Page 24 of The Broken Queen
Pulling away from Adrian’s hold, I stood at the edge of the table and stared down at the man crying there.
“What’s his name?” I gently pulled the cloth out of my grandfather’s mouth and then brushed his hair back. He continued to silently cry.
“Paul,” Markos replied coldly.
“Hello, Paul. I’m Presley, your granddaughter. I don’t know why I never met you, or why I never heard anything about you, but you should know that my mother is healthy and happy. I’m their only child, and I’m sorry that you have to die. I’m sorry that this is the beginning and end of our relationship.”
Paul waved me closer while his breathing began to become labored.
Leaning in, I heard him whisper, “I have stage four cancer. I only have a few months left to live anyway. Please don’t feel any guilt over this kill.”
“Enough!” Markos yelled.
I stroked his forehead one last time before pressing the barrel of the gun between his eyebrows, and then I pulled the trigger.
Chapter 9
Presley
“We’re leaving.”
Adrian’s voice boomed throughout the room, causing Renzo and Benni to look at us. I stood immediately and reached for my fiancé, allowing him to pull me to his side. He then walked around the table and gestured for Alex to join us.
“I arranged for you to stay here tonight, Son,” Markos remarked blandly while putting his phone to his ear. He spoke in Italian for someone to come clean up the mess in the dining room.
I refused to look at Paul. I had set the gun down next to his body as the blood from his head leaked over the table and dripped to the floor. Which is why I was so grateful for Adrian’s declaration of our departure.
“No. We’re leaving. Now.”
Alex moved directly next to me, crowding my shoulder. It took all of my strength not to hold her hand and ensure we didn’t get separated again.
“Surely allow Alexandria to remain here, her things are in herroom, and she hasn’t had a chance to pack,” Markos replied, flicking a quick glance at Renzo and Benni.
Alex spoke up, boldly and clearly. “Thank you so much, Markos. I’d like to be with my sister.”
A tremble worked through me at her declaration and claim on me. My fingers threaded through hers, silently telling her that I too, considered her my sister. My family. I’d do anything to protect her, even if that meant going home and facing all that had destroyed me.
“We’re going, Father. You cannot expect me to stay after what you just pulled.”
Markos smiled while spreading his hands wide. “My gift?”
“Fuck off,” Adrian scoffed, while pulling me behind him toward the door. I held on to Alex for dear life as we exited the house. Benni and Renzo remained in their father’s house, and I preferred that, especially after they’d tossed wine in my grandfather’s face. The anger of the incident hadn’t settled into my bones yet, but once it did, I was going to enact a little vengeance.
Adrian immediately settled into the driver’s seat while I got into the back with Alex. We huddled together while the car sped out of the driveway, kicking up gravel behind it. I didn’t look behind me to see if any lights followed us, but Adrian quickly pulled his cell up and began ordering his men to follow him.
“I’m so sorry, Presley. I—” His voice cut off with emotion before he slammed his palm against the steering wheel. “Fuck, this was never supposed to happen.”
“What was supposed to happen?” I asked.
His eyes caught mine in the mirror, but he didn’t respond. Within half an hour, we were driving through his gate and surrounded by armed men.
“This is his home?” Alex whispered while glancing out the window. It was too dark to make anything out other than the armed men and a few gas lanterns lit outside the home.
“Yeah, it’s safe.” I tried to reassure her, but I didn’t actually know if it was or not.
Adrian parked and immediately exited the car. He started ordering his men to take up posts and positions around the perimeter. As Alex and I exited the car, I caught a few pieces of Italian where he mentioned Markos and his brothers. He didn’t want them to be granted access without Adrian being notified.
“Come.” Adrian walked ahead of us and waved us inside. The lights of his home immediately welcomed us with soft lighting, and a warm fire that his staff had already lit for when we’d arrive.
