Page 80 of King of Depravity

“You’re an animal,” Dimitri snarls.

“A monster, actually. But I’m Chloe’s monster, so I’m going to need your word.”

“You have my word,” Dimitri spits. “Alexander acted out of turn where Chloe was concerned. But killing the Vendetti was a favor to you.” He looks at Mason. “Antonelli was making plans that would have been to your detriment.”

Mason’s face remains completely neutral as he asks, “Are we ready to begin?”

Several men nod. My part is done but I’ll attend the meeting. The more I know, the better off I’ll be. But as I move toward the conference room, Jake stops me, handing me a stack of papers.

“What is this?” I look down at them.

“A job offer,” he winks at me. “I want you by my side, Killian.”

“Then maybe you shouldn’t have installed a camera at my front door.”

“I left the back one alone. I had no intention of disrupting a shadow.” And then he enters the conference room.

I look down at the papers. I can’t be just a shadow anymore. Chloe needs to live in the light. Which means, I’m going to have to play nice with the Kincaids.

That’s all right. It’s what men do.

And as for the Russians…they will feel my wrath. No one threatens my girl.

CHAPTERTHIRTY

Killian

The restof the meeting happens exactly as it’s supposed to happen. Contracts are signed, agreements are made.

I’m positioned near the door, leaning against the wall, a silent centaur that warns the members of this meeting not to act up again.

The man I contained has had bruises blooming along his throat over the course of the hour. He’s going to be wearing his collar high for the next few weeks.

The Russians finally leave, having to pass me by as I glare at each in turn until only Kincaids and Smiths remain in the room. I don’t move.

This is both a position of power and the best opportunity for exit should shit go south. I both block the door and can use it at my convenience.

“Killian, why don’t you come sit?” Triston asks from his place at the head of the table.

“No.” Falling in love has not softened me in this regard. I don’t explain myself.

Mason turns to me, leaning back in his chair. “You did good today.”

I eye him with suspicion. “Let’s not pretend. Yesterday you thought me a liability. Chloe too.”

I see his slight wince.

I raise my finger. “You’re forgetting, Mason. I was there when you decided Charlotte was yours. A week in and you were rewriting all the rules, including where we stood in your business. It wasn’t until Gris got together with Arabella that we were back in your good graces.”

“Meaning?”

“I’m acting just as you did. And everyone thought your actions were a liability too. Were they right or wrong?”

“I get your point, Killian. But I don’t make a habit of killing random men.”

“Bullshit.” I push off the wall. “Preston was planned. And Alexander tried to kill my woman. A man touched your wife like that, he wouldn’t see the light of day, would he?”

Mason gives a single nod in acknowledgment.

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