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We’re burying the asshole that’s Carlisle Astor today.

A fucking headache, if you ask me. I’d prefer to throw him in a hole and let him rot, but Genesis wants a service.

Like with everything lately, Genesis gets what Genesis wants.

Pleasing her seems to be the theme of my life lately.

Since I havea littletime to kill and want to send a message, I snatch a bowling ball and throw it through the large window. The glass shatters, but I don’t take a second to admire the damage before grabbing another ball. I keep my grip in the three finger holes and hurl it behind the counter. The guy ducks, the ball only missing his head by seconds.

Damn.

I always thought I had good aim.

My nerves skyrocket as I charge out of the bowling alley.

Regret settles inside me like a heavy weight.

I should’ve paid Yaroslav the million at the beginning and got this over with.

Instead, I chose to play games, and now, I’m paying for it.

But with how stubborn Genesis was, I was worried she wouldn’t go with my plan if there was nothing for her to lose.

I slam my fist against the steering wheel when I’m back in the Escalade.

If Yaroslav doesn’t call me back soon, I’ll consider the contract null and void and then drag Genesis to the altar and marry her.

Genesis is dressedin a black dress and heels when I return to the house.

All I hear is the click of her heels as she paces the kitchen in front of the island.

“I can’t believe my mom isn’t at least coming home for his funeral,” she says, throwing her arms up. “She and my father were married for thirty years, and that’s how she treats him? Like he didn’t even matter to her.”

Lowering her head, she stops pacing and sniffles.

I hold back the urge to tell her she shouldn’t give a shit about her mother.

I also have to refrain from saying fuck her mother and dead-ass father.

She doesn’t need anything from them.

She needs someone who cares.

Me.

I’ll protect her at all costs.

It’s what Melissa and my mother would’ve wanted.

If Genesis needs someone to hold her hand as she grieves, I’ll hold it tight.

Sit by her side for as long as she needs.

Like me, she has no one.

We’re two broken souls.

“You ready?” I ask.