Page 42 of King of Deception

Because a new plan is beginning to form. “What if that is what he wants?”

“I won’t fucking do it.”

Tris is going to kill me. “What if you sold your shares to me?”

Luke pauses. I know what he’s thinking. Much as he likes me, Mason does not. If Luke sells to me, in Mason’s eyes, Luke will have let the enemy right into the heart of Kincaid. There would be no going back.

“I’ve got to think on that one.”

We hang up as I pull into our office building. It’s not nearly as big or impressive as Kincaid Enterprise’s high-rise in the heart of Vegas, but then again, I save our money for what really matters.

I stride to the elevators, making my way to our fourth-floor office. Smiling at the receptionist, I pass by several employees, making my way to Tris’s office. His assistant stands. “Mr. Smith.”

I know Jeff will probably try and stop me. Tris doesn’t like unexpected visitors. “He knows I’m coming.” I wink at the man and keep walking, because I don’t like to be delayed and I don’t really care what my brother likes or doesn’t like. The beauty of family.

Tris is sitting at his desk, on his phone. “No, Killian, I don’t think there is time for you to do a big game hunt in Africa this month.”

“Tell that fucker to keep his shit together,” I rumble. Killian is incredibly good at his job and loyal to the core.

But even as his brother, I know that guy’s not quite right. He likes killing things way too much.

Tris switches his phone to speaker.

“Yeah, Gris is here, and as usual, he’s a merry ray of fucking sunshine.”

I quirk a half smile. “Hearts and fucking roses. That’s me.”

Tris laughs and so does Killian. “Keep my shit together, huh?” Killian grouses. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you if I don’t.”

“Are you about to go off the deep end?”

“Maybe.”

Fuck. We don’t need another variable in play here. I look at Tris, who’s got his teeth gritted. “Gris, how are things with the Kincaids?”

I run a hand through my hair. “You know how in every plan shit seems to fall apart before it comes together?”

“Fuck,” Tris rumbles.

“I’m working on several plays,” I hold up my hands. “Not sure which one I’m leaning into yet.”

Tris mutes the phone. “Send him away or keep him here?”

If things get ugly, I might need him. I reach over and unmute the phone on the desk. “Kill, can you hang in Vegas another week? There might be some dirty work here.”

I practically hear Killian’s blood rising. “Yeah. I can hang.”

“So, tell us about all the options,” Tris will not be swayed by Killian’s bloodlust. He wants information from me, but I’m not sure how much I want to give.

“Arabella has broken it off with Preston, leaving Mason vulnerable.” I force myself to sound casual.

Tris’s mouth falls open.

“I’m considering buying Luke’s shares.”

“No fucking way,” Tris rumbles. He knows it would wipe us out of cash. To be clear, we would not go in debt the way Mason has. But we would be cash poor, which will limit future options. “And why would he sell to you?”

I haven’t told my brothers that Luke and I are friends. And that Luke is how I got access to Arabella in Hawaii. “Because he’s as pissed at Mason as we are.” I hadn’t told them that either.

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