Page 65 of King of Malice

Ava releases Cadence with one arm, reaching a hand back to me. “We both know that if left to my own devices, all I would do all the time is workand worry.”

Cadence lets out a soft laugh. “Very true. But you could pick people who are run-of-the-mill dangerous. You know, someone who participates in petty theft because they’re bored, not because they have anger and abandonment issues.”

Zane’s hand comes to Cadence’s back. “We’re working on those.” That’s when I notice that Zane has a number of bruises all over his arms and face. Has he been having a tough time taming Cadence?

Tazz must notice too, because he clears his throat. “Cadence, is it?”

Zane brushes past Cadence and Ava, blocking them and standing at my shoulder. “Who is this fuck-face?”

A half grin pulls at my lips. “Another contestant and here to help. Now, let’s go inside where I can fill you all in on the details.”

Zane glares at Tazz. “Fine. But he stays outside.” He points at Tazz, before his eyes sweep across the other assembled men. “And these fuckers too.”

I shake my head. “The rest of them are happily married, and we all need to understand what’s coming. Everyone is coming inside.”

Zane’s lip curls. “Fine.”

“Center house,” I call out. “We need a plan and a careful inventory of the weapons at our disposal.”

Ava lets go of Cadence to spin back toward me.

Wrapping my arm around her, I tuck her into my side, my lips dropping to her ear. “There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do to protect you, milaya. Have faith in that.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Ava

I walkinto the small house and note, even in the dark, that it smells expensive. Like wool carpet and new appliances.

“We’re keeping the lights off,” Dimitri quietly states. He’s not talking just to me, but to everyone. “Let’s not make it too easy to be found.”

I wrap my arms about his waist, laying my head on his chest. His arm tightens around my back as he draws me closer.

Tazz steps to my other side and I actually feel safer with him there. It’s like the more I’m around men, the less afraid I become.

I wish I’d realized that years ago. That surrounding myself with the right men would help me heal.

Cadence stands next to Zane, his hand on her shoulder, his body slightly in front of hers in a clearly protective stance, though she doesn’t need it.

Men have always flocked to Cadence. But if she makes it hard for me to take care of her, with men…she has always been staunchly independent. Aggressively so.

Dimitri begins to speak, sharing information I already know. His father is the head of his family and their business. He’s been holding his sisters hostage. He also shares his attempts to force his father’s hand. “This is my fight. Any and all of you are welcome to leave. But I ask that you do so now, if you’re going to go.”

No one moves.

I don’t open my eyes to see their faces. I keep them closed, my nose buried in Dimitri’s chest. Only my ears are open.

But no one shifts or speaks, the silence is resolute.

I give Dimitri the smallest squeeze.

“He knows Trent brought Ava here, so he’ll know I’m here too.”

“What’s his end game?” Tazz asks.

“Kill me or punish me for trying to gain my independence,” Dimitri answers with a slow exhale. “And if it’s the latter, then he’ll have an eye on forcing me back into the fold.”

I squeeze him tighter, my hands spreading out on his back. He continues to hold me close.