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

by L.K. Shaw

With a placid calmness, Grand-da rises from his chair and circles around to stand in front of me. My head snaps to the left, and a stinging pain shatters the side of my face. Tears burn my eyes, and I taste blood on my tongue. I cover my cheek and stare up at him in shock and fear. He actually hit me. His face is impassive as he looks down at me without a care. “You will do your duty to this family. The contract is already signed.” He returns to his seat and his eyes land on me, a brow raised as though questioning why I’m still here. Despite the pain, I clench my teeth, and with as much dignity as I possess, I stand and stare at him, but his attention is already back to the papers on his desk. An obvious dismissal. My cheek burns like fire. I know my grandfather is ruthless, but I’ve never experienced it first-hand before. My mother has always tried to shield Caitlín and me from the life our family leads. With a stiff spine, I walk out of his office in search of my mother, hoping Paddy isn’t in the hallway waiting for me. I breathe a sigh of relief to find it empty. Does Mother know what I’m being forced to do? Does Da? Are they going along with this lunacy? I’ve never met this Emilio Ricci, never heard his name spoken. I know nothing about him. Is he as brutal as my grandfather? Is he young? Old? Oh, god, what if he’s my father’s age, or older? A shudder runs through me, and my steps quicken. I race down the hallway and rapid-fire stab at the elevator button, willing the ...