Page 124 of Brutal Devil

It may take months or even years, but Iwillget over Matteo Andriani.

“Are you going to transfer to finish your MFA?” Isla asks.

“I am. I’m still deciding where I want to be.”

I’m still deciding a lot after everything that happened between Priest and me.

“That’s the thing,” Isla says. “When something is right, you know it. Take your time, Luna. You’ll have your pick of the best programs out there.”

We talk for another two hours, catching up exactly where we left off. I laugh until I cry. And when we finally end the call, I’m left with my best friend’s words, haunting me.

When something is right, you know it.

What Priest and I had felt right. Even though it shouldn’t have. Even though every single thing about it was wrong.

Cid digs his claws into my thigh, tearing me from my thoughts as I wince.

“You’re right, little guy. Fuck him.”

But I don’t hate Priest the way I should. I still love him. I still long for him.

And, like it or not, he’s still my husband.

Until I sign the papers.

Priest

It’s nine in the morning, and I’m on my second Johnnie Walker Blue. I’m not going to say this is a regular occurrence. But in the month since I walked away from Luna, it’s happened more than once a week. I’m not proud of it, but I’ve been a wreck without her, and I’ll do anything to numb the pain.

Saint is rattling off a bunch of shit at me, most of which I haven’t listened to and don’t care about. He’s my consigliere for a reason. He should be handling it. And why do I need the rundown? Business is booming. The families are unified. I’m the don. I have everything I ever wanted.

Everything except her.

It’s a hollow, sad fucking victory. Because it turns out that having it all without the woman you love at your side is the same as having nothing.

“So the Bratva is good with the latest shipment?” I ask like I fucking care.

Okay, that’s not fair. I do care. A little. As much as I need to care. Enough to do my job, anyway. In the last month, we’ve forged a new alliance with the Bratva. It’s been going well so far.

“Scorpion’s contact reports back that all is going well and the Pakhan is pleased,” Saint tells me, watching as I down the rest of my glass and pour another. “You’re having another drink?”

“No, I’m going to confession. What the fuck does it look like I’m doing?”

I pour a double just to annoy the fucker, and then I take an exaggerated sip when I’m done.

“What else do you have for me?”

“I spoke with Lazaro.”

Lazaro is one of my lawyers. One who’s recently been given a very specific task.

I stiffen and take another drink. “Where are we at in the proceedings?”

I don’t saydivorce. I can’t seem to get the word out. It’s bitter on my tongue. Like ash.

I don’t want a divorce either. But I know it’s what I need to do. For Luna’s sake.

“Lazaro sent the initial paperwork to Luna to review, but she’s dragging her feet about Tomasso’s businesses. Claims she wants to keep them and run them herself.”