Page 93 of Brazen King

We’re all sitting in Killian’s bedroom because one day isn’t nearly enough for him to recover from the stab wound he survived—regardless of what Killian thinks.

My sister eyes Killian with a newfound curiosity. Her once open hostility now presents itself as cautious interest. And her gaze flicks in my direction for reassurance every so often, like she can still hardly believe how much has changed in such a short span.

I don’t blame her. I can hardly believe it myself.

“Your men will be willing to work alongside mine to bring the Italians down?” she asks, her tone measured and matter of fact, though the question inherently sounds antagonistic.

“My men are professionals. And they obey me without question. They’ll do whatever is asked of them—even work alongside the Sokolovs,” Killian says calmly, putting on his businessman’s hat for my sister, but the hint of a smirk still lingers around his lips. It’s a look I find impressively sexy.

I’ve seen him playful, fierce, and deadly. I’ve never seen him as this calm, rational negotiator before. And I like it.

“But besides that, the Italians didn’t just kill your parents. They nearly killed me as well. And I assure you, my men are just as hungry for vengeance over that. This might just be the easiest alliance you ever form.”

Tatiana smiles, a hint of bitterness around her lips. But none of it gives itself away in her words. “Then, I think it’s fair to say we can split the territory we claim right down the middle. Keep it even on both sides.”

“Agreed,” Killian says, nodding.

And relief floods me as I realize peace negotiations might be just that easy when two reasonable parties are involved.

It also marks a new kind of peace between the Sokolovs and the Kings that we haven’t reached before in the history of our two great families. And while I know it’s only a start, it brings me hope that, someday, my role as the Sokolov family’s assassin might come to an end—and I look forward to a time when my lethal services might no longer be necessary.

But first, I do fully intend to end Lucian Agosti’s life.

EPILOGUE

NATASHA

No one in the world looks more handsome than Killian in his wedding day tux. But as he stands at the altar, waiting for the ceremony to begin, I find butterflies bursting to life in my stomach just at the sight of how good-looking he is.

It’s a small wedding—nothing fancy or that took too long to plan because I didn’t want it to be a big production. The day feels bittersweet as it is, since Papa’s not here with us to walk me down the aisle.

But Tatiana stands beside me, her blue eyes warm with affection as she gives my palm a squeeze. “You look beautiful,” she says with pride, taking in the sweeping lace train and the embroidery along the seams of my long-sleeved wedding dress.

“Thank you,” I say, beaming. And for once, I can feel confident that I won’t be overshadowed by my beautiful older sister. Because Killian has eyes only for me. And I love the way he looks at me every time I walk into a room.

The music starts to play, alerting me to the fact that it’s time.

At the altar, Killian adjusts the collar of his shirt, his eyes turning expectantly in my direction. But I’m still hidden in the shadows of the doorway, so I can steal quick glances at him.

“Ready?” Tatiana asks, offering me her elbow—because she’s the only family alive who I would want to take Papa’s place of walking me down the aisle.

“Yes,” I say, shifting my bouquet to my left hand so I can slip my right around her arm.

Tatiana gives my arm an affectionate squeeze. Then she leads the way as she guides me down the aisle.

Soft music spills from the baby grand piano, warming my heart at the familiar song of “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” the same song my mom walked down the aisle to.

And as soon as Killian’s eyes find me, I feel the burning anticipation deep in my belly. This is a day I could look forward to—even if we chose to keep the engagement quite short.

It just feels so perfectly right.

And Killian’s finally completely healed. He’s out of his bandages and as healthy as ever, making me exceptionally excited about our wedding night.

The music comes to an end as Tatiana brings me to a stop before Killian. Then she passes my hands to him, taking my bouquet so I can hold his strong hands for the remainder of the ceremony.

It’s a short and sweet ceremony, involving only a reading about the patience and kindness that is true love before Killian and I say our vows.

And as Killian reads his, promising to hold my secrets close, now and forever, but to also share everything with me because I’m the person he trusts in this world even more than himself…tears of deep love and affection sting my eyes.

---