Page 94 of Ashes of Sin

“That’s not the type of business we’re in Maddox,” Connor says. “You wasted a phone call.”

Then I hear the click.

I drop the phone beside me and stare at the wall. Waiting. Ten minutes later, an encrypted message lands on my screen.

Using my fucking software.

I would smirk if this wasn’t so damn serious.

Have you finished playing with my bride?My father’s words have played over and over in my head, driving me insane. I hate that he got to me, but my priorities have changed.

I will pay whatever price there is to pay to have her back in my arms. In fact, I already tried that.

“How much?” I asked Derek Fox when he answered his phone last night.

Silence.

“How did you get this number?”

I snorted.

“I’m capable of much more than finding your private mobile number, Derek. Now how much to stop this wedding?”

I heard his deep inhale.

“You can’t stop it, Maddox. The wedding is going ahead.” I hear the sound of glass on glass, then the sound of him pouring liquid.

Yeah, he will need a stiff drink for this conversation. I’ve already thrown back three fingers of Macallan.

“Bullshit. Everything has a price.”

He’s quiet, which I assume is because he’s taking a long drink. Or thinking. Wouldn’t it be nice to pretend that he’s considering Kyra’s future and happiness? But I’m not naïve. I haven’t been for a very long time.

Derek Fox is considering himself and only himself.

I wonder if he even loves his daughter.

How can he?

If I had a little girl, I’d love and protect her with every part of my being. And more. I’d move heaven and earth, gut a man, and destroy governments if it meant ensuring no corrupt and grubby old man touched her.

I would die for her.

Kyra has never had anyone protecting her. I know she’d see it as me taking away her freedom—which yes, okay, I did hold her captive—but if she gives me another chance, I’ll show her the difference.

Fine line, I realize.

A possessive man like me could be the last thing she needs, and yet, I’ve decided she is mine.

Forever.

She needs your dominance and to be owned. Even if she doesn’t understand it yet.

Parker made sense.

But last night I was still trying to do the right thing and not slit Pierce’s throat in broad daylight. I want Kyra to have the freedom of choice to walk into my arms. If that means letting him live so she isn’t scared of me, or disgusted by me, then...

No promises, but I think I would.

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