Page 102 of Vengeful King

“Leave that to me and my brothers.” I shake my head, still holding her waist. “We’ve dealt with men like Ezra before.”

I turn back to my brothers, who are assembled at the table. I didn’t step far away to comfort Katrina; I don’t care that they see us together. They’re the ones that told me to be with her, after all. They’re the ones that convinced me to be happy for once.

Aiden nods, serious. I can see he’s thinking about every other fight we’ve had in the past few years, every betrayal and dangerous deal we’ve managed.

“He’ll be pissed about the wedding being called off, but he’ll know it’s better to stay on our good side than to start some shit with us.”

I know we can live with our debt. He may have gotten me out of jail and I may have called off the wedding, but those are minor offenses in the grand scheme of things. I’m sure we can manage whatever it is that Ezra wants next.

I glance at my brothers and they nod, recognizing what I mean and what we’ll have to do as a family. They all know how in love our parents were; I know they don’t begrudge me having found a woman I love. After all, Aiden and Connor have their wives. They understand what love means.

Family matters. And although I’ve done nothing but make sacrifices for the family, Katrina is going to be my family too. I’ll protect her just like I protect my brothers, and they will protect her, too, the same way I look after their wives and will look after their children.

Our bonds are stronger than Ezra could break. We’ll get through this.

I kiss Katrina again, a reminder and a promise, and I like the way that she clings to me. The feeling stays with me even when I leave, leading my brothers out and to a meeting with Ezra.

I’ve known this was coming since I made the decision to choose Katrina. I’m not going to run from the confrontation. But I’m glad my brothers are with me. I know that if Ezra makes any remarks about Katrina or the situation, it will be difficult for me to keep cool.

Ezra is waiting at a neutral meeting place, a coffee house that neither of us owns. It’s a precaution to ensure no one crosses the line in the heat of the moment.

I can tell he’s not pleased when I walk in. When I sit across from him, I can see a sharpness in his gaze that wasn’t there before.

“I don’t think there’s a reason to draw this out,” he says, curt but not threatening.

I try to be diplomatic. “My family appreciates your understanding. We’d like to make arrangements. We do value our relationship.”

Ezra doesn’t seem too convinced, but I can see that he came prepared. He has something in mind. He nods at me, firm, like he knew I would say as much.

“I expect there are limits to these…arrangements.”

“If you have ideas, I’m open to hear them.”

I don’t tell him that he’s right. I won’t overextend my family, and I know the real worth of the marriage proposal. It would have been binding, but it wouldn’t have been the biggest thing we could have done for him.

Ezra looks thoughtful, but I can see it’s a thinly veiled act. He knew what he wanted when he came; he’s just trying to pose it to me in the right way. I try to be patient, and I hope that it’s not too much.

I don’t want to have to tell him no.

“I’ve been having a business issue that I might need some help sorting out,” Ezra finally says.

“We’d be happy to offer what assistance we can,” I reply, but I’m careful.

He could ask for anything, and I will draw the line where I always do. But I know we’re indebted to him. I have to try. I don’t commit to anything just yet; I need more details.

“Yes. Well, there’s someone getting in the way,” Ezra says slowly. “It shouldn’t be hard for you.”

It’s a clear suggestion. His favor isn’t something small; it’s a hit.

Even among the mafia, taking out hits on other people is a delicate business. Things can go wrong very quickly, just as they did with Katrina and me. People are human, after all, and you can only anticipate so many things.

I can’t lie to myself and say I’m not worried about what I might have gotten my family committed to. I knew there would be a price to pay, repercussions to my choice, but I am prepared to shoulder it. If I have to take this one myself, I will.

I’ll do it to keep Katrina at my side.

“We’ll be able to work something out,” I say. It’s not exactly a promise, but it’s close enough.

Ezra nods again, this time a little less sharp. It seems like however pissed he was before, he’s at least calming down. We have something to offer him, and he’ll take it.

---