Page 35 of Brazen King

Maksim gives a silent nod of confirmation, and a moment later, he bows from the patio, leaving us alone once more.

Turning my eyes back to my father, I watch in stunned silence as I consider the weight of his words. They unleash a mass of confusion inside me because I’m both intensely relieved to hear him be so supportive of our independence, so protective of our autonomy.

It’s not often like that in such a male-dominated world. Most mafia daughters born into high-ranking families are sold off into arranged marriages that would better their families. Most girls are used to make alliances—just like the one Killian is proposing.

It solidifies empires and strengthens ties.

But our father is forward-thinking enough to realize that we don’t need men to give us strength. And Tatiana doesn’t need a cock in order to have a brain. I love that about him.

He wants to give us everything he would have given a son. Because he has faith that we can rule his empire just as successfully as he does.

Still, I can’t help the sinking feeling in my stomach to see him react so poorly to Killian’s proposal. It solidifies what I already know—that my father would be horrified about the deal I struck with Killian if he found out.

He would be dismayed if he knew just how weak I really am.How could he possibly understand why I took the deal I did?He couldn’t. Not when he won’t even consider a proper match with Killian to stop the feud between our families.

And I strongly dislike the hint of disappointment it brings to know it for certain.

Eyes burning with fury, my father turns to me. “You need to kill that Irishmudak,” he snarls. “To protect your sister and your family.”

My heart jumps uncomfortably at the mention of Tatiana, and a dark foreboding trickles into my mind. Though I can’t quite put my finger on why.

“Killian’s clearly after Tatiana and the power she wields, and I won’t see her inheritance fall into that Irish bastard’s hands,” Papa states flatly.

And it hits me then. Why I don’t like the idea of needing to protect my sister from Killian.

Because when Maksim brought the proposal to my father, I hadn’t even considered the possibility that Killian might be referring to Tatiana. I’d automatically assumed his offer involved me.

But he hadn’t asked formyhand in marriage. He’d asked for Boris’s daughter. And that could just as easily mean he wantsto marry Tatiana—in fact, why wouldn’t it?Papa’s right. As the elder of his two daughters, Tatiana would be the more appealing option.

She always has been the first choice.

And until now, that’s never bothered me.

But a shockingly powerful sense of rejection slices through me at the realization that Killian’s terms could, in fact, mean he wants to marry Tatiana.Who am I kidding?They probably do.

He’s already gotten everything from me he could ever want.

Now, he’s after the key to the kingdom.

Heat radiates through my core as I think back on my conversation with Killian about how I learned to kiss from my sister. I hadn’t noticed it then, but while I thought he was picturing me and Tatiana together, he was probably picturing kissing her himself.

And then he went and fucked me.

Again and again.

Hurt flashes to white-hot rage in an instant. And suddenly, I’m all for protecting my sister—and my family—from the Irish bastard.

Rising from my seat, I lift my chin with fierce conviction. “I’ll go now and watch for an opening. Tonight, I’ll rid us of Killian King once and for all.”

15

KILLIAN

“Ugh, I needed this so badly,” Quinn says, leaning back in her chair as she slips the last olive from her martini off its spear.

Brooklyn Chophouse is one of the finest steakhouses in New York—definitely the best in Brooklyn—and it seemed like a good night to treat my kid sister and foster brother to a night out. The distinctly rustic feel of the restaurant with its exposed beams, rough-hewn tables, and fireside dining, gives it a hunting lodge vibe. But the food is out of this world.

“Did you have a rough week?” I ask, concern lacing my tone as I lean back to allow the server to take my empty plate.

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