Enzo
Married.
It’s not real.
It’s fake in every way that matters.
But Kai still said yes.
She let me put my mother’s ring on her finger.
This is the only “marriage” I will ever have. I will never let a woman into my life; it’s too fucking dangerous.
And kids, forget it.
The Black line will end with me.
And if I know Kai, she wouldn’t dare bring kids into this world either.
This will end with us.
I stare at the sparkly ring on Kai’s finger that fits perfectly, as if it were made for her. I still hold her hand in mine. My thumb lazily playing with the ring on her finger. Waiting for the reaction of fear to surge through her.
It doesn’t come.
My heart belongs to the devil. The inscription my mother had inscribed after my father gave her the ring. Good thing Kai’s heart is too strong to fall for such a monster like me.
Her big, bold eyes look up at me, as if she can feel my pain through where our hands touch. And I can feel hers.
Too bad this can never be more. I might eventually persuade her into my bed, but that’s as far as this will go. When one of us is declared the winner, we will go our separate ways. Then this will be only a terrible memory that we both spend our whole lives trying to forget.
A knock brings us back to reality.
We both take a deep breath in unison. The corner of my mouth twitches with the need to protect her. That’s what I do, protect the innocent. And Kai is an innocent. I’ve failed her before; I won’t again.
She smiles softly back trying to reassure me. But this is her first test. This is the first peek at what her life will be like if she wins. And as much as I’d love for her to find a way to win—she’s more worthy than I will ever be—the job isn’t a kind one, it turns you into the devil. Hardens you until there is nothing left of who you truly are.
It’s my burden to bear.
Kai picks up the drink I poured her while I walk over and take a seat in my chair that looks as much like a throne as a chair. I used to hate how my father sat in it, acting like an actual king. But after I’ve become Black, I understand. The throne has power. And you need every drop of it to control these bastards.
Kai hesitates for a second and then wisely chooses to sit next to me. You don’t show that you rise for any man. You sit and let the weasels come to you. You don’t show them respect. They are nothing but low life worms that you need to control in order to keep people safe.
Another impatient knock.
“Enter,” I say, my voice deep and commanding.
I feel Kai’s eyes burn into me. I rarely use my voice like this in front of her. I know with a single syllable I sound threatening and demeaning—like I could squash everyone in this club with a word. I could. That’s how powerful my voice is.
The door opens, and Dallas Fell enters.
“You kept me waiting long enough, Black,” Dallas spits as he storms in our direction. “I’m tired of your watchdogs holding me back. You fucked up! Now it’s time to pay the price!”
I feel Kai shuddering next to me.
You don’t belong in this world, this life. Go as soon as you have a chance, I plead. Knowing that even if she heard me, she wouldn’t leave. She’s too stubborn, bull-headed, and determined. She thinks she can change things, make the world a better place if she were to win. She doesn’t understand that I am making the world a better, safer place by handling the criminals myself. No one else can do this job.
“Sit down, Dallas, if you want me to pay for my mistakes,” my voice booms, bouncing off the walls in an echo of fierceness.