Page 5 of Ruthless Kings of Havoc

“I… thought… I could do it.” I press my head against his chest, inhaling his warm scent that makes me feel safe, despite how the world spirals in comparison. “Rein him in and watch him fall prey to his own foul games. I deserve that… to see his end.”

“And that you will,” he assured me in English this time. “But there’s nothing wrong with relying on those who will lay their lives on the line to witness your victory.”

There’s something about him always speaking in unique riddles that gives me a sense of hope at this vital moment. I feel this sense of confidence that not only what he says is true, but that his immense belief in these hopeful ambitions can lead us down a new path.

Can lead me to victory.

“I don’t want him dead.” I have to make that clear. “Not yet.”

“Understood, Precious.”

“He needs to suffer. For everyone to witness what a bastard he is. A selfish… fucking… bastard,” I’m fighting the sobs that threaten to escape. Closing my eyes, I dare to lift my shaky arms and hug Bunny Stalker back. I grip his shirt, feeling the fine material that’s soft to the touch. It feels expensive—exquisite—yet I’m sure my bloody hands are tainting the assumingly white dress shirt. He doesn’t push me away.

He holds me even tighter.

“If that’s what you wish for, Sweet Precious Gem, I will make it happen,” he vows. He makes me feel like I sit upon the throne I’ve been desperate to display to the world.

The truth is only a few days away.

“They all… have to witness it.” I can imagine the upcoming gala. The number of guests in attendance, watching from afar in hopes of witnessing the next set of royals and the hidden truth about their upbringings being revealed to the masses.

How will he react when he finds out the truth of who I really am?

How powerful I am in this field money, fame, and alliances.

Will he quiver in fear at the grand reveal?

Or will he tremble in fury at his own sightless actions?

It dares make me smile at the imaginary thought.

“They’ll have no choice to, Precious,” he assures me while his fingertips run along my head as he gently strokes me. The touch is beyond comforting. “Will you leave it to me to do the planning?”

It’s dangerous to do, but the sense of numbness running through my body makes me realize I don’t have much choice in the matter. I can’t play games when I have no strength in my body to commit such actions.

I only have a week to get ready for this grand performance.

My first act of revenge.

“Mhmm.” I don’t mean to not use words, but my exhaustion, matched with this woozy sensation, is making me struggle. Too much blood loss. The aftermath of the seizures. I’m just too drained.

“Words, Gem.” It’s amusing that he’d prompt me to try. It reminds me of myself and what I do to Zander to hear exactly what I need from him.

Permission to start the wave of havoc he has in mind.

“Yes,” I mutter. “Leave it to you, Bunny Stalker.”

He chuckles, and I feel a slight pinch on my neck, followed by a cooling sensation that invites a wave of calm to wash over me.

“I love the nickname,” he whispers into my ear, though it already sounds so far away. “I will formally introduce myself when you wake, Sweet Precious.”

His assurance should frighten me, but it does nothing of the sort. It should be crazy to admit, but despite whatever he injected into me, I feel safe, as though I’m not about to lose consciousness in the arms of a familiar stranger.

It could be a blessing or a curse.

“Sleep, Evangeline. Allow your new set of Ruthless Kings to gain redemption in your eyes.”

I’ll have no choice but to find out.

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