Page 172 of Desperate Crimes

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And then I swing.

It connects with a crack, right against his temple.

And I don’t stop.

Not until his eyes go glassy.

Not until the rage inside me finds release.

Not until every image of my wife—frightened, alone, bleeding in the dirt—has been paid for.

When I finally step back, blood dripping down my arm, I exhale through clenched teeth.

Justice isn’t clean.

But this?

This is closure.

I open the shed door.My father and Adrik don’t ask questions.

They already know.

“We still on time for the ceremony?”my father asks casually, lighting a cigar.

“Of course.I wouldn’t miss it,” I say, dragging my knuckles across the hem of my undershirt as I walk back toward the golf cart.

I’ve got a suit to put on.

I’ve got vows to speak.

A Princess to claim.Again.

A life to build.

A baby to help her grow and raise.

And now?I can do it in the clear.

No threats left standing.

No debts unpaid.

Just me.

My wife.

Our baby and our kingdom.

Forever.

And always.

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