Page 10 of Scandalous Kingpin

The sky darkened and thunder rumbled, rattling the earth and pushing the memories forward.

Everything felt the same, except for one thing.

Me.

Chapter Four

IVY

Then

“Don’t cry, princess.” Athair’s voice was soft but his grip was firm as he led me through Dublin’s narrow streets. “You’re with your old man. You’re not scared, are you?”

I shook my head, long curls sticking to my tear-streaked cheeks, and followed along for what felt like hours, trying not to trip over my feet. When we stopped in front of a big metal container, I was scared and didn’t understand why we were here.

“Mama won’t be happy,” I murmured, my eyes locked on the women huddled together in a corner.

“We won’t tell her.”

“But—”

Athair came to a stop, grabbing my other hand and pressing it to his chest. “No, Ivy. This has to remain our secret.”

My eyes darted around, Athair’s bodyguards standing discreetly behind us. “They’re crying… What if they’re hurt.”

“I know, my heart,” he urged. “But this is to keepthemsafe.”

“Who?” I whispered.

“Your sisters.” A cold voice came behind me and I whirled around, fear taking hold of my lungs.

“Ivy only has brothers,” Athair stated, his voice like a whip. “As you well know, Sofia.”

The woman smiled, but there was a hint of sadness in it. Something about it pulled on my chest, and I took her slim, elegant hand in mine. “But I’ve always wanted a sister.”

The woman’s gaze grew wet and she lowered to one knee, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

“I’ll count on that, little Ivy. When the time comes, be good to them.”

My fluttering heart warmed and I nodded, trying to seem older than my five years. “Who are you?”

Sofia smiled sadly. “I’m the villainess, ruling in the darkness because of the men.”

“I’m scared of the dark,” I admitted. Athair’s grip on me tightened, the gesture silently comforting. It saidyou are safe. My gaze darted to the little boys and girls around us. “They might be scared of the dark too. Can we help them?”

Her beautiful face turned harsh. “Someone has to pay for their parents’ sins.”

She rose to her full height and met Athair’s tall frame, their eyes locking. “I can’t keep doing this, Sofia. My wife suspects something.”

“Then bring Ivy along.”

His grip on my hand tightened and I whimpered. “Athair, you’re hurting me.”

He rubbed my little hand affectionately. “I’m sorry, princess.” His eyes returned to the strange woman. “I’m taking my daughter out of here.”

Sofia blocked his way out. “First, I need you to do something.”

“If you think I’m getting you more… merchandise, you’re out of your mind. The Cullens are already onto me.”