Page 23 of Ruthless Kings of Havoc

“Your praise gives me anxiety,” he points out with an expression that ignites a giggle from me. “I like hearing you laugh.”

“Do you?”

“Mhmm.” He further snakes his arms around me as I enjoy this connection with him. The touch, the desire to communicate while we’re still connected. “Continue, Dolcezza.”

“Domino…” I can’t fight the way my voice shakes just by saying his name. “I thought he deserved redemption. That despite his bad traits… someone giving him a bit of love… affection… heck, maybe remorse… would soften him. Remind him that despite the loveless home he was raised in, even he can be deserving of love.”

It’s all in vain now.

“But he’s lost that chance, hasn’t he?” His question is as though he doesn’t want to admit the truth. That the man he considered a fellow Ruthless King, best friend, and brother could let all that go for his own selfish greed.

Then again, he may be repeating it, so I’ll affirm the truth.

“I won’t be a fool a third time.”

As a child, I yearned for his acceptance. As a woman, I yearned for his acknowledgment, but now? After betrayal, again and again, there can’t be any more sympathy.

Everything is off the table when your life is on the line.

“What about Bunny Stalker?”

I look into his eyes, noticing the lingering curiosity that seeks some sort of reaction from me. That’s the thing. I don’t know how to react to a man who’s been hidden in theshadows, protecting me throughout this journey without me even realizing it.

No. I did realize it, but I mentally accepted I wasn’t important enough for someone to stalk and seek my protection outside of their payroll.

“You don’t like him,” I accuse.

“Why would you think that?”

“You’re not asking about him the same way you did the others,” I quietly voice. “Your tone was different. Wavering just slightly.”

He doesn’t say a word.

“Meaning his arrival threatens everything you’ve once stood for.” I’m treading dangerous waters now, but I don’t stop. I’m not afraid of being open with Zander.Being honest.“Which is why we’re letting go of Carnage. Why do we have to shed this layer of skin and no longer slither in the shadows? Being in the darkness doesn’t serve you when you want your enemies to see how powerful you really are. That’s why we need to be in sight. Be seen and idolized. Be acknowledged and accepted by those who can take us to higher ground.”

My nails dig into his flesh as if the pinch of pain will remind him that whatever this next path we’re walking upon will ignite madness far and wise.

“That’s why it’s time to cause havoc.”

I hear his audible gulp as he holds me as tightly as I hold him.

He’s afraid.

I get it. Realize it. Taste the bitter fear on my own tongue as my teeth struggle not to continue biting into my tongue.

But we have to face our fears to reap the rewards that are coming to our fruition.

That starts by reminding him that change can be good.

“He’s not a replacement,” I emphasize the words very slowly. “Bunny Stalker has always been there. Watching. Waiting.Seeking for the opportunity to strike. Like any venomous snake would do.”

My hands trail up his back until my fingertips tangle in his hair. He pulls back just enough to look into my eyes, and for once, I let the walls fall so he can read me properly.

Understand why this needs to happen.

“You’re not a viper waiting in the shadows to strike, Zayn.”

“Then what am I, Evangeline?”

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