Page 147 of Seeking Vengeance

“What’s going on?” She glides her attention over De Marco and his men, then focuses on the car before stiffening. “What is she doing here?”

“We’re here to see Emmanuel. Who’s going to—” My words fall short as the front gates rattle open behind me.

I glance over my shoulder, watching the heavy metal move as Bishop disobeys instruction and climbs from the car, his large frame moving to stand in front of Layla’s window, protecting her from the view of the approaching Maserati.

“Good,” Salvatore murmurs. “Remy’s here to join the fun.”

The vehicle accelerates, kicking up pebbles and dust to abruptly skid to a stop next to the Lincoln. In seconds, my youngest brother is shoving from the sports car, the engine still purring as he storms toward Layla’s door.

“You brought that bitch here?” he accuses. “Didn’t I warn you?”

“Back off.” Bishop braces for attack, arms tense, knuckles locked.

De Marco does the same, closing in at his side.

I remain in place, my demons screaming for action even though I know it would be a sign of weakness. “I’ll kill you myself, Remy. You know I will.”

They need to see I’m in control. That I’m not mindless in my need to protect her, even though that’s far from the truth.

I’d slaughter for her.

And I’d do it too damn easily.

Remy stops a few feet in front of Bishop. “Get her out of here.”

“I will as soon as I see Emmanuel. Until then, keep your thoughts about her to yourself or risk becoming a folktale.”

His eyes cut to mine. “She won’t make it out of here alive.”

The hair at my nape prickles. “You kill her, I kill you, Salvo kills me, Bishop kills him. The list goes on until a generation is slaughtered. Not to mention the aftermath from Lorenzo if anyone survives. Is that what you want?” I glare. “Because I didn’t come here for violence.”

Nobody answers.

“Iwillkill for her.” I meet everyone’s gaze in turn—Salvo, Remy, Abri, Adena, then their guards. “Without pause or guilt. So if anyone has that on their mind, start preparing to meet your maker.”

“You’re such a piece of shit,” Remy mutters. “Lorenzo really did a number on you.”

“And look what your father did to you. Clearly, you’re not the pinnacle of virtue.”

“He’s your father, too,” Adena corrects.

“No.” I look at her in earnest. “Both of you gave up parental rights when you had Grace killed.”

“What?” Abri stiffens, her mask of perfection slipping as her lips part in shock. “Is that true? Is that why he left?”

“No. He’s stirring up lies from the past.” Adena crosses her arms over her chest, every wrinkle on her tired face growing deeper as she scowls at me. “Why are you being like this? You’ve become just like her family.” She turns her daggered stare toward Layla in the back seat. “Breaking the peace after years of silence.”

“Peace?” I smirk. “You abduct a child of the Portland underworld and expect peace?”

“Two children,” Abri murmurs. “There were two.”

“For fuck’s sake,” Bishop mutters.

I shake my head, scowling at Salvatore. How the hell could he let that happen?

“Don’t judge me.” His jaw ticks. “You don’t know me.”

“Evidently… and murder?” I raise a brow. “And still, you expected there to be peace?”

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