Page 71 of Brutal Knight

Edward’s face twists into a scowl. “This isn’t over.”

“No,” Lachlan replies. “No, it isn’t.”

“But this is,” Aiden says, his hand cutting through the air.

It’s almost like breaking a glass wall. Whatever tense decorum was keeping us in line shatters, leaving nothing but simmering rage. Edward stalks away, already reaching for his phone, and the rest of us walk in the other direction as quickly as we can.

I know it was right of the others to stop me, but part of me wishes they never had.

“That went well,” Finn says, his voice strained. “So, what do we do now that he’s a lost cause?”

“We strike back,” Lachlan replies. “End this shit before it begins.”

“I like that plan,” I say darkly.

It’s not every day that we go out of our way to respond to a threat like this. We’ve never held back as a family, but we aren’t the first to strike. Lachlan keeps us in line, keeps us fit for our place in the Assembly. But sometimes, there is no alternative to the one decision that will ensure the safety of the family.

“I can go to New York,” Jamie volunteers. “Hit his organization, send him a message.”

Aiden glances at me, a silent thought passing between us. Since Jamie’s wife died, he’s been the one jumping to volunteer for things like this. It hasn’t progressed to a death wish yet, but we’re all watching.

The lone wolf gig is only going to work for so long. And I’d rather avoid unnecessary risk.

But he’s not wrong. Jamie is the best of us at this kind of thing, and he’s good at going unnoticed. If he gets the chance, he can wreak havoc on Edward’s organization. It’s what we need right now.

“All right,” Lachlan says. “Are we agreed?”

“Yes,” I reply quickly. “And the sooner, the better. Just be safe, Jamie.”

“We need you to come back after for the party,” Finn chimes in, grinning.

“You should probably tell Willow,” Aiden murmurs, leaning close to speak as the others get back in Lachlan’s car. “It won’t be good, but she needs to know.”

“I know.”

I can’t stop worrying the entire drive home. I twist my hands on the steering wheel and try to imagine a good way to break the news, a way that won’t end with Willow feeling like everyone is after her again. I know it’s not possible. She’s going to be afraid either way, and she has good reason to be.

But I won’t let anyone touch her, and I need her to know that.

When I return, Willow is in the kitchen. She’s dressed, her hands circling a glass of water. She looks up as I stride down the hall toward her, and our gazes meet. She looks delicate and beautiful, her dark hair tumbling in loose waves over her shoulders and back.

Goddammit. I wish I didn’t have to tell her. I wish like hell that I was coming back with good news.

As I make my way into the kitchen, Willow watches me, holding herself still, waiting. I don’t want to draw this out any longer, so I speak as soon as I’m a few feet away from her.

“Listen—your father has made his decision. He attacked our business.”

Willow’s hands tighten on the glass. Fear darkens her blue-gray eyes, and I know what she must be thinking. What she’s worried about.

I take a step forward and carefully hold her hands, uncurling them from the glass and setting it aside.

“I will never let him touch you. You are my wife, and that will never change. We’re going to take care of this. But we’ll need you to do your part too.”

“Me?”

“Yes. Now is the time for you to start taking advantage of your power. You inherited Dmitri’s business holdings.”

Willow nods slowly. “You want me to take control.”

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