Was I really using her goddamn grandfather as an excuse?I guess I was that far gone. It wasn’t like I cared or even feared the old asshole. I’d slice his throat open in font of his whole family and smile the entire time.
Alek didn’t buy my bullshit. Never did. “Since when does that matter? Tell me. When have you ever cared about a woman this much? Is it because of me and Nik? I hate that you won’t talk about it, and if you can’t tell me, then, for fuck’s sake, talk to Marcel.” His voice broke.
He stepped closer, and I exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of my neck. I wanted nothing more than to pour out my heart to him. Our parents had raised us to never forsake one another and to never allow strife or anyone to come between our brotherly bonds.
“Alek, I appreciate you. I do. I know I’ve acted like an ass lately. Fuck if I’ll ever forgive myself or not. Right now, at this moment, I can’t. Not with her here. I’m going to stay at the club until she’s gone.”
“That’s not necessary. She’s leaving tomorrow, staying with Mother and Father for a while.”
My head shot up as confusion spread across my face.
“Yeah, you heard me right. She called Mother earlier today, and it’s actually perfect, if you think about it. At the compound, she’ll be completely safe. She can get to know them because, despite what everyone says, she’s not disappearing. Sheisfamily. Nik and I have a plan—one we could use your help on,” he said quietly.
A crease formed between my brows as I tried to follow what he was asking.
“If you’re not up for it, that’s fine. But you can’t leave, Ivan. This is your home. We’re brothers, all of us. She fucking loves you deeply, idiot.”
“I don’t deserve it,” I said, feeling like a complete ass.
“I don’t believe that for a second. Now tell me something. Are you your brother’s keeper?”
Shit, not this.We hadn’t made that declaration since that day all those years ago. Even hearing it now brought the searing pain back. After the five of us made our vow to one another, Alek promised we’d seek vengeance when we were old enough, strong enough, and wise enough.
The one constant in my life grabbed my shoulders and stared into my eyes. I sighed and grabbed him in return. “Say it with me,” he roared.
“I am my brother’s keeper. I shall not keep, nor hide, anything from my brother. I will always be honest and stand beside him whenever he is in need. I’ll honor him, fight beside him, and protect whatever is his. For what is his is ours, and what is mine is ours. Iammy brother’s keeper,” we chanted together.
Grabbing him in a bear hug, I allowed the emotions to take over.
“I get this has been rough on you, but you aren’t alone.”
I hung my head. “I’m failing at everything. Can’t even be around her without losing my shit. I almost killed Pasha. Or at least in my head, I did.”
Alek placed a hand on my shoulder, his grip firm. “We’ll figure it out. But you need to calm down first. Come on, let’s get a drink or something. Clear your head.”
I hesitated, looking back at her closed door. The thought of her crying alone in her room filled me with dread. But I also knew going back in wasn’t the answer either. It was too late to fix it. And I needed to get a grip, for everyone’s sake.
“Yeah, okay,” I finally said, my voice hoarse. “A drink sounds good.”
I knew I would have to tell him and the others if I was ever going to get beyond what had happened, but I needed more time to process it.
The statement “what is mine is ours” took on a new meaning. It was never intended to apply to women. Thanks to Vanya, over the years, we applied it to toys, electronics, and even cars, but never women. I shook my head, thinking about it now. It felt ironic that it was coming full circle.
But it hit me then that we never thought twice about sharing Kinsley because she was individually mine, individually Alek’s, and individually Nik’s, which made her ours. Even Sebastian and Marcel had adopted her as theirs, albeit in a more sisterly fashion than we Kings.
“What’s the plan, then?” I pulled away from him, and he clapped me on the back.
“I’m going to get Nik. You get cleaned up. You fucking smell like her. It’s distracting as hell.” He chuckled.
Chapter 28
Kinsley
Saying Goodbye
Pain radiated through everyinch of my body, and I groaned as I rolled over. I was going to need another ice pack today—maybe three of them. My pussy and breasts were sore as I stiffly moved into the shower. And my nipples were red and raw from all the attention Ivan had given them. The second the water hit them, I yelped and twisted around so it wasn’t so painful.
Even though last night left me confused because he alternated between being gentle and rough, I had to trust I’d made the right decision. Nik said I knew them well and that I needed to lean into the instincts I had. In that moment, I understood he intended to—no,neededto—torment me in some small way.
