Page 6 of Prince of Malice

He grips my arm and yanks me from the safety of the group, pushing into my personal space.

He’s quite imposing up close.

“Oh, Dominic, it’s so nice to see you.” I try to hide my shock. “I can’t believe this has all happened so quickly.”

“I know, right? It’s surprising. Your father must have been quite desperate.” He smirks.

“Well, I don’t think you can be too desperate for love, now can you?” I laugh awkwardly.

“Oh, right, sure. Got to keep up appearances for everyone. Can’t let everyone know just how hopeless you Valentis are,” he mutters.

What’s his problem?

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“All I mean is that your father was practically begging for us to dust off his reputation.This is basically a thank you party for saving your asses,” he jabs.

“Very funny, Dom, but that’s no way to talk about family.” I raise my voice, knowing exactly what he’s doing.

“Exactly. We’re family. This is just how brothers talk to each other. You’ll get used to it.”

“As long as you can take as much as you give.” A smile forms on my face.

“Don’t you worry about me. I’ll be fine. It’s you I’m worried about. I didn’t suspect the Valenti heir to be so sensitive,” he spurns.

I lean in closely, only speaking to him. “Well, it must be a lot easier to be the middle child who’s needed for nothing and can waste their time being a screw-up.”

His jaw tightens, and before I know it, he lunges at me, grabbing my collar. Soon, my back is pushed against the wall behind me.

“Why do you have to be such a smartass?” he bellows.

I can’t help but laugh. Maybe my uncle is right; the Rossis are thuggish.

His grip tightens.

“What’s wrong with you?” my father exclaims. “Get away from him!”

Maybe I was right to have my concerns.

Freed from his grasp, I can relax my body again, my assailant being taken out of reach of me.

“What is your problem? Why can’t you just behave?” Sofia scorns her son.

Dad helps me up. To be honest, I’m not as shaken up as I appear.

“We were talking, and he just attacked me,” I stutter, trying to hold back my laughter.

“That’s not—” Dominic struggles to finish his sentence.

“Enough! Get him away from here,” my father orders, and my uncles take him out of the room.

“Are you okay?” Sofia asks. “Come here.” She fixes my appearance.

“I’m okay, I’m okay. Don’t worry.”

“I’m so sorry. I don’t know what got into him,” she apologizes.

“Today must be a lot for him. It’s not his fault.”

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