Page 116 of Beauty and the Daddy

Belle's tied to a chair in the center, refusing to show fear even with a gun pressed to her belly.

Sofia's huddled in the corner with tears streaming down her face.

And my brother's looking like he's finally gotten everything he ever wanted.

I step into the doorway with my gun raised. "Let them go, Declan."

He turns to me, looking every bit like the killer he is.

"Brother! So glad you could join us." His gun doesn't waver from Belle's stomach. "We were just discussing family matters."

Belle's eyes find mine, relieved and grateful. There's a bruise blooming on her cheek.

All I see is red, from the blood flowing to my head, egging me on to seek my revenge.

"This isn't how family talks," I snarl. "Let's you and me sort this out."

Declan laughs. "I've been trying to 'sort this out' for years, Luca. Years of watching you contend for power. But we all know I'm the stronger leader here."

"Put the gun down, Dec. You don't want to do this." My eyes flicker to Sofia, who stands there, petrified.

"Don't I?" His smile turns cruel. "Let's see what your precious bloodline is worth." He presses the barrel harder against Belle's stomach.

Sofia's scream tears through the room—high, terrified, the sound of childhood innocence being murdered in real time. "Don't hurt Belle! Please, Uncle Declan, don't hurt her!"

That cry does something to me.

Flips every switch I've spent years learning to control.

My daughter is watching her uncle hold a gun to the woman she loves, and there's nothing innocent left in this room.

"It's okay, princess," I lie, never taking my eyes off Declan. "Uncle Declan's just confused."

"You bought her." Declan bristles with annoyance. "Why do you care so much?"

"Initially," I say, because we're doing truth tonight and I'm not going to flinch. "Now I'd trade the empire for her."

Belle's eyes flicker with pain and fury, begging me not to fall at Declan's feet, but I don't care.

I step in. One pace.

I keep my gun lowered, my palms open.

I make myself big enough to be a problem and human enough to make him think he's the stronger one here.

"Stop," Declan says.

I stop. Half step short of where I want to be.

I can smell her shampoo. I can hear the hiccup in my kid's crying. I can hear my own breath roaring like surf.

"Slide your gun to me," I add, like we're simply bargaining, "and you walk out alive. You have my word."

He barks a laugh. "Your word bought her. It doesn't buy me."

"Then name your price."

He gestures with the muzzle. "Trade places with Belle."