Page 64 of Vendetta

“Excuse me?”

“He didn’t tell you about her?” He says grinning. “But of course he didn’t. How very like Nico to keep secrets. No doubt he’s sent you ahead, to prepare the scene, to do his dirty work.”

“He’s done no such thing.” I say quickly. Too quickly.

He lets out a low laugh. “If I were to strip that dress from you right now, what are the odds you have some sort of weapon on you? A gun, a blade perhaps hidden amongst those delicious curves?”

“If you lay a hand on me…” I begin and he laughs a little louder.

“Rilassarsi.” He murmurs. “I will deal with Nico first and then perhaps you won’t be so unwilling.”

I snarl. The fuck is he talking about?

“Roman.” Constantine says loudly. He’s close enough to have heard our conversation though I don’t know how long he’s been stood there.

Roman looks across at him. “Dear uncle.” He says. “How very predictable for you to play the protector, especially when the man who should is noticeably absent.”

“Nico will be here soon.” I say because the way he’s said it makes it sound like Nico won’t show, that he’s either afraid too or he’s been indisposed of and god help me I hope that’s not the case.

“Sure he will.” Roman replies. “But in the meantime, we might as well make ourselves as comfortable as we can.” He picks up the carafe, carrying it past me and Constantine, and walks over to where everyone else is seated. “Let’s enjoy my brother’s hospitality.” He says pouring it out, filling everyone’s glasses, even those who haven’t got empty ones. “For as long as it lasts.”

I glance at Constantine and he gives me a reassuring look which I return before taking my seat at the very head once more.

Roman is still making a play of being host but his eyes keep flickering to me. God I hope Nico gets here soon because the wolves are circling. And the rabid one is practically foaming at the mouth.

Constantine sits back down. Everyone is seated now. I drink more wine. I keep drinking, even though I know what’s in it. What it will do.

Roman sits three chairs down from me. It’s not his place. Not the one Nico designated for him but he’s clearly not moving and he makes a play of staring right at me, his eyes boring into my face, meeting me head on as he too sips his wine.

I half glare back at him. Perhaps it’s the alcohol that gives me the courage, perhaps it’s something worse but as we face each other off I feel it, the slowly icy chill slipping in through my veins. The way my body is getting heavy. I move my finger, just a tiny bit and the effort almost makes me sweat.

I look back up, meeting Roman’s eyes once more. He’s frowning now, staring at my hand and I see the tiniest imperceptible movement that tells me he’s feeling it too.

The poison is working.

We’re all turning to stone.

Him

This place used to haunt me. Used to haunt my every waking moment. I haven’t been near it in years and I haven’t stepped foot inside in even longer.

I see the name, my family name, carved into the sandstone above the door. It should fill me with a sense of pride, as sense of honour. Our family home. The hallowed halls where our name became something of worth, where our power, our destinies were formed. Where we became kings.

And yet this place feels like a tomb.

So I guess it’s fitting that this is where I will vanquish my demons, put them to the sword and bury them for all eternity.

I clench my fists taking each step slowly as I make my way inside.

The house is quiet. So quiet.

There are over two dozen people sat in the catacombs beneath me and yet it feels like I am the only one living. The only mortal.

Preston, Blaine, all my men wait outside. We’ve already started the avalanche, though the people inside don’t know it. We’ve already taken retribution on every single family who’s betrayed us and in a few minutes I’m going to watch as this fact sinks in to them.

But this moment now is all me. No henchmen, no backup, just me. My hand that takes revenge. My hand that deals the death blow.

Because by god have I waited long enough for this.

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