ssa

ured through his fingers, staining the pristine cuffs of his dress shirt a deep, violent crimson. He mad

ates interpreted, his voice cr

iven by the desperate need to save face rather than actual

mply checked the time on m

irst man, a sickening thud echoing as a palm strike connected with a windpipe. The man dropped, gasping for air that wouldn't come. The second ma

omrades and the monster standing before him. Kris tilted h

d his hands, backing

nce that had defined him ten minutes ago had been replaced by the

. I used the toe of my boot to nudge his chin up. His eyes we

d by inches. "*M-my m-mother...*" he slurred

n. "Go home to her. Cry on her lap. And when you're done, tell Claudine that Aless

o step behind me as I slid into the driver's seat of my Pagani. The engine roared

way from the curb, leaving the c

ill hot, the violence acting like a stimulant stronger than any espresso. When I tu

walls and surveillance cameras. Usually, one slowed

ntain in the main courtyard, coming to a halt inches from

ognize was marching toward my door. He looked fresh, his suit

of my car. "Are you crazy? The speed limit on the

he cold wind whipped my hair around my fa

the radio on his belt. " reckless driving is a violation of se

o!*" (

ning through his eyebrow, sprinted toward us. He didn't stop until he was within striking dista

!" Leo hissed, shoving

ssion to deep respect. He bowed his head slightly. "Princip

, eyes wide with confusion and dawning horror as

lapels of my jacket. "Before someone less patie

guard immediately drove up in a customized golf cart, the seats upholstered in white l

the door of the cart for me. "He gave orders that you

ew. News of Kinsey's public mutilation would h

stack of hundred-dollar bills, and tossed th

. I glanced at the rookie one last time. "And buy

sparkling water. The bubbles bit at my tongue, sharp and refreshing. The Don was waiting. Most

hem wait. The Queen