Page 18 of Ruthless Kings of Havoc

A quiet sob escapes me as I can no longer hold back my emotions. I know Zander has more to say, which is why I fight to contain it, but when his arms wrap around me, it’s far too easy to give up on the battle.

“Death is frightening, isn’t it?” he whispers into my ear as I fight the bubbling sobs that are desperate to be freed. “It strikes you out of nowhere. Not giving you a few seconds grace to change our past actions that led to our final moments of complete fear. It’s even more saddening when you realize the level of regret you have buried deep in your heart.”

Its words are raw and so true, I give up trying to keep this strong front.

I’m a mess… and for the first time as a Ruthless King, he’s giving me this opportunity to let my walls crumble. Again and again. Just for this trivial moment.

“I made a mistake thinking death would be avoidable when it came to you, Evangeline. I assumed the hatred Domino carried for you would somehow have the opposite effect when it delved into your survival. His burning rage to make your life miserable, kindled by your return into his life and introduction into ours, would only encourage him to start a new conquest for you,” he admits. “But never to kill you. To watch with his own eyes and stilled arms as you helplessly laid on the icy rink.”

I can tell how hard it is for him to admit those words. To revisit that scenery in his mind and dare say the words with his lips. The pain is etched into the hollows of his softened voice. His hold around me makes me realize how I quiver, as though the temperature around us has sunken significantly.

“Ruthless Kings are merciless. We take glee in punishing our Maiden and watching whether she’ll break and crumble or rise to our merciless challenge, even if it potentially brings her close to death. It’s the rules that have been laid within the foundation of Leighton University for years, if not a full decade, but neverhas one dared allow their Maiden to perish in their care,” he declares. It’s as though he’s done all the research. “At least, not intentionally.”

That confirms it, while it opens a new door of curiosity as to who possibly fell victim to death as a Ruthless Maiden. Which set of Kings allowed her to slip out of their clutches into the hands of Death himself?

“I can’t promise you that things are going to get easier,” he whispers in such a comforting tone as he gives me all his warmth. “But I can promise I’ll earn your redemption. I’ll be the weapon you need to get rid of anyone who dares wishes harm your way. I know you can protect yourself, but this sinful world will learn very quickly that you’ve earned my protection.”

I feel his lips press firmly to my flesh, sending shivers through me while instilling some hidden oath between us.

“Whoever earns Benedict’s protection is not one anyone will mess with,” he vows with a tone I can barely recognize. “For I protect what is mine, and trust me, Evangeline Ivanka Prescott. I protect what is mine. Every. Single. Time.”

If those words of affirmation aren’t enough, it’s the way he wraps his hand around the front side of my neck, forcing me to move my head to the side so his lips can claim mine.

How warm his lips are against mine.

The way they move with confidence as he seals his words that are spoken to the world.

He could change his mind any time, but I know Zander now. I finally understand him.

He’s one who is willing to pledge his loyalty… as long as you never betray him in return.

Kissing him back makes him groan and kiss me harder. The two of us sitting on this motorcycle in this new foreign place. There are so many questions to ask, but again, it doesn’t matter.

Just this fucking once, let me live in the fucking moment.

5

A REVOLUTION THEY’LL NEVER SEE COMING

~ZANDER~

“Dolcezza,” I moan impatiently as I practically rip the gown off her. “Fuck, I’ve missed you.”

Missed this sizzling connection of immense need.

I can accept it now, after days of thinking it over again and again in the depths of my mind.

Watching as Gemini breathed in and out.

It’s as clear as day now.

I love her.

Dangerously in love with her.

So much so, I can only describe it as getting a new toy and being unable to let anyone else touch it because it’s that precious to your heart. To your soul.

Any wrong move and that precious glass of happiness will shatter from your delicate hands.

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