Page 114 of Kings Against the World

I’m sure as hell one of them.

I glance sideways at Zoe. She’s still in his grip, his hand clamped around her upper arm. But as motionless and stoic as she looks, I pick up on other subtle, telltale signs she’s anything but.

Her almond-shaped, hazel eyes burn with a hunger I recognize.

It’s the same hunger that I’m sure are in mine.

She’s waiting for the right moment, same as me.

Boone’s tone goes even more theatrical. “Did you really think you’d get to meet up and do some peace talks without me, Wheels? Did you think I’d just let that go down?”

Wheels’s face reddens. “This isn’t your territory, Ace. You head back to Houston where you’ve got pull.”

Boone wags a finger at him like a scolding parent. “Wheels, you poor, delusional jailbird. I’ve got pulleverywhere. My reach is that far. That wide. How do you think I pulled off what I did in Vegas? How do you think I got you and your club of Rebels to help me out? We’re supposed to be in this together. Which means I didn’t authorize this little meet-up of yours.”

Silver cuts in, unfazed by Boone’s peacocking. “Enough of this. We didn’t come here to be ambushed. Though we were prepared for it.”

He gives a sharp nod that’s the signal. The solitary gesture that’s all it takes.

From the tree line, movement stirs. Men emerge from the shadows, stepping forward, rifles ready. The second group of Steel Kings reveal themselves as part of this fight, led by Mace.

If the Rebels and Boone’s men want it, we’re gonna damn sure give it.

Boone lets out another laugh like somebody’s just told a joke. He’s thrilled to see even more men on the scene, more of a chance to assert himself.

On the flip side, Wheels isn’t laughing. His face twists in frustration as he turns to Silver. “The peace talk was real. I’ve got nothing to do with Boone showing up!”

Silver’s unconvinced. He doesn’t spare Wheels a response, instead issuing a command to the second group of my brothers. “First sign of a move, open fire!”

Silence echoes after his words. His declaration that this will get bloody and violent if need be. Now it’s time to hold our breaths and wait for the first person to get things cracking.

Boone’s smirk fades just a little. If those large shades weren’t covering his eyes, something tells me the light in them would be dimmed. “Is that really so smart, Prez? You’re outnumbered. Even with your backup.”

“We've never backed down from a fight before,” Silver answers, squaring his shoulders. “Outnumbered or not, we still come out on top, Boone.”

Boone seems amused by Silver’s determination and grit. It’s all over his expression. The vibe he gives off, like he just heard his favorite song.

I clock it immediately—he likes Silver. In his own twisted, nonsensical way, Boone respects a man who doesn’t fold. He finds his stubbornness entertaining. It makes it an even better show when somebody like Silver stands his ground.

“Well, I do like a man who doesn’t back down from a fight,” he admits. “That I can respect.”

Rollins staggers forward, not only his face red but his ears too now. “We didn’t agree to this! We held up our end of the bargain!”

“Do you ever shut up, Wheels?” Boone sighs dramatically. “Fuck, how did I never notice you were so damn whiny? No wonder none of the other inmates at the jail liked you. Bet you got your ass beat at prison, huh?”

I’m only half listening. My focus has shifted—my gut tight as I look toward Zoe. She’s remained still in Boone’s grasp… except for the slow movement of her left hand. She slips the switchblade between her fingers so subtly that if I weren’t watching her directly, I wouldn’t notice it.

No one else does.

Ice floods my veins. My whole body tenses more than it already is. My eyes snap to hers, trying to catch her attention. I know what she’s planning and I can’t fucking allow it. Even if I know I’ve got to let her do her thing.

Zoe’s a woman who wants to handle herself.

But how can I let her when this could go so wrong?

She’s not looking at me. She’s staring straight ahead, the look on her face emotionless… but also one of pure fearless bravery.

Her mind’s set on what she needs to do.

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