Page 25 of Brutal Collateral

I flatten my lips. “Is he buried with Father?”

“No. Our beloved Alexander wouldn’t want to be buried with a man he hated, but because it was sudden, I looked into Father’s plot and found out there wasn’t an open spot.”

“What? Only he and Mother...”

Ares looks down. My God, our mother is dead and buried without Father telling us.

“I’m not robbing a grave and exhuming bodies right now. I purchased a new family plot.” Ares stands up and the two men in suits fall in line behind him. I realize that I am looking at the new head of the Greek Mafia, a man who has a war with the Irish to deal with. “These are your guards, Ava.”

“I don’t need guards.” I fold my arms.

“My men will escort you to your hotel room at the Willard, they will watch you pack, and then bring you to my plane at Dulles.” He holds my chin and leans in. “I don’t doubt your ability to get away from them, but if they show up at that plane without you, Iwillkill them.”

Neither guard moves a muscle.

I tuck my phone inside my jacket. My brother won’t grab my breasts to get it. Even though I bought it with my own money, I know how this works. I’ll have to surrender it eventually.

Damn, I’m cornered.

“Alexander mentioned wanting to take out the Irish,” I whisper and it hurts to say his name. “And that he needed my help.”

I study Ares to see if he knew of Alex’s plan to put me in charge of the attack mission. How Alexander appreciated my strength, cheered me on to be a badass.

“We are still at war, Ava, yes.”

“Alexander gave me a thumb drive with intel, who to strike, where. Said he needed me by his side. I planned to honor that.” I doubt Ares will make me his second. “Is that what you need me to do?”

“Not exactly.”

“But youarethe God of War.”

“Even I know when it’s time to make peace.”

“Then what can I possibly do to help you?”

He grins. “I’m so glad you asked.”

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