Page 91 of King of Ruin

“Maddie!” Lucia cries. “You love that house.”

“I do. But I’d also love to finish school. And get a real job. And…” Maddie shakes her head. “I know it’s too late now. With the foreclosure….”

“It’s not too late,” I take a chance and bend down to press my lips to hers. “It’s definitely not too late. Let’s go kick my brother’s ass.”

“I think you’d better do the kicking,” Maddie whispers. “Lucia can back you up if you need it. Fistfighting isn’t really my strength.”

I laugh again, but as we approach the elevator, I put on my game face. “Josh, if punches start getting thrown, your job is to get Lucia and Maddie out of the way.”

“Just Maddie,” Lucia retorts. “Maddie meant it. I’ll be hitting too.”

This is going to be one hell of a business meeting.

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

Roman

I watchthe floors tick by as the elevator climbs. By the time we’ve reached floor twenty-five, I’ve slipped Maddie’s hand into Josh’s free arm.

I don’t want her hurt and I know I’m going to need both hands for this.

We reach the penthouse and the doors slide open.

I breeze past the bustling office, full of lawyers, administrators, and assistants as I make my way to the conference room. It’s Mason’s preferred place to operate the business.

He sits in the head chair, like the king he considers himself to be, issuing orders.

I don’t knock.

And then the doors bang open, and I don’t apologize as I stop in the threshold.

A meeting is in progress, several people sitting around the table, including my brother Leo and my uncle Jake.

I draw in a deep breath as I meet Mason’s gaze. “Everyone who isn’t family, out!”

The other employees instantly rise, but Mason shoots up too. “I decide when meetings are done. Not you.”

I cross my arms over my chest, glaring at Mason.

Josh, Lucia, and Maddie are a few feet behind me, hovering in the hall. “Not today, brother.”

Mason slashes his gaze over the room. “Everyone stays.”

The employees freeze, looking between me and him. We’ve never argued in front of them before.

Normally, I respect Mason and his authority enough to keep my disagreements private. Not today.

Turning around, I grab Maddie’s hand and pull her forward. Tentatively she comes, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

Jake’s wife Nia is also at the table and at the sight of Maddie, she gives a small gasping cry.

“Everyone, this is Maddie Reid. The woman I’m going to marry, if she’ll have me.” My eyes narrow on my brother. “Today, Mason, our fearless CEO, foreclosed on her house. That is the kind of man you work for.”

Leo barks out a laugh and kicks his feet up on the table. “This is going to be fun.”

Mason’s lips thin. “Everyone out.”

“That’s what I thought,” I respond back.

---