Page 95 of Brutal King

He grabbed me by the shoulders, his blue eyes boring into mine. “Every minute I forced Shannon to stay, was a minute you were in danger. The McKenzies are not weak. They would have come to take them away and killed us in the process. I had to choose and I chose you. Do you understand, son? I chose you.”

As I’ve done for several days, I stare at my father’s portrait, the question of how he could have let my brother go blaring in my mind.

A choice. It always came down to him choosing. How could I be angry with him for that? He had to choose one son, or lose both.

Yet, all these years later, knowing how dangerous his life was, I still cannot comprehend it. I thought I could. I’d made peace with.

Everything changed the moment I found out Sofia is carrying my child. My blood. A piece of me I’d burn down the world for.

Nothing and no one could ever separate me from them. My hands roll into fists at the very thought of having anyone take them away.

Father allowed it. How? Why?

I grab my phone and re-read the message I sent to Rowan shortly after the battle for his territory.

Me: How are you?

Rowan: Good. You?

Me: Disappointed. I need a brother.

Rowan: I do too.

Me: Then come back.

Rowan: Someday.

Me: The alliance will kill me.

Rowan: The alliance will never hurt you. I won’t let them.

A smile paints across my face at my brother’s response. We’ve talked a lot since then, that just happens to be the first time he showed loyalty to me.

In return, I was there when he asked. Another alliance member was turned away by Luca last week. Gavin Alexander, Sean Murphy’s brother, was in trouble. His casino in Las Vegaswas overtaken by none other than Marco Tadesco, the coward who was too afraid to take his father’s place in Chicago. He would rather steal Gavin’s empire than to claim his own because it would put him on my hit list.

Didn’t make much of a difference in the end. Rowan asked me to help Gavin take back The Red, and I did. It was fun fighting along my brother once more. Having been the one to put a bullet in Marco’s head was just the cherry on top.

As far as Gavin was concerned, I promised to leave him in peace. I’d forgive his brother’s transgression against my father for two reasons. One, Gavin cut ties with the alliance. Two, because there’s something I need that only he can provide.

A temporary hiding place for Sofia.

“I thought you were going to get me a jacket.” Sofia comes into the study with the silk cloak I ordered for her. “This is something I’d wear to the opera, not outside with jeans.”

I extend a hand to her, motioning her to come to me. She glances at Father’s image, as she always seems to, her eyes narrowed.

“He doesn’t bite,” I tell her.

“I don’t like the way he looks at me.” She exaggerates a shiver.

“He’s dead, Sofia. Come.” She shakes off whatever feeling has come over her and plops down on my lap. I kiss her neck and breathe her in, my hand resting on her tummy. “How is she?”

“She?” Sofia pulls away and arches a brow.

“That’s what you call her.”

“Well, that’s because I hope she’s a girl and makes your life hell.”

I chuckle. “A boy could do that too.”

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