Page 115 of The Fire We Make

Anyone else would've been put down for the audacity alone, and Ace’s first mind was to do just that, but their family history afforded him a unique grace. Ace hadn't paid Isaac any mind so long as he stayed out of his way but showing up to one of their establishments on some bullshit was bold, even for the youngest Kincaid.

“Damn, y’all got the whole family out tonight huh? That’s sweet.” His gaze slid lazily over the group before pausing. “Hey April baby, you looking good,” Isaac said, licking his lips.

“Fuck you,” April spat with an eye roll.

“Shit, just let me know when,” he grinned.

August stepped forward, his hands clenched tight in a fist. April put a hand on her twin’s arm.

“I wouldn’t fuck you with another bitch’s pussy,” April shot back with disgust written all over her face.

Isaac shrugged with a grin. “Suit yourself.”

His eyes moved to Ace then down to where Joy stood tucked into his side.

Interest lit his eyes before they darkened, as they settled on Joy.

“Oh,” he chuckled. “Now it’s making sense. The rumors are true, you’ve got yourself a lil distraction. I’d be happy to take her off your hands for a little while. Help you clear your head. I heard she’s a lil feisty, you know I like that shi–”

He didn’t get to finish as Ace closed the distance between them in a blink. He choked on his words as Ace gripped him by his throat.

“Ace,” Jrue called out sharply. “Not here.”

Ace didn’t look at him or reply. His focus stayed locked on Isaac, looking down into his smug face with a scowl.

In an attempt to free himself, Isaac swung but the punch never landed.

Ace slipped it then returned it with three of his own. The hits were swift and precise, making Isaac slump against his car in a daze.

The two men who’d been standing on a half step behind Isaac, Marco and another Lieutenant Ace barely recognized, stepped forward, but a symphony of guns cocking halted their movements immediately.

“Either of y’all move and that’s yo ass,” Ace warned.

Joy looked around to see that Remy and all of the King siblings, April included, had their pistols out, cocked, and ready to fire.

Mel’s eyes were wide as she reached for Joy but Von had one arm protectively around her shoulder with the other holding his gun at his side. Joy looked to her side at August who had moved to stand slightly in front of her. Sensing her gaze, he looked down and smiled reassuringly.

“Man this is some bullshit,” one of the men muttered. “Everybody bad with a starting five behind ‘em. You ain’t shit without yo people. None of y’all are.”

Collectively, the Kings chuckled and the harmony of their sinister laugh gave Joy goosebumps.

Who the fuck are these people?

“Word?” Ace looked up, releasing Isaac and letting his body hit the ground.

He turned slowly, directing his attention and fury at the man. He took slow steps towards him.

“I ain’t shit?” he finally asked once he was close enough for the tips of their shoes to touch. He stood there, silently daring him to repeat it to his face.

The man’s fear was clear as day but to his credit, he didn’t cower. Even from this distance, Joy could see the sinister look on Ace’s face. She could only imagine what it looked like up close.

Like Isaac, his companion swung first and like Isaac, it didn’t produce a good outcome for him. Within seconds, Ace had the man pinned and despite Isaac’s attempts to jump in, had them both down with Isaac’s neck squeezed in one of his hands and his flunky’s neck under his Jordan.

Joy marveled at the rawness of Ace’s fighting. There was no technique or finesse. Just pure rage that fueled a terrifying display of violence.

Ace kicked the unconscious man beneath him away and returned his focus to Isaac. His teeth were gritted so hard Joy feared they would pop out of his mouth.

“Rose!” Ace called out.