King of Wrath (Kings of Sin #1) by Ana Huang

“Yes,” he finally ground out.

“Good.” My smile was devoid of warmth. “Remember, this time, I showed you mercy for her. Next time, I won’t be so forgiving.”

I finished my drink in one easy pull and tucked the empty glass in his hand like he was one of the servers he sneered at before walking away.

Six months ago, I would’ve burned the fucking room down with Francis in it. But tonight, I wasn’t interested in a showdown or argument.

My hatred of him had almost cost me the person I loved, and I refused to waste a single second more on him. Not when there was someone else I’d much rather spend my time with.





CHAPTER 43





Vivian





The knock came while I was getting ready for bed.

I knew who it was before I answered the door, but that didn’t stop my stomach from doing a strange flip when I saw Dante standing in the hall.

He wore the same cashmere sweater and jeans as he had at dinner.

I didn’t know where he went after the meal, but he was here now, and the sight of him made my chest twist with unexpected emotion.

I hadn’t realized how much I’d needed to see him, just him, until now. He was the only person who could ground me after such a rollercoaster of a day.

We stared at each other, the silence brimming with unspoken words until I opened the door wider in invitation.

The small movement broke the spell, and both of us visibly relaxed as he walked in and I took a seat on the bed.

“You did good back there.” Dante leaned against the wall, one hand tucked in his pocket while his eyes found mine. “Standing up to your father.”

“Thanks.” I offered a rueful smile as I sat on the bed across from him. “But I wish the conversation had gone better.”

“It went the way it was supposed to.” Silver shards of moonlight glinted in Dante’s eyes. “Now you know the type of man he is. He’s too far gone, mia cara. I’m not just saying this because I’m biased against him. If I could choose, I would rather you mend your relationship with him and be happy, but who he is right now?” His voice softened. “He doesn’t deserve your time or energy.”

An ache settled in my throat. “I know.”

I didn’t have the closure I wanted, but I had the one I needed.

“I’m impressed you held back at dinner,” I added, trying to lighten the mood. “I’d prepared myself for the verbal insults. Maybe a few threats and punches to keep things interesting.”

Dante hadn’t said a word during the confrontation. I’d never seen him so quiet for so long, but I appreciated it. I had to fight my own battles instead of relying on others to fight them for me.

“I’ve been practicing my restraint.” The faintest tip of his mouth. “Like I said, this trip isn’t about me.”

Awareness tingled as our eyes held.

My room was large enough to accommodate four, but Dante’s presence filled every corner, making the edges of my mind hazy and the hollow in my chest a little less empty.

“Thank you for coming with me.” I tried to ignore the way his stare bathed me with warmth. “I know how busy you are, and it can’t be fun staying under the same roof as someone you hate.”

“I don’t know. It was pretty fun seeing him almost burst a blood vessel at the table.”

An involuntary laugh spilled past my lips. “You’re horrible.”

“Only to those who deserve it.” Another smile tugged at his lips. “It’s nice to hear you laugh again, mia cara.”

My smile faded at the soft, heavy meaning tucked between his words.

Another silence fell between us, thick and charged with tension. Lit fireflies danced over my skin, leaving trails of electricity in their wake. My dress felt heavy, and I shifted on the bed, trying to ease the new ache blooming in my stomach.

Dante’s eyes darkened at the corners. His jaw ticked for a moment before he pushed himself off the wall.

“It’s late.” Roughness edged his voice. “We should both get some rest.”

He made it halfway to the door before I stopped him. “Wait.”

He paused, his shoulders stiff. He didn’t turn to look at me.

The air stretched taut around my chest as I worked through my next move.

I’d made amends with my mother, sort of. I’d found closure with my father. The only relationship I had left to untangle was Dante’s.

It’d shifted and rearranged into multiple forms over the past year. We’d gone from strangers to roommates to adversaries to friends to lovers to exes…the list went on. Eventually, it would have to end, and it was up to me to decide where the cutoff was.

I stood, my pulse beating faster with each step as I slid between Dante and the door.

He stared down at me, his expression indifferent but his eyes hot enough to make every inch of me burn.

What was my dealbreaker?

Keeping my father’s manipulation a secret from me? Pushing me away? Trying to destroy my family’s company? All things worthy of my anger, but also all things backed with a reason.

It took time and effort, but we figured it out. I think you and Dante can too.

“You didn’t have to be here.” His time was the most valuable thing he owned.

Those coal-black eyes burned hotter. “No.”