Page 73 of A Tempest of Intrigue
I shifted my attention to him as I smiled grimly. “Why would I condemn her to a life of misery by bringing her to you?”
“Because if you don’t, I’ll have Ivan give me your mother’s property and throw you in jail.”
I laughed. “Are you forgetting that I know you’re plotting against him by trying to marry Leo’s daughter? Your threats mean nothing to me.”
When he stepped closer, I held my ground. “What about that whore you’re screwing? Does she mean something to you?”
Though he considered Ellery a whore, something I would one day remedy, he couldn’t know about her, but unease clenched my belly. If he knew I was still seeing her, he would have made another move against her.
“Which one?” I asked. “There are so many of them.”
“From what I’ve learned, there’s onlyone. I think her name is Dahlia.”
So, hehadstarted questioning the women in the bordellos about my activities and digging into my life more. I’d hoped to avoid this but had prepared for it.
That didn’t mean I couldn’t feel the noose tightening around my neck. I’d known time was running out for me and Ellery, but it was slipping faster and faster through the hourglass with every passing second.
“You have a thing for focusing on only one whore at a time,” he remarked.
“Or I prefer not to stick my dick in every woman who comes along. I’m getting too old for that shit, so once I find one who more than satisfies me, I tend to stay with them for a bit.”
“Or maybe you care for her.”
I laughed at him. “Doubtful, and you’re forgetting therearewhorehouses in the Revenant Woods.”
“Well, I can always bring her here to find out.”
“I’m sure she’d enjoy a tour of the place, but I don’t care what you do, Father.”
“Yes, you do.” We stared at each other, neither giving a centimeter before he spoke again. “It’s strange that you’re not more curious about this lightning bearer.”
“I’ve expressed all my curiosity over the week since learning about her existence. And, as I’ve said, I’m sure she’ll one day reveal herself.”
A muscle in his jaw twitched. “Bring her to me, or I’ll kill Leo’s daughter.”
He was getting desperate as he switched tactics. “The woman you love? So dramatic, Father.”
“She’s the only living offspring of your fucking hero.”
“And she was supposed to be my stepmother. What’s your point?”
“I’m assuming you want her to live.”
I did, but Ellery came first. “I’ve learned to live with disappointment. You are my father, after all.”
His pale green eyes narrowed on me. “You always have the smart fucking replies.”
“So very much like you.”
The corner of his mouth twitched toward a smile. “It’s the only thing we have in common. Bring her to me, Ryker, or I’ll drag Dahlia here and hang her and Bria from the rafters. I’ll leave them there for you to see every time you enter.”
“If I bring you the lightning bearer, you’ll kill Bria anyway. You won’t let one of Leo’s bastards live if they’re useless to you; you’ve already proven that. You’d never just give her money and send her back to the Gloaming. She’s as good as dead.”
I would have to figure out how to prevent that, but while Ellery remained hidden, Bria remained safe. That wouldn’t last.
“True, but maybe I’d let her live… if my son were to marry her,” he said.
CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO
