Page 80 of Clash of Sin and Secret

I close my eyes and fight to remain calm. “By the laws of the Fondatori, I rule the Toronto seat of power. I survived the siege on our clan, and I retain the Diamond Dagger. That should raise my reign above question.”

“Agreed. No one is taking that from you. The other Fondatori rulers have simply requested a meeting to discuss it. You have been called by your peers to Seafarer’s Island. You must come and defend your throne.”

“And will Agostino be there?”

“He will.”

I resist the urge to throw my phone and start pacing. “He’s manipulating you all to force my hand. He wants me to bring the Diamond Dagger so he can take it.”

“Perhaps.” Ashikaga’s tone remains measured. “But you cannot prove yourself king simply because Francesco hid the dagger somewhere secure. The other families must see you stand and fight for what is yours.”

I run a hand through my hair, frustration building. “With all due respect, Ashikaga-san, my father hasn’t even been lain to rest, and this cousin—a man I never knew existed—is responsible for killing him. Why does he get more consideration than me or my father?”

“I understand your frustration and I agree, but my hands are tied. I was tasked with arranging the meeting, and it is my duty to comply. Given that your father’s ceremony is tonight, I will set the meeting for three nights from now. Come to the Seafarer’s Sanctuary. Bring the dagger. Stand as the king you were born to be.”

Scottie watches me with concern as I pace. Tucker and Huntley have gone silent, listening.

“And if I refuse?”

“Then you will lose face in the eyes of the other rulers, and Agostino’s age, experience, and claims of being better suited will gain traction.”

I close my eyes, knowing I’m being maneuvered but seeing no way around it. “I’ll be there.”

“Good. Your father would be proud.”

The line goes dead, and I lower the phone, meeting the worried gazes of my family. “My reign is being contested. My presence is required at a meeting of the Fondatori rulers.”

Huntley’s gaze narrows. “Agostino is making his move to get the dagger.”

“I know, but I have no choice but to comply.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Scottie

Islip off my heels, letting them clatter against the marble floor of the entranceway and pad barefooted deeper into the suite. My feet ache from standing through the memorial service, and then the condolence line, and then the dozens of toasts made in the honor or Da and Francesco.

Finally, our fathers can rest in peace.

My head is spinning, but for the first time in a month, my heart is a little lighter.

Now it’s time to eat my feelings and continue where the toasts of honor left off. “I don’t know about you boys, but I’m planning to get very drunk, naked, and sexually aggressive.”

Huntley’s mouth falls open. My Viking is carrying in a tray of desserts Warin crafted for the King’s Suite and he stops to flash me a smile. “That’s an agenda, princess.”

I head straight toward the bar and grab a vodka cooler and a bottle of scotch. After handing Zane the bottle, I swipe my fingerthrough the whipped cream on the top of an elaborate raspberry tart.

Sucking it into my mouth, I close my eyes and make an indecent groan. Cracking the tab on my drink, I head for my bedroom. “Anyone care to join me?”

Huntley barks a laugh. “Do you see any idiots here? If our girl wants to get naked and shut out the world, that’s exactly what we’re doing. Right, guys?”

It seems unanimous.

The three of them follow and the moment we’re in my room, Huntley sets the tray down on my dresser and begins removing the black diamond cufflinks at his wrists.

Zane takes a swig of scotch as he toes off his shoes and then works to unbutton his shirt. With each button that releases from its mooring, more of his beautiful copper skin is exposed. “All you ever need to do is let your desires be known, Scots. We’ll take care of the rest.”

Tucker sets a second tray of desserts on the bedside table and grins. “After having experienced Scottie’s artistic skill with whipped cream and sweet treats, I can say there is nowhere I’d rather be.”

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