Page 57 of Ruthless Kings of Havoc

Utter nonsense.

“Territory?” Ares is the one to say the comment my way, and I can’t tell if he’s annoyed by Aries’ debut or the fact I’m publicly making claims before the man can be officially approved to join by Saint Joaquin himself. “So you don’t want us anymore?”

“I-I never said that!” I huff, and it’s my turn to cross my arms over my chest. “You can’t just watch a man as good-looking as Warren… I mean Aries… waltz on this stage in front of all theseflabbergasted women and not lay your claws on him here and now, so everyone gets the message that he’s MINE.” I argue. “You’re still cute, though.”

“Cute!” Zander loses his sanity as he grips his stomach and laughs hysterically. “She called you cute, Ares! You’re doomed!”

“Z-Zander!” I hiss at him. “You’re not helping me!”

“Oh, Dolcezza, I ain’t here to help you,” he chuckles and doesn’t hesitate to kiss me. “I’m here to ensure our demands are met and we get to stay together as one ruthless unit. From outside sources, obviously.” He grins and looks at the brothers. “I have no problem in promoting sibling rivalry.”

“There’s no rivalry!” I groan and look over at the ones who can potentially get us out of this moment. “Can we get back to the deal?”

“Awww, do we have to?” There goes my innocent—not so innocent—Mother blinking her eyes like she’s asking to watch a live show for a little longer. “It’s the first time witnessing Eva get all embarrassed.” She looks at Father. “Look, honey! Our baby is all grown up.”

Father begins to blush as he lets out a sigh.

“Sweetheart, we’re supposed to be here for moral support, not promoting their bickering.”

“But?” The way this woman has this man wrapped around her finger in a second is proven as he groans and pinches his nose. “Alright. Let them carry on.”

That seems to aid in reducing the tension through the crowd, as a few people dare to chuckle and sigh in relief.

“I’m assuming with this display that no one has anything against the proposition of a fourth Ruthless King being added to the roster?” Mr. Leighton dares to announce. The silence returns, and I can tell everyone is slowly looking in Domino’s direction.

He’s an open book now. Jealousy and fury are written all over his face. He’s looking at the stage, acknowledging that we just acquired everything he probably wished to acquire.

Deep down, this won’t go unpunished.

He will want revenge.

The same way that I want vengeance.

“Then, I see no reason not to make it possible once more,” he announces and doesn’t hide his happiness regarding this new change. “Acquiring a fourth Ruthless King is a secret that hasn’t been accepted at Leighton Royals University since its founding years. It became a tradition that soon faded because the dynamic was too difficult to carry through.” He turns his attention to our group as we now stand together.

All five of us, with me in the center.

“To the naive, one would think this will invite a rise in their ranks and accomplishments. To the intellectual, one will grasp that not everything that glitters is gold.” He allows those words to sink into the air before lifting his chin further up to emphasize his next statement. “Your request will be honored, as well as the condition laid by your Ruthless Maiden. Paperwork will be signed by myself and Saint Joaquin with Mr. Prescott as a witness.”

He then proceeds to look over at Mother.

“Now that the Ruthless Kings of Havoc have made their declaration, The Ruthless Queen Alumni invites their Maiden to Leighton’s Greenhouse, where they will discuss the new Maiden responsibilities one will need to follow this year.”

I’m surprised by the announcement because I didn’t know I’d have unique responsibilities.

Or the fact my mother would be the one to bestow such information.

Mother shares a look with Mr. Leighton, almost as though she wishes to seek his permission of some sort. I’m sure to themass majority, they just see two adults exchanging a glance, but someone as intuitive as me can see the signs.

See the hint of lust and power dynamic between their brief exchange.

Deciding it’s best I don’t delay, I look at Matteo, knowing he has to be the one to ‘give me permission’ to depart.

“Take your time,” he encourages quietly before further leaning in to whisper in my ear. “You haven’t had a chance to speak with your mother revolving around this society, have you?”

“No,” I confess, though my voice is barely audible. I’d rather keep that admission between us. “But she must have the answers I seek.”

“Indeed,” he praises and kisses the side of my cheek. “Be good. We’ll come get you afterward.”

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