,” Leo answers.

But I shake my head. “Just water.”

“Water?”

“Nia’s not much of a drinker,” Jake says.

“And my head still hurts,” I add with a deep breath, though that might have been a mistake. Reminding them of how I cracked up one of their cars, seems like a poor strategy.

“Water it is,” Luke answers, opening up the fridge and pulling out a bottle of Evian.

I take it and the glass of ice, pouring myself a glass even as he hands me a wedge of lemon.

“Thank you,” I say automatically, dropping the citrus into the beverage.

“You’re welcome,” Luke answers.

Mason is at the stove, stirring some rice dish, the smell of roasting meat coming from the oven. It smells amazing and my stomach rumbles.

“Have you eaten at all today?” Jake asks and I softly shake my head as several sets of dark eyes glance our way.

I squeeze his hand tighter.

“Get some sleep?” Mason asks his tone light and amicable.

“I did. Thank you.”

A minute later, the meat comes out and plates are served, everyone settling around the massive island.

The food does wonders for my head and for my nerves as people push their plates back and I know the conversation I really don’t want to have, but I’m far more prepared for, is about to start.

My hands are folded in my lap and as Mason clears his throat, Jake places his palm over both of mine. I unlace mine to grasp his and take a deep breath.

This isn’t just about the Kincaids’ support for me going forward. It’s about what they need me to share, and this time, I understand my value.

But it’s also about their original intentions, and that includes Jake. If they want me to share, they’ll tell me the truth.

With my free hand, I fiddle with the basketball shorts skimming my knees.

“Nia,” Mason says in his deep rumble that reverberates through me. “Why don’t you start by telling us?—”

My chin lifts and I look at the man who runs Kincaid operations. He is power and success, but I am forged from fire. I see it now. “Actually,” my voice is only the smallest bit unsteady. “I think it’s time that you all told me what you had planned for me.”

“I don’t—” Roman starts and my gaze shifts to his.

“Just so that we’re clear, you people took me without permission. I could have told the police today. I didn’t.”

Silence meets my words.

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