Page 138 of Lovely Venom

“I’m thinking Levin’s mother didn’t want anyone challenging her son’s control of the brotherhood,” Connor says. “She was already killing Sokolovs, her own blood. What was one more?”

I sit back, emotions all over the place.

“Do I have any siblings?” I indirectly ask him if he’s been with someone else and made another kid.

Valdrin clears his throat. “No. I was lucky enough to meet a woman I loved once. And I turned her and my child away. I didn’t deserve another chance.”

I hope that finding me and having my forgiveness for turning us away will set him free. Give him closure with my love so he can find love again with someone else.

“Why did you lie to Tahiri that I was Levin Berisha’s daughter?” I sit back and cross my legs, controlling my emotions.

“When Berisha died, I knew it was time,” Valdrin says forcibly. “Time you were in my life. It was the only way to put you on the throne askyriaunder my watchful eye.” Valdrin shifts in his seat. “Thanks to Connor killing—”

“I killed Berisha,” Shane handily admits. “He sprayed my wife’s nightclub with bullets and tried to rape her.”

Valdrin blanches and must have known Berisha well enough and what he was capable of. After he looks at Shane again, he glances at Connor, seeing the resemblance. Seeing how it was easy to make thatmistake. “I apologize for the accusation, Connor. And on behalf of Levin, I apologize for the hideous trespass against your wife, Shane.”

The room is silent, and Shane nods. “Apology accepted.”

“Why did Noel believe you about Raina without any proof?” Griffin asks.

“Noel believed I loved Levin until the day he died and that his true daughter would be precious to me. Tahiri wouldn’t have hurt you so long as I was around.”

“You didn’t love Levin?” I ask, biting my lip.

“In later years, no, I hated him. When he dragged us to this awful city and started this quest for power. He became someone else. Someone despicable.”

A man who would try to rape a pregnant woman.

But Valdrin had no choice but to follow. Everyone knew his lineage.

Everyone.

“Didn’t everyone know about Levin’s inability to have children?” I ask.

“He never told anyone outside our immediate circle.” Valdrin shakes his head. “He also never accepted it. Killed specialists who told him differently. Had women brought in and fucked them without protection, hoping the doctors were wrong.”

I swallow a lump. “Was that the basis for your trafficking operation?”

Valdrin notices the spite in my voice. “Thekyreis in charge. Whatever he wants is law.”

It’s a harsh reminder that the mafia world isn’t always about fundraisers, gowns, and glamour. Blood and tears build power.

Connor squeezes my shoulder again. It’s like he feels the rage flowing in my veins.

I reach out and touch my father’s hand. “Iunderstand.”

“Now, what do you plan to do with me?” Valdrin says, sitting up tall.

“We are going to kill Noel and install you on the throne, Val,” Connor answers him.

CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN

Raina

Valdrin’s face drains of its color, and I watch Connor’s words play out in those green eyes. The way his jaw ticks. How immediately it seems preposterous. Until he realizes he’s got the backing of Quinlan Empire. If anyone can put a crown on his head, these Irish brats can.

After Griffin sits down next to me, Connor takes the seat on the other side with Shane on his left.