Page 63 of King of Malice

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Dimitri

In an ideal world,Ava would be tucked safely at home with Anna. Carrying my woman, I turn to Killian. “I need you to make certain my daughter is protected.”

Killian grimaces. “I can go, but then I’m not here to help you protect Ava.”

I feel Ava’s shiver of fear as she shakes in my arms. “Send him to Anna,” she whispers anyway.

I look down at her, my heart rising into my throat. I can’t even imagine how afraid she was today.

That was her worst nightmare come to life.

And even after all that, she’s willingly sending Killian to protect my daughter?

I knew that when Ava loved, she’d love with her whole heart. But it steals my breath to see the proof right before my eyes.

I dip my head to kiss her, my mouth crashing into hers.

I should be gentle. She’s raw and vulnerable, but she doesn’t stiffen or pull away.

She kisses me back, her lips soft and pliant under mine.

Every man my father blackmailed is dead. I know it makes me a killer, but it also protects their families. Men are soldiers, it’s the women and children who need to be protected.

It’s a fact I’ve always understood.

With their deaths, my father will not seek retribution. And just like I protected those unknown wives, mothers, children, I will protect my family.

Ava and Anna will have my full protection even if it costs me my life. That is my code. And it is the code that I lead with here in Vegas.

I lift my head, looking toward the line of trees. Beyond the small patch of woods are three tiny homes equipped with all the latest comforts. They’re made for after The Hunt. The place a man can take the woman he’s claimed to complete their bond.

Cadence and Zane are in one of them now.

Next to me, Tazz keeps pace, bruises blooming on his jaw and cheek.

Tris already loaded the men too hurt to stay into his car to drop them at an emergency room.

But the other Smith brothers have joined us. Gris, a man who moves with the skilled confidence of a trained fighter, is to my right. Beside him, Jake and Luke Kincaid. While Jake is the head of security, Luke is the primary muscle for Kincaid Enterprises.

These men have been my rivals. Did I think I didn’t like them? The fact that they are here speaks volumes about their characters. They operate under the same code as I do, and for that, they have my full allegiance.

“You’re certain you don’t want me here?” Killian asks. “It’s where the fight is likely to happen.”

“I’m certain,” I nod at him. “Keep my daughter safe.”

With a nod, he veers off, disappearing almost instantly into the dark. I’m half tempted to send Ava with him. But transit will be dangerous and by my side is where she belongs. I’ll die before I let my father hurt her.

We enter the woods, the quiet making my senses sharpen as I search through the trees, watching and listening for danger.

Our steps slow as my head swivels back and forth.

Ava’s hands tighten on my neck. I hold her closer as we traverse the narrow strip of woods between us and the cabins.

My father is coming. I have no doubt.

Trent was only the tip of the iceberg. The rest of the danger is under the water, waiting to emerge.