Page 33 of King of Ashes

“Torture. You think this is torture?” My anger rises at the gall. “How about I light a match and you can burn to death? Would that be better?”

She huddles against Hampton.

Hampton's jaw tightens. "What do you want? Why are you here?"

“For one, this is my house. Two, I wanted to check on my future in-laws. I’m thinking of letting you attend.”

Lana's eyes shine with hope. “I can help Keira with the plans?—”

“No. But we’re planning quite the celebration and I’m thinking you should be there.”

“Yes, of course?—”

“It’s a power play, dear,” Hampton interrupts his wife. “He needs to show everyone we’re under his thumb to get their loyalty.”

I tap my nose. “Of course, I could show them your dead bodies instead.”

“Keira would never forgive you if you killed us.”

“What do I care if she forgives me? This is business.”

Lana shifts uncomfortably. "When will we be released?"

"That depends." I push off from the wall, stepping closer. "The wedding will coincide with a loyalty ceremony. Everyfamily in Boston will pledge allegiance to the Ifrinn name, with you two serving as the perfect example of what happens to those who betray us."

“You’re overconfident, Phoenix. You can’t?—”

"I can do whatever I want." I lean down until we're eye-level. "You took everything from me. Now I'm taking it all back, with interest."

Hampton lunges forward, but his weakened state makes it pathetic. I don't even flinch.

"Save your strength," I say, straightening. "You'll need it for your public humiliation."

Lana grabs Hampton's arm, pulling him back. There's calculation behind her eyes, the wheels turning as she searches for leverage. It tells me she’s no victim in this situation. Just like Keira isn’t.

"When will we be released?" she asks again, her voice strained with forced composure.

"When the police are ready to arrest you. You’ve been a very naughty boy. Extortion. Racketeering. Murder. Including the murder of my parents. It’s that last one that is saving your asses. Without justice for my parents’ deaths, there’d be no deal. I’d be the one enacting justice."

Hampton’s face reddens until I’m worried it might explode. "That's not the agreement! You said you'd spare us if Keira married you."

"I said I'd spare your lives," I correct him. "And I have. Prison is better than the alternative I had planned."

"You son of a bitch," Hampton seethes. "You think you've won?”

“Yes. I do. I’ve beaten you. I have my property back and shortly, all the businesses. I have your daughter under my thumb. I think that’s the very definition of winning.”

They are quiet for a moment. “Keira is no innocent,” Lana says.

I’m curious about where she’s going with this. “I know. I’m the one who fucked her.”

She flinches at my vulgarity. I push down the kernel of self-loathing that takes root in my stomach at making my relationship with Keira back then sound sordid.

Lana resets her composure. “She’s lying to you.”

My interest piques. “Is she? About what?”

“Don’t waste your time.” Hampton pats his wife’s thigh.