Page 53 of Broken Saint

Oh shit.

I looked up in time to see Ronin grab Luca by the collar of his black shirt and throw him against the wall, his head landing with a resounding crack. Paintings crashed, causing glass to rain down on Luca's limp now form. I could see the blood spurting from what looked like a broken nose. None of which seemed to faze Ronin at all as he punched him again in the side of the head.

"Ronin." My father started. "That isn't necessary. He didn't hurt her."

"It's totally fucking necessary. She is mine now, and I specifically told you to stay away from her." The last was said at the same time he delivered a powerful kick to Luca's stomach.

The choking noises that came next sickened me. I scrambled to my knees and moved to the other side of the couch so I wouldn't have to see. Part of me wanted this. I could admit that. But actually watching one man beat another to death wasn't on my bucket list.

Ronin crossed to Luca and pressed his heel against the other man's neck. "If I were you, I wouldn't move. I'm far more inclined to kill you than to let you go." He spat in his face. "I had better never see your trash around her ever again, is that understood?"

"I think you've made your point." My father slowly enunciated. "However, if she is in your house now, I'd suggest you straighten her out before she turns rat against you. Going soft on your woman makes you look weak."

"I won't look weak when I tear you limb from limb in front of your own man."

A chill worked down my body. I had no doubt that Ronin meant what he said.

"Please, Ronin. I'm fine." I came out from behind the furniture and met his gaze. I recognized the bloodlust because I'd felt it too. Hell, I wasn't sure I had it in check, but the image of my sister in trouble reminded me that I had to stop this. For her sake.

He turned to Luca and spat again. "Next time, you won't get out alive. I hope I've made that clear."

For once, Luca did not turn his legendary sneer on his opponent. Nor did he say anything. It was possible Ronin had broken his jaw.

Ronin stepped away from him then and straightened his shirt and tie. "Honestly, if we meet again like this, I won't mind. I would take great pleasure in breaking every bone in your body before I separate your head from your body and deliver it to your family in a pretty little gift box. My lovely fiancée, however, probably won't consent to you ever touching her again, isn't that right, darling?"

Was that supposed to be a real question that he expected me to answer? I ignored it and Ronin laughed. If I wasn't sure before about the rumors about him, I was now. Although I had a feeling he'd gone easy on Luca because of my presence.

As two more of my father's men came through my suite door and collected Luca's body, I didn't miss the look of hatred my father shot both Ronin and me on his way out. This wasn't over.

Not by a long shot.

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