The Devil I Don't Know (Brooklyn Kings, #1)

by L.K. Shaw

“By the power vested in me by the state of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.” I steel myself for the assault. Instead, his dry lips barely ghost over mine and then he’s turning us to face the small crowd comprised of my family and the two men I assume are his. I can hear the priest speaking behind me, but I’ve blocked out the words again. My mother is crying while my father sits stoically by her side. I can’t look at my brothers and sister. My gaze, instead, locks on Grand-da. His expression is one of satisfaction. Why wouldn’t it be? He got what he wanted. He rises from his seat. “Come to my office.” He turns on his heel, expecting us all to follow. My—I swallow hard—husband places his hand on my lower back, and I flinch at his touch. I hear a heavy sigh at my side. Like a sheep being led to slaughter, I leave the music room and enter my grandfather’s lair. I stand near the desk, out of the way. I’m surprised to discover the only people who arrive behind me are my new husband and the huge, terrifying man. My grandfather scowls at his appearance. “You may leave.”