“I don’t give a fuck who you make your second,” Griffin says. “I came here to talk about dividing Kato’s business now he’s gone.”
“Kato’s guns and contacts will go to who I fucking say so,” says my father acidly. His eyes are glacial. I know Adrien. He probably has a gun under the table. “And that will be my second in command.”
Kristian smirks, looking triumphant.
Griffin glares at Adrien. “The others won’t like it.”
“Screw the fucking organization. Duke is gone,” Kristian sighs. “It’s a fucking free for all now and you know it.”
Like a slot of the puzzle clicking into place, I’m suddenly aware that killing Joseph has opened up Pandora’s box.
I whip my head to my father.
Did he orchestrate this whole fucking thing? Have I been a pawn this whole time?
Mouth dry, I stare at him until he flicks a gaze my way. The knowing way he looks at me spikes rage through my body until I can’t stop trembling. I’m not listening to the conversation until Griffin scowls and Kristian looks practically livid, burning a hateful gaze right at me.
“You’re fucking joking,” Kristian spouts. “She’s your fucking second?”
‘Interesting move,” Griffin says, watching me warily now.
I’m still shaking so I force myself to stop.
“Are you cold?” Griffin asks. “Or absolutely terrified?” I’m neither cold, nor scared. It’s the rage that consumes me. I don’t bother to correct him. I run the last few moments back in my head. Adrien just announced me as his fucking second.
“She’s a fucking mess, if you ask me. Look at her.”
“Is that right?” Adrien warns in a dangerously calm voice. Gigi and another of Adrien’s security guards step forward, aiming their guns at Kristian’s and Griffin’s head as he speaks.
Both men also reach for their guns but it’s too late. The stalemate is set. Griffin doesn’t move but he looks unimpressed. Kristian’s eyes blaze with contempt and burning rage.
“Are you cold or terrified, my dear?” my fathers asks.
I glare at Adrien.
“Cold,” I say because telling Adrien the truth will backfire. Emotion is a weakness.
“Of course you’re cold. You’re wearing hardly anything.” He looks at Kristian. “Give her your jacket.”
Kristian stares at my father like he’s sprouted wings. He growls as he gets to his feet, slips off his tailored jacket, and tosses it to me.
I calmly drape it over my shoulders. It’s warm and smells of Kristian’s cologne. Annoyingly, It’s the same one Dino wears and it makes my chest tighten. I suck in a breath, soothing my raw edges with a sip of wine. At that moment, the staff appear and serve us the first course.
Adrien sighs and waves his men away. Gigi, still glaring, puts away her gun. The rest follow.
Adrien looks about the table, elbow resting on it with fingers interlaced. “My daughter is the obvious choice, of course. She is my only heir. Now, let’s enjoy our meal before we talk business again,” he says, trying to smooth things over. No one is happy but we can at least all eat now that the food is here.
It’s foie gras, Adrien’s favorite. I stare at it and then ignore it. As the plates are put in front of each person, no one but my father dives in straightaway to eat.
Kristin huffs and picks at his plate, keeping his eyes on me the whole time. He’s looking at me like he wants to skin me alive. That’s fine. The feeling is mutual. Griffin is also looking at me, but not with hatred. He’s assessing me. Adrien has a reputation and Griffin is trying to figure out the angle.
It’s amusing to watch because they have no idea. Men always underestimate me. That’s the angle my father is using here.
He’s always using me.
Everything I’ve done in my life is because Adrien was pulling the strings. He always has been…
“It’s been a long time, daughter. I was beginning to think you’d never come back for your legacy.”