Page 7 of His Prize

“You listen here, and you listen right now, Bonnie. None of this stuff is going anywhere. My father isn’t going to jail. He’s going to find a way out of this. And when he does? He’s coming for you. He’s going to slaughter you, and I’m going to make sure I have a front-row seat to watch the woman who almost ruined our family die.”

I sighed. “Well, at least now I know what you’ve been dreaming about at night.”

She charged me. “Get the fuck out of this house.”

“Be mindful of who you’re talking to. I’m not your father, so I don’t have to favor you.”

“You’re the one who jumped ship! You’re the one who decided to take matters into your own hands!”

“And your father is the one who killed my family in order to get us out of the way so he could take over the family. We have recorded proof of that.”

She snarled. “That’ll never be admissible. My father didn’t know he was being recorded. The lawyers won’t be able to use it. Not here in Illinois. I know the law well enough.”

“I’m sure you do.”

“And I’m telling you, all you’re doing is sealing your death.”

I shrugged. “Even if he doesn’t go down for my parent’s murder, I’m still the heir to this throne. So, the second your father is overthrown, I’m still the one to step into place. Not you.”

“Trust me, I don’t want that job.”

“You just want the money that comes with that job. Which is something else I’ll change after Uncle Pava—”

The next thing I knew, a stinging sensation wafted against my cheek. My head fell off to the side as Brianna cried in front of me, with hot tears streaming down her cheeks. My God, that woman could hit. I felt the smallest droplets of blood appearing against my skin. I slowly looked at the hand trembling at her side and saw her ruby ring, with small pieces of my skin dangling from the inlaid diamonds that surrounded the gem.

“When my father gets back, the first thing he’s going to do is kill you. And when he does, I’ll be there to cheer him on. We all will. Because you turned your back on family.”

I glared at her, staring her down. “No, Brianna. I turned my back on senseless murderers. And unless you want your mother wrapped up in this case, you’ll keep your mouth shut and realize where you stand right now. Because it wouldn't be smart for you or your mother to bite the hand that’s currently feeding you.”

Her nostrils flared. “Mark my words, you’re a dead woman.”

“Whatever helps you sleep at night. Bruno!”

The enforcer stepped into the room. “Yes, Miss Moretti?”

“See Brianna out, please.”

She whipped around. “Really, Bruno? After serving my family all these years, you’re going to listen to her?” She pointed at me, and I simply shrugged.

“What’ll it be, Bruno?” I asked.

His eyes darted between the two of us, and I knew this wasn’t going to be good. The fact that he wasn’t currently taking Brianna’s arm didn’t bode well for any future endeavors I might ask of these people. Brianna grinned at me as if she had just stuck it to me or something.

Until a woman’s voice piped up. “What is it, Miss Moretti?” she asked.

I paused. “What is your name?”

She clasped her hands behind her back. “Ash, ma’am. Short for ‘Ashley.’”

“Well, Ash, could you please escort Miss Brianna out of my office. I have a lot to get accomplished today.”

Brianna whipped around. “Anyone who lifts a finger to help this traitor is going to have the first bullets cocked in my father’s chamber when he gets back. Do you hear me?”

Ash nodded. “We do. But, until your uncle comes back to assume his role, she’s the one in charge. And that’s who I listen to.”

Brianna scoffed. “You’ll be killed for having no loyalty, just like Bonnie will be killed for the same reason.”

I nodded. “Ash, please see her out. Thank you.”

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