Page 34 of Brutal King

“I like games. I thought you did too.”

“Not yours. They’re childish and petty and I won’t play along.”

“Oh, you will play, Sofia. And I promise, there is nothing childish about it.” I down the remainder of my wine and stand. With my palms flat on the table, I lean toward her. She shrinks into her chair, but doesn’t avert her gaze. Good. I’ve got her attention. “That’s right, Little Bird. You’re the only thing standing between your brother’s life and his death.”

“What are the rules?”

“They’re simple. Your brother is a pebble in my shoe. You need to keep my attention off him. Entertain me.”

“Fine. Can I go now?”

“You didn’t let me finish. If I have nothing keeping me here, the first thing I’ll do is pay your brother a visit. He’s looking for me anyway.”

Her eyes widen as she realizes the severity of her predicament. That her choices will have consequences far beyond these walls.

“Entertain you, huh? Should I dress up like a clown and make jokes?”

I chuckle. “Unless you want to get shot, never dress like a clown. They terrify me.”

“Then what? What the fuck is the game?”

Because I’m winging it now, I make a dramatic pause to think of what exactly it is I want from her. I tap my finger against my bottom lip. What would make her squirm? What would excite her? Terrify her? Utterly frustrate her?

“We can make this fun for both of us,” I say. “You’re competitive. I can tell.”

“I’ve been told it’s a flaw,” she sniffs. “But I don’t agree.”

“I don’t either. You also desire your freedom above all else. You’re tired of men like me holding you against your will. It makes you feel powerless, and that goes against your DNA.”

She narrows her gaze on me. “What, are you a killeranda shrink?”

“I’ve been watching you, remember?”

Swallowing hard, she averts her eyes. “Get to the point.”

“First, the stakes. They must be high.”

“Of course.”

“If I win, my war with Luca will continue until one of us dies. As for you, you will remain here with me for as long as I wish. Willingly. You will play the role of captive little bird to a tee, stepping into, what did you call it? Ah, yes, a cage. You will step into your cage and shut the door behind you.”

“And if I win?”

“I will let you fly home and your family will be safe from me.” I extend my hand to hers. “Do you agree?”

It takes her several moments, her stare affixed on my hand, before she reaches for it. “And the game?”

“It’s a game of love and seduction. You have four months to?—”

Laughter erupts from her as she snatches her hand out of mine. “Let me finish this for you. I have four months to fall inlove with you. You’re going to seduce me with your sexy dark looks and expensive gifts. And I will have to fight not to love you because you’re so handsome and broken.” She rolls her eyes. “Let me save you months of work. Yeah, I’ll be the first to admit I’m attracted to you. I’m the idiot that got in the car. But wanting to fuck and being in love are two very distinct things. I promise that I dislike you so much that there is no thin line between love and hate. There’s an ocean and you, my enemy, are not equipped to traverse it. So just give me my reward. Let me go.”

My lips pull upward in amusement as she smooths her hair back and straightens her spine. Her confidence in her abilities is palpable.

“I’m sure if that were the game, you’d win,” I tell her. “Unfortunately, you’re a bit off.”

Her brow furrows. “What is it, then?”

“Yes, there will be four months, but it isyouthat must seduceme. You must do whatever it takes to make me love you.”

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