Page 6 of King

“A chance for what?” he huffs, his eyes turning away from me at the mention of our past.

I’ve made him uncomfortable. His fists clench and unclench at his side and he presses his lips together, closing his eyes for a moment.

“A chance to make something right.” I sigh, trying to sort through the jumble of words spinning in my mind.

“Stop talking in riddles and spit it out, Zina. Today is not about you. It’s about saying goodbye to my wife, and your presence here is nothing but a hinderance.” He growls.

I’m about to tell him what I came to say when the door to the kitchen bursts open and all three of his son’s spill into the space.

“Dad, what the hell is going on?” Santino demands.

“Who is she? And who is that?” Romeo snaps, pointing at my son.

Guido steps behind me as tensions rise.

Dante says nothing, but his eyes are locked onto me with hatred.

“Boys, you need to give us a moment. We have things to discuss.” Giovanni tells them, but not one of them makes an effort to leave.

“If he’s allowed to be in here, then so are we.” Dante says, gesturing towards Guido with his chin.

Giovanni sneers in annoyance. He never liked to be disobeyed, even back then, he hated it when people said no to him. It’s one of the things that made him so attractive. His dominance, his ability to make me do whatever he wanted.

My cheeks flush at the memory and I quickly blink them away.

There have been so many nights when I’ve dreamed of him and the passion we used to share.

But that was long ago.

And it’s not why I’m here.

Giovanni glares at his oldest son. “Santino, get your brothers out of here. This conversation is private.”

“No, dad, we have a right to know what?—”

“Santino!” He snaps.

“Giovanni, Santino is right, they should hear this - “ I say boldly, knowing I’m playing with fire and it’s going to quickly turn into a rain uncontrollable blaze.

“Who the hell are you to tell me what my sons can and can’t be part of.” He steps close to me, tilting his chin down as his bright green eyes shoot anger into mine.

I don’t budge.

I can’t show weakness.

“Your family deserves to know.” I say calmly.

“Know what?” Santino insists, getting impatient.

“You need to leave.” Giovanni snaps at me.

“No.” I say, keeping my tone neutral.

In a rage, Giovanni grabs my arm and drags me towards the door. He pulls me out of the kitchen, through the main hall as everything single one of his guests turns to watch.

Their eyes are glued to us as he marches me ceremoniously out of the church hall and through the wide wooden doors that lead onto the front steps.

He pushes me into the rain.

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