Page 1 of Brutal Kingdom

PROLOGUE

LOGAN

Istand in the doorway, watching the sunlight reflect off the water of the infinity pool. Soon, the house and the beach will swarm with guests, to celebrate the end of summer. The past few months, I’ve intentionally avoided the crowds because the topic ofeveryone’sconversation has been my fall from grace. I would’ve skipped out on this one too, if dad hadn’t insisted I show my face.

He accused me of sulking. I told him I was strategizing. Either way, he got what he wanted, and I drove up two days ago, putting on my mask of indifference. McKay men are always in control, even when the world around them goes to shit.

For two months, I’ve smiled and nodded, weathering the pitying looks I get. They can take their sympathy and shove it up their asses. I’ve seen Bella twice, but Jordanna and Noel have disappeared. They’re probably somewhere together, laughing at my expense.

Ava and Hunter run into the room, pulling me from my thoughts. “Daddy said we can stay up for two hours for the party.”

“Did he now?” I ask, ruffling Hunter’s hair.

“Yes.” He puffs out his chest, proud that he got our dad to agree to that.

“And what did you have to give up for that concession?”

Ava scrunches her nose. “We have to eat all our vegetables for a week.”

Hunter makes a similar face. “Even the peas and squishy zucchini.”

“Oh no,” I chuckle. “The horror.”

“And no video games today when mommy and Cruella come.” Hunter concludes.

Ah. So that’s the real reason dad said yes. He wants them running around when their mothers get here. I’m not saying they parent by proxy, but they parent by proxy.

“Logan, is your mommy coming too?” Hunter asks.

As luck would have it, she is. I nod, and Ava gets a weird look on her face. “What’s wrong, pea?”

“Is she still digging for daddy’s gold to keep herself?”

Great. The queen gold digger’s still talking shit about my mother, as if it’s her fault wife number three got caught deep throating dad’s old accountant in the bathroom at the lawyer’s office, trying to convince him to help her steal from Ava’s trust fund. She accused my mother of having her followed, which is far from the truth. Dad was having the accountant followed since he’d missed several filing deadlines for some important tax forms.

Ava’s mother thought a little game of slap and tickle would be enough to get him to funnel money over to her account. She failed to read the part of her Prenup that said the trust funds for all dad’s kids are controlled by the same executor. My mom, until I’m twenty-five, and then I’ll be in charge of the littlest McKay’s inheritances. That’s really gonna piss them off.

Ava and Hunter run off, and I go back to staring out the window, thinking of my women troubles. Well, one woman. Even after everything, I can’t bring myself or my dick to fixate on anyone else. Fixing myself another drink, I wander towards the stairs, pausing when I hear voices coming from dad’s study.

“I know what the expectation is. He’s not ready.”

“Then, I suggest you get him ready, or prepare to sign control over to Aiden.”

“He’s no more ready to run things than Hunter is. And I’d trust my eight-year-old to make decisions before I’d pay any attention to what your son has to say.”

I don’t know what they’re arguing about, but I’m with dad. My little brother shows more common sense than my cousin.

“At any rate, Aiden’s settled, looking to expand the family line. He’s ready for the next step, while Logan has no prospects in his future.”

Right, because Claire is such a winner. She’s gonna bite his head off like a praying mantis on their honeymoon.

“Logan’s particular about the women he spends time with. I think we can all agree on the importance of that.”

“What we can agree on is we need someone dependable, at the helm of the company. Family is important, which is why grandfather put that codicil in his will.”

“He also stipulates line of succession passes to the firstborn son, of the firstborn son.”

“Unlesshe’s unable to meet those terms. You and your runaway bride made him see a tighter reign was necessary.”

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