Page 58 of King of Ruin

It would be at the expense of ourselves.

Like Romeo and Juliet. Two families that would never be more than enemies, and a connection impossible to create. The only way to escape such a fate–such madness–is death.

“What makes you happy? Brings you quiet in a world of chaos?”

I sigh, still staring at my hand. “I won’t know peace until I have your father’s head in my garden. Then, perhaps, I’ll know the answer to that.”

He nods, never moving his eyes from my hand as well. “Do people find peace with vengeance? Or is it with acceptance?”

A thick knot lodges in my throat, but I force it down as I give a weak shrug. “I shall soon find out. Now for my question. Tell me, how is my family?”

Ibrace myself after finally asking the question that’s been at the edge of my thoughts since I woke up. Even though I know they’re alive, I don’t know in what state they’re in, if they’re aware I’m alive, or anything that’s happening in a place I have meticulously looked after since fourteen. The muscles in my neck seem absurdly tight, and suddenly, a weight I’ve ignored thus far bears down, nearly crushing me.

Perhaps I’ve waited this long in fear that I may act brazenly and get myself killed before seeing justice through. If I knew someone was hurt, or dead, I’d burn this mansion to the ground without caring who’s inside.

I’ve spent a decade preparing them to continue on without me. But the notion of them having to do itwhileworrying about my life was never something I planned for, because the biggest of their problems was to be dead.

Now, as I lay in a warm bath with the man who I thought condemned us to hell, I realize he holds the key to my sanity. Or damnation.

It’s all dependent on what he says next.

Kane doesn’t prolong the sudden agony encroaching, squeezing me tighter as if he can sense I need reassurance. I don’t like that it calms me.

“Trick and Trigger have overseen the estate’s repairs and repositioned your men. Casinos and bars have been shut down temporarily, and more people have been sent to guard neutral territory and Hearts.”

A heavy, relieved sigh rushes through my nose. Hearts. I knew they’d protect it, but the confirmation was needed more than I realized.

“Shi is with Kilo most days, taking care of things remotely, from his room. He’s recovering in the hospital after a double amputation but he’s due to be discharged soon, and from what I understand, Trick has already created some type of prosthetic legs for him.”

My heart pinches. Kilo. He’d been trying to tell me something before the explosion happened. I watched as he worked it out in his head, slotting together the pieces before finally getting them in place. That’s when I looked up the stairs and saw Kane.

There was such a heaviness in the moment and in retrospect is clear what it was...

I should have found a way to protect Kilo. While there was no reason to believe Phineas was making a move, guilt wears over my soul.

He’ll recover. I say it five times over as the images of what was left of his legs try to creep in the corners of my vision.

“And Maddy?” My voice cracks when I say her name.

“As mad as ever. She helped us out of a bind the other night and I’m having the plans sent to her tomorrow.”

“Plans?” I start to turn but he tsks in my ear and presses down.

“For another answer.”

I scoff, but quickly nod, eager to know more important details in exchange for his.

“Something you hate.”

“Besides Murphys?”

“Yes.”

Rolling my eyes, I lean back into his shoulder. This one’s easy. “A sunny day, being called an outdated slur, and sugar in my spaghetti.”

Kane stiffens beneath me when I mention that last bit. This time I ignore his attempts to keep me against him and turn to face him. “You put sugar in your pasta, Kane?”

He shrugs. “Maybe. But also, how can you blame me? I was barely double digits by the time I began cooking.”

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