Broken Reign: Enemies-To-Lovers Romance

I head straight for the stairs because I prefer them. The stairs are wide, open, and have clear railings.

It never feels like I’m trapped inside. I wasn’t lying to Skye when I said I don’t like elevators, but I didn’t get into the specifics. It’s not only elevators; it’s all enclosed spaces. When she stopped talking in the elevator, I welcomed the silence. I didn’t realize that we had that in common. But why should I?

I don’t actually know her.

So why would I know shit about her? Despite the little time spent with her and my endless research, it doesn’t ever show the real person.

Taking the steps two at a time, I head to the top floor, which is my residence. I walk straight for the bar set up in the corner of the main room. My gaze scans over my choices. Is tonight a scotch night or a tequila night?

Since I’m alone, I opt for Glenlivet 21. Grabbing a tumbler, I pour myself three fingers and then head into my bedroom to get changed. On my approach, I lift the glass and take a swig. The warm liquid coats my throat, and as I swallow, I swear it already is loosening me up. Tilting my head up, I look at the skylight I had built directly over my favorite place to sit.

I have a clear view of the night sky.

Although no stars are visible, the darkness above calms me.

Tomorrow, I have a lot more in store for her. When I said I wanted her to accompany me everywhere, I meant it. Setting my drink down, I pick up my phone to dial Gideon.

“Boss?” he answers. “Do you need me?”

“Nah. I just wanted to go over a few things for tomorrow.”

“Shoot.”

Technically, if I wanted Gideon here, he’d be here. He lives downstairs, along with a handful of my men. They don’t necessarily live here full time, but there is a security area with rooms. That way, if something ever goes down, I have my team with me.

I won’t need it for long if everything goes as planned.

“We need to go to Lorenzo and go over the logistics.”

“Are you sure you want to do this? This is your legacy, Tobias.”

“Yes,” I grit out.

Soon, Gideon will take over my import business. Most essential is the portion I don’t talk about.

The drugs.

Despite what he says, I want no part in it. It’s always been a means to an end. A way to get enough power to take out my enemies and seek revenge. Now that I’m close, Gideon thinks I might regret my decision or go back on it. I won’t.

All I want is to feel the life drain from the body of the man who killed my family. After that’s done, I’m done with this life.

I was handed the keys to a kingdom I never wanted. It’s time my reign ended.

“Yes, I’m sure. This is why we are going to meet with Lorenzo tomorrow. He needs to know the plan and that you will be taking over.”

“Okay,” he responds. His voice is far away, lost in thought.

“Gideon.”

“Yeah, boss?”

“Is this really what you want?” If he doesn’t, I’ll find another way out, despite what it will cost me.

“I don’t have a choice.”

“There is always a choice.”

“I’m the lesser of the evils. If I step up, we can control who deals, who the customer is, and make sure it’s never cut.”

It’s true; this is the easier way. Despite my profession, I do have a conscience. Anyone who buys from me knows what will happen if it’s ever cut with fentanyl. They would die just like their customers. Painfully.

“We could close up shop,” I offer as a solution.

“We could, but you know as well as I do that someone will fill the void. They always do.” He’s not wrong.

That’s the underworld. There is always a nastier, more deadly enemy waiting to strike. This way, with Gideon in charge, we can limit the damage.

“You’re right.” I let out a long, audible sigh. “But if you don’t want this, then we just take that risk.”

“I’m good, boss,” he responds, and this time, I hear the conviction in his voice.

I nod to myself, happy with the outcome of this conversation. He’s right. This is the only solution to the problem. There is no one I trust more than Gideon Byrne. He’s the only man other than myself who will honor the principles I grew up with.

No women.

No children.

The bastard who killed my father never believed in those principles. Which is why it has always been important to honor my father and follow the rules he wanted to govern his organization with. It doesn’t matter if I’m involved. My connections and contacts trust us to be better than our competition, and nothing will stop me from making sure that is exactly what happens. Consequences be damned.