Fallen Royal (Mafia Royals 4)

I love Izzy.

“Let’s go,” I command, grabbing the key fob.

“Maksim?” Serena says.

I understand the name, but it’s not really mine. “Sim,” I say with purpose. “But that’s okay… more important things to do.”

“Right.” Her eyes flicker to Junior, then back to me.

“Good to have you on our side,” Junior says, then shares a glance with Ash that makes me feel like family.

We get in the car, and I start the rundown.

“King went to the Baratta Family. Our only goal is to get him back without having to kill the rest of them. The boss is already dead—her dad—I can only assume that his brother is now in charge unless his own people have killed him. They’re losing money, but they have a lot of resources. If you remember correctly, they felt slighted when they weren’t asked to join the Five Families. Instead, the Sinacores, my Family”—I clear my throat—”were brought into the fold with the Russians tagging along. It offended them—deeply. They’ve been behind a lot of the attacks against the kids.”

“And you’re telling us this now?” Ash is clearly mad.

I expected it.

“We were trying to keep you guys out of it,” I explain. “And I did a good job.”

“No shit,” Ash says under his breath. “How many did you take out?”

“Twenty-two.” I tilt my head. Or was it more? I remember the way their blood stained my palms. “Today we’ll add to that.” I smile for the first time that night. I’m going to get my friend.

And then I’m going to go back to Izzy.

And I’m going to kiss her because I love her because she’s mine because she called me hers.

The drive to the docks doesn’t take long, it was the last place I saw them, and since they don’t have a lot of money, just a lot of resources and people who hate us, I expect they’re just that stupid to stay in the same spot.

Hiding.

Serena clears her throat. “Sim?” She sounds like she’s testing my name as she ties back her blond hair and pulls on some leather gloves, then checks her gun. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.” I pull down the street and turn off the lights.

“Will you remember this?”

“What are you talking about?” I frown. My head hurts a bit, I press my temples. How would I forget killing? It’s a strange question. Her eyes flicker to Junior before she forces me a smile in the rearview mirror. “Serena?”

“Yup, great answer. Killing is fun, glad we have the memories and all that.” She winks.

“Fuuuuck…” Junior says under his breath, casting Serena an almost loving look.

Sometimes I forget how much I love being with them.

Even if it’s for something like this.

I remember how much I love my life, different as it is, and how much I will miss Izzy if I go away.

A sad smile forms across my lips as I look in the rearview mirror again. My hair’s tousled back because I’ve been running my hands through it.

Junior sits to my right. “Do you have a plan?”

“Of course.” I roll my eyes. “I’m going to need all of you to hand over your weapons.”

“What?” they all say in unison.

I point my gun at Junior then press it to his temple. “You’re officially my hostages.”

“What the hell?” Junior yells, but he holds up his hands.

I smile. “Three heirs. I bet they’re going to shit themselves when I toss you to the wolves.”

“Are you serious?” Serena’s eyes are worried. I wonder why? It’s the perfect plan. She has to see that. “You’re crossing all of us? On purpose?”

“Right now, I am.” Do I really need to explain things? She’s being dramatic. I shrug and jerk my head toward the door. “Let’s go.”

They all get out of the SUV and start walking toward the end of the dock next to the damaged warehouse. It has a sign on it that warns no entry in ugly red letters and enough graffiti to look almost pretty with all the different colors on the side of the brown wood.

I laugh when I think of asking them to take me to their leader. The joke would be lost on my shocked friends. Do they really think I’m going to kill them?

People are dumb sometimes.

“Baratta Family…” I yell. “I brought you an early Christmas present. Or shall I say presents? How ’bout a trade?”

Nobody says anything. Minutes go by, and then the broken wood door slowly swings outward. Someone pokes a flashlight through the opening. “Who’s there?”

“Your worst nightmare.” I offer a harsh laugh. “Sorry, not funny?”

Junior mutters curses under his breath.

“Come onnnnnn. I bring gifts, and you don’t even offer a drink?”

“You alone?” The flashlight is too bright.

I roll my eyes. “I’ve been alone for years, but yes, I’m alone. I’m here to make sure King’s okay. Heard he came early and all that. The bosses got worried blah, blah, fucking, blah, so I’m here on a little peace mission. You take the others, I take King back until the wedding, then we trade. Think of it as a good faith offer that you aren’t going to hurt anyone.”