The King (Gentlemen Rogues 2)

“You know, I don't remember you being quite so sassy. I love the spunk, but wow, you probably drove your brother insane.

"Why did you take me?"

"My darling girl, stop asking why and start living up to the legacy. You are the goddamn heir. Act like it."

"You don’t know anything about me."

“I know everything about you. I have been there from the beginning. I know who you are, and you have no idea what you're fucking with. So just stay put. Do not interfere, and no one will get hurt."

"Except I’ve already been hurt."

He frowned. "No one in your past has laid a hand on you. I know that."

My eyes went wide. “How do you know that?”

He lifted a brow and gave me a beaming smile. “Do you really think I haven’t kept a close watch on you all this time?”

"Are you playing Graciella like you played me?"

"What’s the matter love? Are you jealous?” He chuckled softly then added, “You, were a flirtation. We didn’t shag, remember? I do have some integrity. You were so young.”

“Thank God for small favors. I always thought you were kind of creepy. What was someone your age doing hanging around a college student? Do you really think Antonio is going to let you live when he finds out you’re shagging Graciella? His own son’s fiancée?“

He lifted a brow. “Do you really think I was shagging Graciella? If we're going to have this conversation, can we talk about your boyfriend? Does Gabe know? I can't imagine your big brother is going to be very pleased about you breaking all the rules against fraternization. Fucking another Rogues member, tsk-tsk. You know, I must say there's a part of me that's a little bit impressed with you. I don't have to say that, but I can't help it. Just look at you breaking the rules like that. You're a far cry from that little girl I once knew."

“God, I hate you."

“I know. You're supposed to hate me. I'm responsible for your parents' deaths. Hell, if I had a heart, I’d hate myself. But I did away with that bullshit years ago. Now, you're going to stay here. I need to go find Graciella."

"What the fuck do you mean, find her? She's with your men, right?"

He laughed then. “You still don't get it. You are a pawn in a game you do not understand. I can't wait until you figure it out. I would say I’m surprised that you haven't quite figured it out yet, but I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt. You've been distracted by a lot of things that don't matter. And that's okay. We've all been there before. But you're smarter than this, Saffron. Pay attention to what you're being shown." He leaned in close then. “I need you to see the truth."

"Then will you let me go?"

“I would. I actually would, because I don't know how to deal with you. You're going to follow me, and that's not what I need from you right now. I have a few more things I need to lay the groundwork for to get ready for our last powerful dance. In the meantime, you just sit tight, okay? I won't hurt you. You have my word."

“Fuck you and your word. I remember once you pretended to be a friend. I won't make that same mistake again."

He sighed. “I'm sorry it's come to this."

I prayed to God my team was getting my tracker information. If I could just keep him here and talking, they would find us. They would be coming for me at any moment.

“You did grow into a beautiful young lady and one hell of a badass. I hope your brother can see that."

"What's your obsession with Gabe, anyway?"

"Ah, Gabe and I go way back. Tell him I said hi, will you? Now, I’ll leave you here, so you can't cause trouble, okay? Be happy that I didn't kill you."

“You're a sick freak."

“You know, that one I have heard before. You’d just better hope you don't have to find out how sick I really am."

I fought against my restraints, but they were too secure. I prayed to God Tabs was already on her way and not following protocol. I'd been a fool. I had walked right into the trap, and I just hoped my team was good enough to figure out what had happened and come for me.

Because right now, all I could do was scowl at the villain as he prepared to walk out the door.

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