Page 151 of The Spare

And I refuse to leave New York until she lets me have it.

"She's flailing, not sure which direction to turn. Scared to make a decision one way or another. So…" Leaning forward, he braces thick forearms on the table and levels me with a stare so serious that if I hadn't had the background I do with my monster of a father and a stoic, no-nonsense brother, I'd be cowering. "I say we make her choose."

"Betweenus?"

He nods. My interest is piqued. I stare at him for a second, seeing his demeanor is open. He's serious.

Well, what's a friendly competition?

"It'll never work here in New York; she's got too many places to run. Too many resources with the King family."

He nods. "Well, we'll have to take her somewhere if we're to do this the right way."

I smile. "I live in a different country. Does Italy sound stimulating to you?"

"Maybe in the beginning. She won't want to be that far from the girls and the babies for that long, I wouldn't think." He thrums his fingers on the table top. "I've got a property out that way. It's unoccupied at the moment because I've been busy with my nephew, but I can have it staffed and running soon. Roughly around three weeks, give or take."

"Hm." I avert my gaze to the floor-to-ceiling windows, contemplatively.

"Who gets her first?"

I throw him an irritated look."Whoever manages to get her first."

He clears his throat and then sips his drink. "So, how dirty are we willing to fight?"

A wicked grin tips my lips. "Dirty as I want. Has anyone ever told you how the Kings procure their spouses?" I ask slowly, bringing my eyes back to his.

He gets a wicked grin and shakes his head. "No, but this sounds really interesting."

I smile back, elated at a challenge. "You got time?"

Crossing his legs, he sits back and takes another sip of his coffee. "I got all the time in the world, friend." His eyes narrow. "Only one problem, though: She's a fighter; from memory I can tell you she hits hard, like a man."

Leaning forward, I feel a wicked smile curve my lips. "That's never bothered me any. Does it bother you?"

He sips his coffee and a muscle clenches in his jaw. "Never. I like 'em rough."

"As do I." I chuckle and tip my cup at him. "May the best man win."