Page 3 of Kneeling for Daddy
Enzo’s jaw tightens. “You’ve beenholdingthis?”
“I only came into most of it recently,” Alek says, smooth as silk. “Turns out my old man was more paranoid than I gave him credit for. Bastard kept receipts on everyone.”
I don’t like where this is going. At all.
“Why bring it here?” Cillian asks, his voice low.
“Because you have something I want. AndIhave something I don’t.”
“What do you want?”
Alek flashes that predatory grin. “Simple. I have two conditions, and all ofthatdisappears forever.”
“Let’s hear them,” Enzo insists tightly.
“First, I join your empire. I’ve got more connections than you can count in the little gun game you’ve got going. And my connections havea lotof fucking money.”
I glance at Enzo. Then Cillian. They nod subtly.
“And?” Cillian prompts. “What else?”
Alek turns to me, his dark smile growing wider, and I already hate what’s coming. “You marry my sister.”
“I’m sorry, what?” I choke on a laugh, pushing from my perch on the edge of the counter.
“My sister,” he repeats, like I’m hard of hearing. “That bratty bitch needs to be someone else’s problem. So, that means she’s your responsibility now.”
Staring back at him in silent disbelief, all I can do is blink as I wait for the punchline. A punchline that clearly isn’t coming. “Wait. You’re fucking serious?”
Oh, fuck… he’s deadly fucking serious.
“She’s pretty. She’s notcompletelyinsufferable. But she needs someone who can keep her in check. Someone who won’t be intimidated by her tantrums and sharp mouth. And from what I hear…” He smirks. “You like the ones who bite.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose and vehemently shake my head with a grumble. “I’m not marrying some… some mafia handoff just becauseyoudon’t want to babysit her anymore.”
Alek raises an eyebrow. “Then I guess I’ll take this little folder to a few old friends at the FBI. Or the press. Whoever answers my call first.”
Enzo takes a step forward, fists clenched. “Hold up?—”
“I’m offering you a deal,” Alek interrupts smoothly. “One that lets you keep your kingdom and makes mine one Iactuallywant to deal with. It’s good business.”
My gaze flits between my brothers. Neither of them speaks. I open my mouth to say something, but my throat is so dry I can’t muster a sound. My hands curl into fists as my eyes flick between my brothers and the smug kid holding my future in his hands. “This is a fucking joke,” I choke.
Alek coyly tilts his head. “She’s arriving later tonight. I’ll send you the location in the morning.”
My jaw drops and I blurt, “You brought her here?”
“Would’ve been a waste of time if you’d said no.” He shrugs, flipping his phone casually in his palm. “But you won’t. Youcan’t.Not if you want to keep what you’ve built or stay out of prison.”
He turns toward the elevator, and I follow behind him, still waiting for someone—anyone—to laugh at this absurd joke. “We can finalize terms over breakfast,” Alek insists, stepping into the elevator cab with his security. As the doors close, he smiles broadly and adds, “I’ll let her know you’re excited to meet her.” He winks as the doors shut with a soft ding, and I feel my stomach drop with the elevator.
And just like that, he’s gone.
And apparently so are any plans I had for my bachelorhood.
The three of us stand in silence, heavier than any gun in the room. From the couch, I feel Madison and Eavan watching us. Waiting. I run a hand down my face and grouse, “You’ve gotta be fucking kidding me.”
Enzo leans against the counter again, tension radiating off him. “This isn’t good.”
