Page 7 of The Devil's Chaos

I spat blood from the side of my mouth and glared up at him, letting the derision in my voice thicken. “And you’ve always been a monster, just like our father,” I sneered, hoping to rattle him.

Alex laughed bitterly. “Is that supposed to hurt my feelings? Monsters rule this world, and I am the most powerful monster here. Look around you. Do you see anyone rushing to your rescue? Of course not. And do you know why? Because you’re nothing but a whore. Just like every other woman. Just like our mother. Only good for wrapping your mouth around our cocks and birthing our spawn. There are no heroes in your story, Haven. You’ll always be exactly what I allow you to be. And right now, that’s the good little slut that is going to go back in there and please Winston and his geriatric friends so that our father can secure a very important deal and be one step closer to taking down that Brotherhood trash,” he hissed the words at me, his face twisted with hate, and the veins in his neck bulging in anger.

“Dad won’t be pleased when he learns you hit me and damaged his bargaining tool.”

“Maybe not, but once he and Winston form an alliance, he won’t care. You better not screw this up, or I’ll lock you up so far underground no one will find you.”

Why was this partnership so important?

My father was a powerful man, while Winston Grey wasn’t at the highest level of the elite. What could Winston Grey possibly have that my father wanted? Clearly enough to waste his time entertaining Winston and his associates. My father was not the one to entertain others—they entertained him.

“The way I see it, this deal with Winston Grey must be pretty advantageous if you’re willing to let a bunch of old men touch what is yours. Tell me, brother, what’s in it for you?” I challenged, baiting him.

“Archer King.”

“Archer King? The son of Cassian King?”

“The one and only.”

“But what does he have to do with our father?” It was effortless to get Alex talking, especially when his ego got in the way. He loved bragging about his intellect, and all it took was a little nudge to get him started, and secrets would pour out.

“Cassian King, along with a few others, runs New York City. Right now, they are the leaders of The Brotherhood. When Cassian gives up his throne, his son Archer will take his place. Archer is ambitious, reckless, and more of a thorn in my side than his father. He and his merry band of followers have been sabotaging our business dealings and have created quite a headache for dear old Dad, which trickles down to me since I’m trusted with ensuring that these business dealings happen. If they don’t, we don’t get paid. So, the sooner the Kings are out of the picture, the faster we can—well, that’s really none of your concern, Haven. It’s above your pay grade.”

That’s when it hit me.

I could trade information for my freedom. I knew the extent of The Brotherhood’s influence in the city. I surmised they would do anything to eliminate the Benson family cancer that was spreading. It was time for me to stop playing it safe and put the few skills I had to offer to the test. Everyone in my family, especially my brother, thought I was only good for lying on my back or sucking dick. I would prove them wrong, even if it killed me in the process.

“It may be above my pay grade, brother. But I’d like to know if my life is in danger, given that you and our father are planningan assault on the most powerful family in New York City. And using little ole me to secure an alliance with a traitor.”

“Focus on following orders, and you’ll have nothing to worry about.” His eyes narrowed, and his face went blank, lost in thought.

When his forehead furrowed, I could tell my words had affected him. My brother was nervous. I wanted to push him more, but I would never see the sunlight again if he figured out I was digging for information.

“No more stalling,” he said through clenched teeth. “It’s impolite to keep our guests waiting.”

4

FOUR

KAI

Haven brushed past me, and her scent lingered in the air, making it difficult to resist the urge to pull her back into my space.

Instead, I let her leave.

I needed to do something before I followed her. Pulling out my cell phone, I called Theo.

“Yo,” he answered.

“I need you to do me a favor and pull everything you can on Haven Benson, Abel Benson’s daughter.”

I may have fibbed when I told her that I knew everything about her. The truth was, I didn’t even know he had a daughter.

“Abel Benson has a daughter?”

“Yeah, I just met her.”

“At The Pink Monkey? What is the daughter of a crime boss doing at a strip club?” He sounded just as surprised as I was when I first saw her.

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