Page 80 of Devil’s Promise

“Dirtier,” Knox finishes, sitting back in his seat. “Finally, a part of this conversation I understand.”

I laugh and so do Mason and Rush as Rush turns to my brother. “You’re a public figure. You should keep your dirty work to a minimum. And honestly, Axel’s and your careers are an asset as well. It makes all of you an easier fit into the world you’re about to enter.”

“And Rock?” I ask. Not because I’m cutting my brother out. This only works if there is a place for him. “He is a non-negotiable as far as we are concerned.”

Rush waves his hand. “I appreciate you being a man of principle who makes his points clear. But as it stands, we think Rock and Killian are going to get along very well.”

“Killian could use a kindred spirit,” Mason nods.

Knox shakes his head. “I’m not sure they are kindred. I can’t picture Rock ever being a doting husband.”

Mason and Rush exchange a knowing glance in a way that tells me that they’ve thought a great deal about us, who we are as men, and what we might provide.

“What other factors made you want to partner with us?” I ask, knowing that I need all the information before I agree to anything. My negotiation with Don was less than satisfactory and it’s a mistake I won’t make again.

Mason and Rush look at each other, shifting in a way that lets me know the truth. They want something I’m not going to like.

It rings with a familiarity that has my molars grinding.

Rush clears his throat. “Not only does marrying a woman like Promise help with your legitimacy, but she also…” He pauses, running a hand over his perfectly coifed hair. He’s nervous…

And I know this because he’s right about one thing. Promise is elevating me in every way. I narrow my gaze, letting him know he’d better tread carefully.

For the first time since I met Rush, I see the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. He’s the youngest Smith brother but he makes up for it by being one of the hardest men I’ve ever met.

“What?” I finally ask into the silence that has stretched far too long.

“She has knowledge. Secrets⁠—”

“No.”

Knox looks at me, his nostrils flaring. “Angel.”

I know that my brothers have questioned my motives. And they were right to push back on my earlier plans, because my priorities were not properly aligned. I see it.

But this is not that. I am not making selfish moves to elevate myself.

What is important in this moment is perfectly clear. And these men will respect me protecting my woman above all else.

Mason smiles at me, his shoulders dropping as he relaxes. “Of course you don’t want your wife in the position of being targeted. Understandable. But perhaps if she could just help us with a bit of information on her father… He’s holding up several contracts, and eliminating him from the political playing field would really help⁠—”

“Yes.”

But this isn’t from me, it’s from Promise, who rises from her seat and moves over to the group of men.

I stand too, scowling. “Promise, this is not a job that you should be taking on.”

She shakes her head. “I’ve told you twice now. I’ll be content to die tomorrow if I know I’ve accomplished what I set out to do.”

“You’re not going anywhere and it’s starting to piss me off that you aren’t more motivated to live.”

She smiles at me, her hand coming to my chest. “How about I help them, and then you keep me safe?”

I cup her chin, leaning my forehead against hers. What is it about her being in a wedding dress that has taken my red-hot desire and turned it into something much gentler.

I think…

I think I’m falling in love with her. “I will keep you safe either way, and I’ll fuck your father up too. With or without anyone’s help.”