Page 89 of Remi's War (Four Dark Horsemen 2)

Shaking my head at these thoughts, I take a deep breath and order myself to calm down and not get into hysterics that won’t help anyone, least of all me.

These men are monsters itching to fulfill their dark cravings that women in their family for some reason approve of. They have absolute power in this city that’s failed me so often I’ve lost count, and running away from them or getting help is almost impossible.

Who would go against such powerful dynasties? Those who have power and money reign over the world and dictate the rules mere mortals have to follow in order to survive in this cruel reality where goodness becomes a vice no one appreciates or wants. Instead, evilness consumes their souls, demanding more blood with each day, and they don’t mind using their own flesh and blood in order to get what they want.

Like Amalia who sent me to the wolves as long as it meant that her true family was safe.

Selfish, selfish people who lead by example because probably only selfishness allows them to live with such hideous crimes on their conscience and not feel an ounce of guilt.

Letting my true emotions out is a luxury I can’t afford right now; instead, I have to be logical, since only that will allow me to win whatever game Remi is playing.

Or rather get out of it alive before the man destroys my life or hurts those I love the most.

While he craves me, no one would dare to hurt me, but once all this ends, where will it leave me?

That’s why, no matter what he says or does, my heart should stay cold toward him and never get involved.

I will not be Penelope who suffers for twenty years because she waits for her husband to show up and end the hunt for her by all the men in Ithaca.

Remi is a villain in this fairy tale of mine, and I’m not stupid enough to believe a little love will transform him into a prince.

“Congratulations, brother.” Santiago’s deep voice snaps me out of my thoughts as he hugs Remi, slapping him on his back. “And to you, little sister-in-law. Welcome to the family.”

Even without having been in their company much, I can feel how deeply these two love each other.

Santiago supported his friend through everything, and his family considers Remi as their own; they even said as much during their last interview.

He nods at me yet makes no move to touch me; instead, he laces his fingers with Briseis’s, pulling her closer as if he cannot physically stand to be away from her.

She smiles at me although worry still flashes in her colorful eyes as she whispers, “Congrats.”

“Thanks,” I reply, watching them both for a moment and wondering what he could have possibly offered her that she not only stays with him but even seeks his touch, shifting closer to him until his arm wraps around her shoulders and his embrace practically swallows her whole.

The Cortez family is legendary for their long-lasting-love marriages that can withstand any storm or hardship thrown their way. Their men love like madmen. But seriously.

Loving a murderer is a stretch!

Octavius gets up from the pew, taking another large sip and lifts the bottle my way but utters nothing. I almost laugh at his complete disregard toward Father Paul who glares at him, which is rich really.

Approving a wedding where a bride is unwilling is a far greater sin than drinking in church.

Remi circles my wrist and then drags me toward the exit, momentarily stopping by Arson and Callum who light up their cigarettes, sending smoke circling all around us. “This is a breach of our treaty. You all deliberately lied to me.” My stomach drops at his harsh tone. Does this mean all my sacrifices were useless, and the war will still happen? “If Lachlan doesn’t want a war, he’ll give me what I asked. The contract better be signed by tomorrow, or there will be war regardless of who married whom.”

Arson lifts his brow. “She is our family. Don’t threaten the brotherhood that her twin is loyal to.”

“Penelope is mine.” Possessiveness laces every word of his, breaking goose bumps on my skin as he faces the two men. The rest of the dark four come closer to us once again to form a united front. Santiago pushes his wife and sister behind him so no harm comes to them. “She belongs to me and the other horsemen. Your brotherhood has no claim on her, and our marriage has nothing to do with you all.”

“Amalia is her twin,” Arson says, exhaling more smoke, and I cough a little, which doesn’t go unnoticed by my husband.

Remi snatches the cigarette from the blue-haired man and throws it on the floor, twisting his foot on the offending butt.

“A twin who pushed her to marry a monster. My wife will no longer be subjected to her sister’s cruelty.” My heart pangs painfully at the truth of his statement and, at the same time, warms at his protection, which inspires fury aimed at myself for appreciating anything this villain does for me.

Any minute now, I’ll consider this man a hero, when he’s who created the villainous situation I needed rescuing from to begin with.

With this threat thrown their way, Remi pulls me to the exit, and within seconds, we’re outside. The fresh air enters my lungs and brings relief to my heated skin. The black car that brought me here is parked to the side. The driver, smiling brightly at me, runs around it to open the door for me.

“Mrs. Reyes, it’ll be an honor to work for you from now on.”

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