Page 106 of Ruthless King

And dammit, I am jealous as all hell.

Happy for him, but still envious that he’s found something I’ll never have.

I force a smile as the happy couple saunters toward me. “Please, don’t let me tear you away from your fans,fratellino.”

Luca smacks the back of my head. My little brother has made a terrible habit of hitting me constantly. I guess he has to release the rage somehow.

“Watch it,” I growl. “You don’t want the mayor thinking you’re anything but his little golden boy, now do you?”

“Sorry.” He throws me a sheepish smile. “Old habits die hard.”

Stella snuggles into his side; the expression of utter adoration as she gazes up at my brother pinches at my cold heart. “Oh, everyone loves Luca, you know that, Dante. The commissioner is trying to get him to run for his office when he retires next year.”

“Of course, he is.” I fix my gaze to my brother’s. “You gonna do it, little bro?”

“I don’t know. I have enough going on with King Industries and ourotheractivities.” He whispers the last part.

After taking those gunshots meant for Luca and Stella, my brother welcomed me back into the fold. With Stella in his life, he’s trying to take a step back from our less legitimate half of the business. He finally needs me.

Jianjun never did retaliate for his son’s death, but it’s like walking on eggshells around China Town. It’s a powder keg ready to explode. Luca and Stella need to be far away from the shrapnel. Which leaves me mostly in charge.

It’s my birthright after all. Now protecting them means going back on my word to our father.

“I could see it,” says Stella, drawing me from my thoughts. “Commissioner Valentino.” She smirks and presses a quick kiss to his cheek that has my brother preening like a damned peacock.

“That’s King Commissioner Valentino.” He chuckles and kisses her full on the lips.

If the penthouse wasn’t full of guests, he’d devour her right in the middle of the living room. The happy couple fuck like rabbits. I’d experienced it firsthand on many an unfortunate visit. Now, I never stop by without warning.

“What’s so funny?” Stella’s friend Rose bounces between us, her perky breasts nearly tumbling out of her low-cut mini dress. Her long blonde hair cascades down her shoulders effortlessly. The girl looks like a damned Barbie doll.

“My brother likes to be referred to as the king,” I offer.

Luca rolls his eyes. “That’s not at all true.”

“Only in bed,” Stella counters with a wicked grin.

“I am the king in bed, am I not, princess?” He nuzzles her neck, and I quickly avert my gaze as she starts to giggle.

“Oh no, I have not had enough champagne for this.” Rose tips back her flute and guzzles down the contents. “You two are nauseatingly cute, but I draw the line at sex talk.”

A grin pulls at the corner of my lip. Rose is feisty and gorgeous, and the sight of her makes my cock stand at attention, but she’s a fucking hot mess. She’s nothing like the restrained, wealthy socialites I typically entertain.

“Why didn’t you bring Caroline?” Luca asks as if he’s read my goddammed mind.

Stella’s mouth twists into a pout at the mention of Luca’s one-time fling and my occasional hook up.

I jerk my thumb at his future wife. “That’s why.”

“What?” Stella’s expression morphs into a look of exaggerated innocence.

“Please, we all know you hate the girl,” says Rose. “She’s a total snob and kind of a bitch.” She swats at my arm playfully. “No offense, D. I’m sure she’s a great lay.”

Clenching my jaw, I suppress a smile. She’s got Caroline pegged to a tee, but the only hopes I have of stepping out from behind my little brother’s shadow is bagging an heiress. I can’t live as Luca’s second for the rest of my days.

It’s enough that everyone believes Papà chose him over me.

A sharp squeal sends my heart catapulting against my ribs, and my hand darts to the gun stashed beneath my waistband.Damned PTSD.