Page 72 of King of Deception

I wasn’t strong enough to be that person before now.

I’d run, I’d hide, I’d let them fight it out. Not today.

We’re putting some of the past aside and we’re moving forward as a family. And like it or not, Gris is going to be part of that family.

I feel Mason stiffen next to me, as Leo and Gris shake hands.

I know that Leo does a lot of things just to irritate Mason. Mason thinks that Leo is just difficult, but honestly, I think Leo understands the truth. Mason needs to be regularly challenged.

He’s a man who competes because it’s deep in his gut. I see that now, and Leo takes on a ton of that energy.

Then again, Gris is well matched for Mason too. In some ways, he’s a better opponent for Mason. Because Leo fights with brute strength but like Mason, Gris uses cunning.

My fingers tighten on my brother’s arm. He looks down at me with a grimace. I don’t know if Preston was a miscalculation on Mason’s part, but either way, recompense is coming all the way around.

The elevator opens, and my brother Roman steps out.

Roman is suave, sophisticated. Classically handsome, he doesn’t have the same rough edges as Mason or Leo.

I turn to smile at him, but he stops dead when he sees me.

Yeah. I wore this dress on purpose, but I still hate the way my brothers’ eyes fill with hurt when they look at me.

I don’t want to hurt them, but I do need them to understand. We’re joining forces with the Smiths again.

They’re about to be my family, and by extension, theirs.

Gris’s hand is still at my waist, and I watch Roman quickly assess the situation. “Gris,” he calls, greeting him first.

Roman is as smart as Mason. He doesn’t ask any questions, I’m sure he’s figured it all out already.

“Roman. Good to see you again.”

Gris lets me go to turn and shake Roman’s hand but once he lets go, his hand is on me again.

I’m still holding onto Mason, and looking up at him, I quietly say. “Before we all meet, I need a short conversation with just the Kincaids.”

“Bella,” Gris protests. “That’s not?—”

I shake my head. I know Gris is ready to go into the conference room and fight. Threaten to leave it all behind.

And I appreciate that. It might even come to that. But for the first time in my life, running won’t be my first move.

Gris gives a quick jerk of his chin, saying that he understands. I let go of Mason’s arm then, taking Gris’s hands. “I won’t be long. I know you have important matters to discuss.” But I have a few things for my brothers to consider before Gris enters the conversation.

Maybe I should have told Gris this was my plan.

But Mason and Gris aren’t the only ones who can work hidden agendas. “Leo?” I ask. “Would you lead the way, please?”

I already know Leo is going to be on my side and I’m going to use it to my advantage. Leo is my Switzerland right now.

Luke is angry at Gris, even if they are friends. Mason is the one who cut Gris out to begin with.

And Roman? I can’t say. We’ve hardly spoken.

I hand Gris my coat and straighten my shoulders. What I do know is that all of my brothers love me. I’m going to trust in that.

We enter the conference room with its U-shaped arrangement of tables. This is where Mason reigns supreme. Not today.

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