Page 172 of Terror at the Gates

“Of course, but we know his choice,” said Lisk.

“I am not eager to see the head of Hiram replaced so easily,” said Victor. “This opportunity is rare. We could divide Lucius’s territory and trades. Outwardly, we would share his public responsibilities. I think we are more than owed the opportunity, given what he put usthrough.”

My hands fisted, my body vibrating with rage.

“We would have to offer a share to Zahariev,” said Absalom.

There was a pause.

“Or we go to war with him,” said Victor. “Three against one, I’d say those are pretty good odds.”

There was a soft sliding sound, and I turned to find Zahariev lifting the window. He gestured for me to climb out and followed close behind. I clutched the journal tight as we retreated.

Once we were in the SUV, we sat in silence, too stunned to speak. I was having trouble comprehending what I’d just heard, because the betrayals went beyond anything I’d ever imagined.

I’d expected Lisk, but the other three families? They’d turned on my father, Zahariev, and their districts in their plot to end the world.

I also found it strange that none of them had mentioned my mother. It was like she didn’t even exist, not as a target, a victim, or a survivor. Was it because they thought so little of the women who gave them true power? Or were they hoping to keep her hidden away and silent until they brought about the end of the world?

My shock quickly turned to anger.

“Please tell me we’re going to fuck them up,” I said.

Zahariev looked at me, and I was a little unsettled by how calm he appeared, but that was because I knew he’d been pushed to his limit. These men, they’d awakened a monster.

He answered with a soft half smile. “Yeah, little love. We’re gonna fuck them up.”

Zahariev

This entire time, I’d questioned Lilith’s self-control when I really should have been worried about mine. If she hadn’t been with me, I’d have killed every man in that fucking house.

Chapter Twenty-one

“Wanna fuck?” I asked.

Zahariev had just parked. We hadn’t left the SUV yet, but the ride home had put me more and more on edge.

“I always want to fuck,” he said, shutting off the ignition. “You wanna go inside first?”

“I’m not picky,” I said. “You can fuck me in the back seat like you promised and give me nine orgasms.”

“Is that a fantasy of yours?” he asked.

I shrugged. My legs were bouncing. “It sounds hot.”

He paused, staring at me, and then got out of the car. At first, I thought he was going inside, but then he opened the rear door and slid into the seat.

I grinned and climbed into the back, straddling him. Our mouths collided before I sat back and pulled off my shirt. Zahariev took that as an opportunity to squeeze my breasts.

“God, you are so fucking hot,” he said, leaning forward to kiss my chest before closing his mouth over one breast. I gripped his head, then let my fingers graze through his hair.He moved to the other, tongue swirling over my skin.

“I need this,” I whispered, pulling away to sit beside him.

“Then where are you going?”

“Undress,” I said, shimmying out of my jeans.

Zahariev followed my lead, slipping off his shirt and pants. I reached for his cock as I straddled him again, pumping him up and down. He was smooth and warm, and as much as I wanted to taste him, I wanted him inside me more.