Page 48 of River & Crown
Rize's smile faded. Sweet talk and compliments did nothing but detonate my urge to kill the nigga giving them.
"Crown, it hurts my feelings that you didn't fill Rivian in on who I am. Hurt my feelings like that again, and I may have to add your name to mylist."
Without saying much, Crown knew exactly what I was implying. The list was the last place anyone in their right mind truly wanted to be. Had it been found by authorities, I'd probably be locked away doing some crazy number of consecutive life sentences since New York doesn't allow the death penalty.
I zeroed in on Crown, half expecting some witty comeback that would slice the undeniable tension in the room, but it never came. I studied his meek expression, desperately searching for thewhythat carried his silence.
“You being hurt is crazy, Syn. We both know your ass is incapable of feeling."
His words taunted me. They landed like a cruel joke. It was weird because I've expressed that same sentiment a few times. Hearing it from Crown in such a crude manner made what Ithought gave me strength feel like a frailty. As hurt as I was, my confidence never faltered.
"Rivian, carry what I'm about to say with you. Emotions and feelings are like an untamed storm that clouds a person's sense of reason. They're fleeting, temporarily passing, taking a clear mind and losing it in a tide. Emotions fade the bigger picture, and passion drowns the truth. So yeah, I don't do feelings, emotions, or passion because I always operate in logic, even in this moment. I'm giving a lesson instead of letting the unsettling urge to aim my gun between your eyes get the best of me. Crown, you know I don't make empty threats. Tread lightly with what you say next."
"I guess I should be thankful, huh?" He snickered.
"You should, but since I know appreciation won't follow, I'll ask, why are you here?"
I was over the pleasantries of seeing my friend and wanted him out of my face before my urge took over.
"I got word that someone is moving in on my territory."
"I ask again... why are you?"
"Nothing happens in Ember Hills without Killian knowing. The way I see it, your brother is allowing someone to come in and set up shop. Out of the love I have for you, I'm here to ask if this is how your family treats a nigga who's always been a call away foryou?"
The weight that hung on hisyouwasn't lost on me. Crown has always been loyal to me. Killian never dealt with Crown. His point of contact was Honor. Crown and I built a relationship through Lynx. We'd always been there for each other, no matter what. I took a deep and controlled breath in an effort to control my anger, then stepped in his direction. Grim and Ghost collars chimed as their heads followed my movement, ready to attack if necessary.
"Cortez," I gently spoke, letting him know my guard was down. "I would never allow anyone to come into Ember Hills to wipe you out. Whoever gave you this information is obviously trying to divide and conquer."
"Choyce."
"Choyce?" I frowned, unsure of who Crown was speaking of because it couldn't be Lucian's son's wife. From what I understood, she was nothing more than a beard for her husband.
"Choyce Bocelli," he clarified, and I was shocked.
"Talon's wife?"
Crown nodded, sending my head swirling, trying to make sense of how this happened.
"How?" I quizzed after coming up empty with a logical explanation.
"Long story short, she took over for her father, Chance, as Lucian's right hand. Well, Talon's right hand since he's starting to run things for his father," Crown explained.
"Hmph." I paused. "And you trust her?"
"No, but she has no reason to lie."
"Oh, but I do? The woman who has buried countless fucking bodies for you has a reason to deceive you?"
See... fucking emotions. I loved to think I didn't feel things, but I did. I didn't care for many. I only cared for three people on this entire planet — my Vovo, Killian, and Crown. That was it. Those three were the only people to ever get a rise out of me.
"Not saying you do, but I'm here to get answers."
"I'm telling you I would never allow anyone to?—"
"Yes, my gracious and loyal sister would never allow anyone to step on the roots you planted here, which is why she doesn't run this quaint borough of ours. Despite what she likes to think, Emersynisemotionally driven."
Killian's voice traveled through the foyer like nails on a chalkboard. Sharp, rigid, and shrilling. Both dogs rose in alertand then moved in unison with their rightful owner. The three of them lurched forward until they were a breath away from Crown. Rize and I were to their left, but we might as well have not been in the room at all.
