Page 51 of His Wife

“Yeah.” I let out a breath, leaning my head back against the edge of the couch, staring at the coffered ceiling, my insides heavy. “But I don’t like it. I don’t want to risk anyone else getting hurt by this fucking psycho.”

“You and me both, but what other option do we have? This fucker ain’t coming out to play while we keep the playground locked.”

“Fuck.” I lunge to my feet, frustration and anger bubbling like poison in my veins, and I find myself wanting to go back in time. Wanting to go back to yesterday when Leandra and I were swept up in the magic of Rome, pretending like the rest of the world didn’t exist. Now, we’re back here, and it feels like we never left.

I walk up to the window and unlatch it before opening it. Cold air floods inside, and I can smell the rain in the distance. The gray sky will soon be a tapestry of black as the sun sets. Somehow it feels like the darkness will be heavier tonight. Thicker. A mantle that would smother everything it touches. That’s what happens when you experience a piece of Heaven only to return to purgatory. The darkness becomes bitter to swallow after you’ve had a taste of the light.

Everything feels wrong. I should feel pride and confidence upon taking my father’s place, but instead, there’s this crushing weight that accompanies the flashes and images of the two women whose bodies had been brutally mutilated. Women who were under our protection. Whoever this fucker is, he’s somehow managed to drape darkness over this family, over our empire, and now, instead of walking with pride, we’re all walking on goddamn eggshells while we scatter to keep him from striking again.

“This is bullshit,” I mutter, closing the window.

“Which part?”

“All of it. This is our territory, our world.” I turn to face my brother. “We rule here. Not some twisted fuck who needs his spine torn out. I will not let this fucker dictate our every move while he hides in the shadows like a goddamn coward.”

His dark brows curve upward, and he places his hands in his pockets. “Business as usual?”

I nod. “Only this time…we catch this fucker.”

There’s a knock on the door, and Nicoli opens it. “Gabriel King.” Nicoli glances at his Rolex. “Painfully punctual as usual.”

“Nicoli.” Gabriel strolls in as my brother stands to the side. His height is imposing, his stare piercing, and presence forceful. He arches a brow when he sees me and approaches with his hand extended. “Alexius, I didn’t expect to see you here today. Aren’t you supposed to be in Rome still?”

I shake his hand. “We just came back this morning.”

“You’re jet-lagged, and already it’s back to business as usual with you.”

“No rest for the wicked.” I grin. “Whiskey?”

“Always.” He unbuttons his pristine slate-gray suit jacket before taking a seat. Thick, dark, salt and pepper hair is neatly styled, his jaw cleanly shaven, his expression one of controlled serenity. As a man of immense wealth, Gabriel King is one of our elite clients and has been for years, using Myth for his private parties fitting for a man of his...tastes. Together with a select few, Gabriel hosts indulgent events of the forbidden kind, and discretion is the only currency he’s interested in when it comes to attendance.

“To what do we owe the pleasure?” I ask, handing him his glass before taking a seat across from him.

His throat bobs as he takes a sip, closing his cobalt-blue eyes as he appreciates the smooth taste of the alcohol. “First, I’d like to offer my condolences on your father’s passing.”

“Thank you.” I lean back. “It hasn’t been easy, but knowing he’s no longer suffering has given us some comfort.” I shrug. “Business-wise, it’s been quite the adjustment.”

“I can imagine.” He places his whiskey glass down on the side table. “Which brings me to the reason I’m here. I know Myth has been closed for business temporarily, and I would like to know when you’re planning on reopening your doors again?”

Nicoli sits down next to me. “You getting a little restless, King?”

He smirks. “You could say that. It has been a while, and my associates and I are eager for things to—you know...return to normal.”

I nod. “Understandable. As a matter of fact, Nicoli and I were just talking about Myth and that it’s time to reopen our doors. Business as usual.”

“Well then, that’s great news.” He takes his glass and savors another taste. “I can go ahead and make the necessary arrangements for our next event to take place in two weeks?”

“You can.” I tilt my glass in his direction. “Myth’s doors are always open for you and your associates.”

“That’s good to hear. Thank you, Alexius.” He slams back the last of his whiskey, stands and buttons his suit jacket. “Will you be joining us?”

Gabriel’s parties are the best of its kind; a night of sin and wicked pleasures most can’t even imagine, exceeding the fantasies of those who have the privilege to attend. Under normal circumstances, I would jump at the invitation, but given how my life has changed since finding Leandra, my attendance at these events has now ended.

“Thank you for the offer, Gabriel.” I stand and straighten my suit lapels. “But I’ll have to decline respectfully.”

“Wife?” Gabriel eyes me with curiosity, yet there’s a level of understanding in his gaze.

“Indeed. A lot has changed in my life.”

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