Page 103 of Chaos Kills

“And that’s utter destruction,” Lorenzo tacks on. “You’re not safe. It doesn’t matter what he feeds you. Emilio will require you to fall in line, and everyone is disposable.”

Tell me something I don’t know, old man.

“I wish you could confirm all this,” Lorenzo continues. “But unfortunately, Roger isn’t with us anymore.” He reaches behind him as my stomach aches from the constant reminder. But I’m not able to focus on it long because Lorenzo strides forward and presents two photos. “These are of you. Avena was obsessed with you. Especially after your mother was taken.”

I pluck the two photos from his grasp and look down at them.

Dark hair, the same blue eyes.

The same woman who just greeted me at the door but a bit younger.

It’s me.

I’m in a pink dress but with dirt on my knees. I was never one who kept my clothes in pristine condition, and it was one of the many reasons why Paisley couldn’t stand me.

I haven’t thought about that woman in eons.

“I don’t anticipate you wanting to throw your guard down and believe anything I say,” Lorenzo proclaims as I continue to stare at myself. “What I am asking you to do is consider Cairo an ally when you do take The Landing’s seat.”

“Why?” I solicit, keeping my feelings for the boys out of this whole conversation so I can think rationally. “Because it’ll be two against one?”

Lorenzo grins at me and it’s not a sinister, cocky smile but one that appears slightly amused. “I’m not worried about us being ganged up on. I have enough assets to hold us over in case that happens.”

“What’s in it for me?”

“Peace.” That one magical word. It almost sounds too good to be true at this point. Almost unattainable with everything that’s happened. “And Matteo De Leon’s head on a spike.”

My body goes slightly rigid as I lift my chin against promises I’m not sure he’s willing to keep. “Why would you do something like that?”

“Because I know what’s going on between the two of you. I am also fully aware of the hurt he’s caused. I promised Roger after he had his stroke to look out for you. I’m in charge of Levi Wallace as well.”

Good add-on.

And Lorenzo Black is either the best liar in the world, or Dad made sure to see this shit through.

“These are all pretty words,” I emit slowly. “But I don’t know you.”

He bows his head in understanding. “I get that. You’d be a fool to lay down your guard and trust someone you don’t remember. So, that’s why I’m giving you all this information to do with what you will. Also, Cairo will be assisting with anything you may need to take Emilio down.”

My eyes narrow. “I’m told many have tried, and no one has succeeded.”

“Yes,” he confirms lightly. “But you never had me.”

“And why haven’t you done that prior?”

“Because Roger wasn’t ready. And you weren’t supposed to be found.”

“But you were,” I argue. “You just told me you had assets to take down anyone who tried to come for you.”

“I’m a tired, old man, Miss Astor. Cairo was always supposed to take my place, and I had hoped Torin would take The Landings. You weren’t supposed to be in the equation. You were supposed to live your best life without knowing how much of a monster you were spawned from. You were always supposed to know Roger as your only father.”

“He is my father.”

“He is. However, things need to change, or it’ll always be chaos. I want my son to reign peacefully and my daughters to not live with a target on their backs. I also would like to see you and your sisters thrive. Wallace can also live without having to be on guard against war all the time.”

“And you planned to have all of them take out Emilio?”

“Together would bond them. There’s no reason why Wallace should hate Torin and vice versa.”

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