Page 144 of Knights Game

49

Luca

I stand in mypenthouse living room, leaning against the fireplace watching those that I call family. They all sit, waiting with bated breaths for what I have to say, but for the first time ever, I’ve got doubts.

Something Layla asked me has taken root. This is all I’ve ever known, butdoes it have to be?

I always thought this would be my life forever, and I’ve spent years working toward taking back London. Pushing the Albanians out, removing the Covenant.

A new era.

A modern era.

Throw out the old and replace it with the new.

Me.

I’ve always wanted it. To take control. I’ve grown up knowing I was never good enough, because of what my mother did, the affair with the Russian. My Uncle, the Covenant families, they all spat on me just like they spat on her.

The only people who are going to get hurt here are the innocent, and for what?

Ego, power, control.

They say you need war for peace, but peace is about needing justice. Justice for my mother, justice for Layla and her parents, her grandfather.

But that justice, that doesn’t come from taking out the Albanians and a changing of the guards within the Covenant, and as I look round the living room packed with my inner circle, along with Layla, Katy, Asher Black, Levi and Duchess, I know that we are looking to the wrong enemy.

I kick off from the fireplace and walk to the centre of the room.

“This is your one and only opportunity to walk away from what comes next. When you all leave here tonight, that’s it. You’re in.”

I wait and no one leaves.

I clap my hands together rubbing them.

“Alright then, let’s get started.”

“Hello, Uncle,” I say, entering his office with Levi following me closely. Even behind his huge desk, his frame is one of control, and dominance.

John Weston is a large, intimidating man.

Calculating, deceitful, ruthless, and domineering.

Four things that I thought he’d lost over the years but turns out he’s just like he always was.

“I’ve been waiting for you two.” He leans back in his chair. “I must say I’m disappointed with you,” he says to Levi who crosses his arms over his chest. “Running around with the whore of the Langley’s. I thought the gala dinner was your way of flexing, but you’re still at it.”

“Careful,” Levi says quietly.

“Pussy-whipped.” John tsks and shakes his head. “Thought as much. What have I taught you boys about women? They are there to serve, to pleasure, to control. You’ve become tame.”

“Enough,” I say. “We haven’t come for a lecture on women.”

“No? It feels like you both need one. So, what do I owe the pleasure?” John nods to the two chairs in front of the desk, and we both sit.

“Since when did the Covenant get into bed with the Russians?” I say, cutting to the chase.

“Careful, nephew. We may be relatives, but don’t think you can come into my office with wild accusations without consequence. Now take a step back, what are you talking about?”

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