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

by L.K. Shaw

“Mother?” I holler, flying through our living quarters. “Mother?” She steps out of the kitchen wiping her hands on the yellow half-apron tied around her waist, her expression full of worry. “Brenna, what’s wrong?” I slam to a halt in front of her, my fists clenched tightly at my hips. “Did you know?” Her eyes scan my face, pausing at my cheek. “What happened?” “Did you know?” This time the question is loud and demanding. “Don’t speak to your mother in that tone.” I whip around to see my father standing behind me, arms crossed, wearing a fierce expression. He’s never directed that look at me before. I’m the quiet daughter. The dutiful one. But this? “I can’t do it,” I say aloud. “Do what?” My mother asks, her voice rising in exasperation on the last word. “Marry Emilio Ricci.” Behind me is a gasp, and my father lowers his arms with a heavy sigh. “I knew he’d been speaking to Salvatore Ricci. I should have realized something like this would happen.” “I won’t do it,” I repeat. My father’s expression twists into anger, and I take a hasty step backward, colliding with my mother, my heart galloping with fear in my chest. I’ve never been afraid of my father before, but he’s never acted like Grand-da before either. “Cormac, please,” my mother pleads behind me. “Let me speak with her.” He jabs his finger in my direction. “You will do your duty to this family.” Da glares one final time at me and then storms down the hallway, leaving me alone with Mother. My body sags as some of the ...