Page 30 of Ruthless Kings of Havoc

My consciousness is fading before I can stop it, but nothing stops me from answering my King.

“Ill cazzo.”

8

CENTER OF OUR BURNING WORLD

~ZANDER~

“Do you always have to be so fucking spontaneous?”

My grin can’t get any bigger as I take a sip of my Cognac. After such a memorable night, what a swell way to admire the glamorous sunrise in this glassed oasis.

“You could have died.”

“But I didn’t.” I sweetly hum and take another sip of my drink. “Ah, that hits the spot of victory.”

“Fucking crazy.” I chuckle at Arlo’s annoyance. “You’re lucky I was available. Kian left Turkey last night for an emergency call.”

“You would have magically found a way to get to me before I bled to death,” I make a note as if it’s even humanly possible. “Would have jumped out of a plane for me.”

“I’m not like that crazed bodyguard,” Arlo grumbles.

“Where is he actually?” I wonder.

When Arlo doesn’t answer, I all but chuckle.

“You’re evil.”

“You and I know he would have gotten in the way tonight,” Arlo declares. “You really don’t pay me enough for interfering with your games. Especially with whatever this is.”

Whatever this is.

“She loves me,” I dare to repeat the words I really didn’t think I’d earn in the ‘whatever this is’ relationship between my Ruthless Queen and me.

Evangeline… Gemini… my Sweet Dynamite.

Just thinking of her forces my eyes to drift to the woman sleeping next to me. She’s bundled up under the silk sheets, covered so Arlo wouldn’t get a glimpse of her naked flesh.

Covered in far too many bites and hickeys after hours of lovemaking.

Whatever euphoria effect was in the medication really did a number tonight.

Not to say I’m not grateful, but fuck. We have to replicate tonight, or I’ll crave it forever.

“No wonder why my father always used to say falling in love is a dangerous game to play.” For a moment, it makes me remember my parents. The love they shared and how it radiated through a room without even trying. They were envied by so many. To not be forced into loveless marriages that carried no fucking meaning.

My father fought for what he wanted. Pulled every string to secure my mother, who became his world.

Why did it all have to go in vain?

I bite my lip, feeling that tiny ache in the depths of my heart.

History can’t repeat itself.

Children… do I want them? Does Dolcezza want them? Do I need an heir to enter this world and possibly be left alone in it if I make a single mistake?

An error that costs me everything… including mine and the love of my life?

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