Page 134 of Kissing the Villain

“No, not really,” Sonny admitted.

“We saw it coming,” Drake said. “Luca’s fucked this up for years. It was only a matter of time before Arlo or Carl enforced the Charter.”

I glanced at Marcello. “What about you?”

Marcello shrugged his broad shoulders against the chair. “Not really. I think it shocked Luca the most. He’s always thought it was his right to lead the Knights. I don’t think he’s ever considered the possibility of losing control.”

“What did my grandfather mean when he said I must choose who stays and goes?” I said to no one in particular.

An eerie silence fell over the group.

“One of you better open your mouth,” I snapped. “If you want me to be your queen, start talking. I don’t care about the rules.”

“You choose us atLegare,” Marcello told me.

I angled my body to look at him. “Like in the dream I had?”

“That happened, Alex. You can’t trust your memories, but it wasn’t a dream.”

“I only remember choosing you.”

The patio door slid open, and Kali’s voice filled the air. “Hey, boys… and queen bee.”

“Here comes trouble,” Sonny said with a smile trained on Kali.

With her long, blonde locks and pretty features, she beamed like a ray of light. My new friend sauntered to my side of the table, wearing a bikini beneath her pale blue dress that complemented her skin.

Kali bent down to hug me. “How have you been, girl? I bet this group of degenerates has been keeping you busy. They’re a handful, am I right?”

“Who are you calling a degenerate?” Sonny asked as she dipped her head down to kiss his cheek.

“All of you,” She ran her hand through his perfectly styled hair. “But you especially, Sonny Mac.”

He groaned as he fixed his hair back into its usual perfect place. “When are we having lunch on my yacht?”

“Ask Alex. That’s up to her.”

“You’ll have to ask my captors,” I said with my gaze on Marcello.

Marcello shook his head. “Whenever you want. As long as you don’t piss me off.”

“Little old me?” I covered my heart with my hand. “I wouldn’t dream of doing anything to annoy my warden.”

“Alex,” Marcello grunted. “We’re long past that.”

“I know. I just like getting under your skin.”

“We’re going sailing next weekend,” Sonny confirmed. “That’s happening whether Marcello is still in that chair.”

“I’m only in this chair because of our queen.”

“Excuses,” Damian said with a sinister grin. “Maybe you’re just a pussy.”

“Marcello’s playing his hand,” Finn said with eyes on me. “I’d sit in that chair if Alex would sit on my lap and feed me.”

“What is with you guys?” I said to the group, my eyes moving between them. “Do you need to get laid?”

They roared with laughter.

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