Page 255 of Lethal King

This isn’t the first time I’ve had the thought, but it still hits me like a ton of bricks.

Rian told me about the tentative truce he and Tytus had come to before coming to my rescue.

But I can’t imagine he reached that deal willingly.

If he could have ambushed Leander’s mansion himself, I’m sure he would have. But his injuries prevented that. So, it sounds like he put aside his hate for Rian and his family for just long enough to make sure I was safe.

What came after that?

Gabriel and I talked about it last night. Neither of us could decide for sure.

Tytus’ fate remains a mystery, an empty pit that prevents me from feeling completely full.

That pit throbs in my belly as I think of my two brothers. Shit, Gabriel hasn’t even left yet, and I already miss him.

The idea of losing Tytus forever hurts even more.

Has this fear always been there? Or has accepting Rian’s love just softened me up?

“Where the hell is that fucker?” Rian grumbles, breaking my concentration.

As if on cue, the door clicks open again.

Out steps Adriano.

He’s carrying a large, gift-wrapped box.

The hair on my arms instantly stands straight up.

That’s no ordinary looking box.

“What took you so long?” Rian asks, clearly sensing the same disturbance I do.

Adriano only takes a couple of steps forward before stumbling to a stop. His dark eyes dart back and forth as he considers how to respond.

Instinctively, I reach for my gun. But I don’t pull it out just yet. I’m supposed to be on my best behavior.

But something is wrong. I can feel it.

“He asked you a question,” I shout to Adriano. “What took you so long?”

A sudden calm comes over the Italian’s face. His shoulders drop.

To my shock, a cocky grin comes over his chubby face.

“I just had to make sure the cameras were set up.”

Before either of us can react, Adriano reaches under the gift-wrapped box. Rian seems to understand what’s happening even before I do. Twisting around, he tackles me to the ground.

I just barely see the bullet ripping out from behind the wrapping paper.

A thunderous gunshot blasts through the ballroom as we hit the floor.

The realization is immediate. We only need to share a quick glance to confirm the obvious.

This is a trap.

We need to act. And quickly.