Page 235 of Lethal King

“Good riddance.”

“You wouldn’t be saying that if you really cared about Roz,” for the first time since we got here, Tytus allows his chin to drop to his chest.

“Shows what you know. She hates him.”

“She hated him. Past tense. They were fixing their problems. By now, their scars could have healed… if only Leander hadn’t stabbed Drago in the back.” A shiver runs through my chest when Tytus’ voice breaks. “Fuck. It was my fault. I didn’t see it coming. I thought controlling the Greek mafia was enough to ensure our safety. But I forgot that mercenaries only care about money. And Leander has so much more money than I do… But not for long.”

My focus splinters further at all of Tytus’ confessions. But one thing in particular latches onto my reeling mind—even more so than Rozalia’s ever-changing relationship with her adoptive father.

“You control the Greek mafia now?”

To my surprise, Tytus laughs. That costs him. Another coughing fit grips his shattered body. It doesn’t last long, though, and when it’s done, he looks up at me, his silver-blue eyes sparkling in the growing light.

“We’re going to lose our cover,” he grunts, not even bothering to stand up anymore. “Start the attack. Save Roz. I’ll do what I can to help from here.”

I hesitate to agree. He’s clearly trying to divert attention away from what he just accidentally revealed.

But I’ve already wasted enough time standing here chatting with him. Taking a long step towards the fallen beast, I gesture for him to return my phone.

He sighs, then reluctantly gives it up.

“I’m giving you control over the drone,” I explain, locking every program on my phone but one. “You can drop smoke bombs by tapping here. There aren’t many. Choose your timing wisely.”

When I hand the phone back to Tytus, a wry smile comes over his bloody lips.

“Smoke bombs…” he nods. “I love a good smoke bomb.”

Without responding, I turn back around.

Through the trees, I can see movement. Leander’s men are taking our bait. The guards standing watch by the side door have already started to wander to the front, towards Deacon.

They don’t know what’s going on.

Idiots.

Lifting my radio back up to my mouth, I press down on the push-to-talk button.

“Maksim?”

“Yes, boss?”

“Everyone’s in position?”

“That’s right.”

“Tune them into my signal. I’m ready to give the order.”

Static cracks and pops as Maksim gets to work.

“Done,” he quickly replies. “Everyone is listening.”

Taking a deep breath, I stare ahead and think of Roz.

I want to hold her again. Feel her. Hear her. Smell her.

I’ll do anything to get her back.

“Team One, save Deacon’s ass. Team two, wait for my word.”