The shock in Chandler's eyes was unmistakable as he recognized his older brother, Ryder.
For the first time since his arrival, it was clear he felt truly cornered—trapped like the little rat he was.
Orchestrating this little reunion had been almost laughably simple, all thanks to Chandler's insatiable curiosity. Really, he was just that easy to manipulate.
His impulsiveness and knack for making foolish, predictable choices were a testament to his own idiocy.
The stakes, however, were undeniable.
One slip, one careless word, and the fragile web that Rowan and Ryder had so carefully spun would come crashing down, leaving them exposed. The tension in the air tightened, as if even the room itself waited, daring them to falter.
Seeing it unfold was orgasmic, a heady rush that sent a shiver of satisfaction through me.
Ryder Chandler had been trying to undermine me for years, positioning himself in places where he thought he could force my hand or trap me in a compromising situation.
Well, here he was—compromised.
By his own brother, Rowan, nonetheless.
"Rossi," a gravelly voice shattered the tension, drawing my attention away from the two.
Joseph Seigel—his hulking, obsidian form filled the room with a weight that could choke.
Despite his size, he was nothing more than a fool driven by his insatiable greed—the same man who'd betrayed my father, had a hand in orchestrating his murder, now standing in front of me with all the audacity in the world. Truly, the stupidity of man knows no bounds.
A thick stench of cigar smoke and whiskey clung to him like a second skin, and the smile stretching across his face was instinctual—cold, predatory.
"Joey," I greeted smoothly, stepping forward and clasping his hand with deliberate ease, every bit in control of what I'd come to do.
Seigel's sharp, predatory gaze flickered between Rowan and I, before settling on Rowan with a gleam that was unmistakably beastly.
Joseph Seigel was a twisted bastard, one who thrived on the power he wielded over others. His interest in Rowan was instant, hungry, like a wolf sniffing fresh prey.
