Page 54 of Brutal Monster
The question hangs between us, sharp and uncomfortable. I holster my gun rather than answer immediately.
"I need to know why," I say finally. "Before I decide."
My father nods, satisfied with this small concession. "Your husband is waiting in the car. He's... impatient."
"He understands the importance of information before action." I move past him, pausing briefly at his side. "This is my decision to make."
"Of course." My father's hand catches mine, squeezes once. "Make him beg for his life." He releases my hand. "Then you can decide if he lives or dies."
I stare at him, searching for more, but his expression gives nothing away. Another test, perhaps. Or a manipulation. With my father, it's often both.
"I'll see you in the morning," I say, neither a promise nor a lie.
"I hope so." He steps aside, allowing me to pass. "Felicidadeson your marriage,mija. May it bring you everything you deserve."
The words follow me down the hallway, heavy with meaning. I straighten my spine and check my weapon once more.
Vanya waits by the car, his own wedding suit exchanged for darker attire. His eyes rake over me, and his approval is evident in the slight curl of his lips.
"You look more like yourself," he says, opening the door.
"I feel more like myself." I slide into the car, the leather seat cool against my skin.
As we pull away from the estate, lights fading behind us, I watch the moon rise over the water. My wedding day. The day I'm supposed to begin a new life. Instead, I'm ending one—possibly Adan's, definitely the life I led before.
"Having second thoughts?" Vanya asks, his hand finding mine in the darkness.
"No." I turn to him, my decision crystallizing. "But I want answers before blood."
"Fair enough." His thumb traces circles on my palm. "And after the answers?"
"After the answers," I say softly, "we'll see what kind of wedding present my stepbrother deserves."
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
VANYA
The headlights cut through the fog rolling off the bay as I drive toward the marina. Beside me, Inez sits calmly, her profile sharp against the darkness. The wedding band on her finger catches light whenever we pass under a streetlamp, and I'm reminded that today should be about us, not blood and death. However, this is business, and people like us can't shirk our responsibilities just because the timing is bad. I shift my focus to the ring on my left hand. It feels heavy and unfamiliar—but it’s a weight I wear with pride.
"Tell me what you're thinking," I say, keeping my eyes on the road.
She doesn't answer immediately. When she does, her voice is cold precision. "I'm thinking about the last time I saw Adan. Six months ago. He smiled, kissed my cheek, and told me he was happy to see me."
"While planning to kill you."
"While planning to kill me," she agrees.
I turn down the access road leading to the warehouse district. The security gate opens as we approach—my men expecting us. The car's tires crunch over gravel as we pull up to the oldprocessing facility. Two guards materialize from the shadows, nodding respectfully as we exit the vehicle.
"Anything to report?" I ask the taller one.
"He's been asking for water. We gave him some."
I glance at Inez. Her face reveals nothing, but I can feel the tension radiating from her body. "Your call," I tell her. "Your stepbrother."
She nods once, then strides toward the entrance. I follow a half-step behind, signaling the guards to remain outside. This is family business now. Our family business.
The warehouse interior is cavernous, mostly empty except for the single metal chair in the center, illuminated by a hanging work light. Adan sits slumped forward, hands bound behind him. Blood has dried along his temple, matting his dark hair. His expensive suit is torn, stained with more blood and dirt.
