Page 21 of King of Wrath
“You know my age?” I don’t know why I’m surprised as I push up again. He’s clearly been studying up on me. Which puts us back in the weird zone.
“It’s my business to know about you, Nia.”
“Why?”
“Because…” He sits up, crossing his legs on the bed, his elbows coming to his knees, his gaze holding me captive. “We’re going to help each other.”
“You don’t need my help,” I shake my head. “Your family is dismantling my father without me.”
He shakes his head like he disagrees, but he doesn’t say more. “So that was your only attempt in six years?”
I don’t want to talk about myself anymore, and I know he’s avoiding my question. “How old are you?”
“Thirty-five.”
My lips part in surprise. Fifteen years older than me is pretty old. Toni is only forty-two.
I sit up too, mirroring his pose as I lean my elbows on my knees. “You’re almost old enough to be my?—”
He holds a hand up. “Let’s not.”
But I cock my head to the side, considering the implications. I’ve been trying to avoid men in general. Maybe that’s why I was never really interested in Gris. It seemed far safer to hide alone than to give myself over to another man and his potential power, even if he could provide protection. What if he abused it the way Toni does?
But now I’m here, having late night conversations with a man whois as sophisticated, successful, and as strong as my greatest tormentor. I haven’t been able to trust anyone emotionally. It’s such a risk, but what if I could? “Do you think you’re strong enough to beat Toni?”
Jake holds my gaze with his. He doesn’t move but I feel the change in him. The way he hardens, the way his energy shifts in intensity. “I know I am.”
“How do you know?” I nearly whisper this like Toni might hear me. But my senses are suddenly heightened, and some energy is moving through me. This moment feels…significant.
“I was raised old-school,” Jake answers. “It makes a man tougher and meaner too. I choose to operate with integrity because control over my emotions, and my actions, make a man strong but that doesn’t mean I don’t understand your father. That I can’t stoop to his level if I choose.”
Those words have my heart thudding in my chest. I feel them deeply. Toni never has integrity, and he regularly allows his control to slip, and with it, his empire is slipping away too. While these men…
They grow stronger year by year.
“My father is old-school too. My way or the highway…. I’m not sure it’s an asset.”
Jake shakes his head. “My nephew Mason has taught me a few new tricks. I know when I need to depend on my family to help me accomplish what I can’t alone. I’m never afraid to admit when I need their help or guidance.”
They are a strong unit. Jess’s words come back to me again about seeking refuge in another family. “What else?”
“And I am crystal clear on how women and children should be loved, cared for, and protected because they are the very heart of an empire.”
Something is sticking in my throat. Tears? Emotion? I can’t name it and even if I could…I’m afraid of the truth. I lay back down, my thoughts spinning.
Because my kidnapper has made some excellent points and for the first time tonight, I’m wondering if he might be right about this little field trip being to my advantage.
Maybe this situation really could be mutually beneficial.
Or maybe, I am the sacrificial lamb to keep the women they love safe.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Nia
I wakethe next morning to find the bed next to me empty.
I push up, rubbing the sleep from eyes as I try to decide what time it is and where my…er…roommate might have gone.