Inevitable (King Crime Family 2)

“Take care of her, Jared,” Enzo says, pulling away. Giving me a once over before he gives Jared the signal to take me away. I continue to thrash back and forth, screaming.

My heart aches, and as I watch the last of his body move from my sight, I feel my heart breaking into a million pieces.

“Jared, you can’t let him do this,” I plead.

“I have to, Amara. I promised him.”

“Please, Jared. Please.”

“It’s done,” he says, his tone hard.

He shoves me into the SUV’s back seat just as the first car comes into view, and lights and sirens fill the area.

Holding me tightly against his chest, so I can’t move, James pulls the car away from the building.

I cry as the man I love is left behind. Tears stream down my cheeks like an endless river. Nothing will end the pain. My chest is sliced wide open and my heart is barely beating. My throat constricts as I try my hardest to take a breath, but nothing is coming. No air enters my lungs, and I feel it. Deep down inside of me, I know I just lost my very reason to breathe.21EnzoAll I can see every time I close my eyes is her beautiful face etched in anguish. I knew her heart was breaking. What’s worse—it’s my fault.

“Mr. King.” I’m greeted by Agent Millerson–the balding FBI agent who threw me to the ground and put cuffs on me. Instead of returning the greeting, I simply stare at him. I’m not stupid. Just because I gave myself up to these people, doesn’t mean I’m going to open my mouth and tell them everything.

It’s only been five days, but I’m struggling, wondering if I’m ever going to get out of here.

You did this for her… I have to remind myself of that every hour of the day.

“One way or another, you’re going to have to talk,” he reminds me, yet again. This is the fifth day of interrogations, and let me tell you, they aren’t above physical abuse—but of course, neither am I.

“Talking would mean I have something to say… and we both know I have nothing to talk about.”

Instead of turning away as most grown men would when faced with my glare, he just stares back at me with a glint of amusement in his eyes. I must be losing my touch.

“You want out of here, and that’s only possible by talking.”

He’s lying. They will never let me go. They’ve tried to get to me for years. I did some really bad shit before meeting Amara. They might not have any proof of those, but they know I’ve committed the crimes.

“I’m not a rat, and even if I was, I wouldn’t have shit to say.” I chose my words carefully.

“Mack…” Agent Millerson says, the name rolling off his tongue as if he’s uttered the single word a million times.

“What about him?” I ask, voiding my face of all emotion.

“Don’t you find it slightly strange the man was found dead in your presence? You knew he was going to come to us and bring you in—but suddenly, he’s dead?”

Eli offered to take the fall for me, but I couldn’t let him do it. I have to face this on my own. Plus, we all knew they would do whatever they could to pin it on me—anything to keep me in this hell hole.

“I think Mack had death coming long before he started with me.” Which was the truth. Mack was bad before he met up with me, and I brought him to the group.

Agent Millerson scratches at his chin. His dark eyes hiding whatever it is he’s pondering.

“Let’s cut to the chase. You and I both know we have enough to pin the murder on you.”

“Then go ahead and do it. If you are that sure a jury will convict without a confession, then what are we still doing here?” I counter, leaning back into the metal folding chair casually.

Millerson mimics my movement, leaning back in his own chair. His lips tuck up into a smile, and he folds his hands behind his head.

“I think that’s enough.” He chuckles, confusing the hell out of me. “I have to give it to you, you are stubborn, but also loyal. How would you like to go home today?

My confusion grows, but I keep my face stoic, not giving anything away. “Yeah, I’m sure you’ll let me walk right out of this door. Maybe fix me a sandwich for the road?”

“I don’t know about the sandwich, but I’m not joking about the walking out of here part. You’re free to go. As a matter of fact, your ride just got here.”Before I have the chance to respond, the door opens. On the other side, Eli’s large body comes into view. He walks in casually with the smuggest look on his face. What the fuck? I told him not to take the fall for me.