Dukes of Ruin (Royals of Forsyth University, #4)

by Angel Lawson

“You’re so fucking beautiful,” he’s saying, voice full of harsh sandpaper grit. “Always knew I’d make you mine. Been watching you for so long, baby.”

Lavinia Lucia’s been mine since the first moment I laid eyes on her; it’s just that no one’s bothered to see it yet.

secrets have power. Leverage is currency. Knowledge may be the only thing that will keep me alive.

“I think I’m going to miss you,” she says, smiling at a knot. “Coming down here every day to feed you? It’s kind of like having a really mean pet you can’t bring yourself to put down.”

The Lords covet land and possession: women, vehicles, property, and territory. The Princes are obsessed with their golden fucking heir and maintaining a pure, untainted royal line. The Barons get off on being the shadow behind the machine, with their secrets, leverage, and centuries-old traditions. The Dukes make a big show of ruling Forsyth with their fists, but everyone knows they run the gun trade in this town, keeping places like the Avenue flush in firepower.

But my people, the Counts, are all about the flash and posturing. They’re drug dealers, car thieves, and sex traffickers. No, black market, backroom dealings are below my father.

“Tell me how it feels to know this pussy belongs to me now.”

“No one was coming for you. No one cared what happened to you. No one but me. I came in there and claimed you before the Lords could sell you off to the highest bidder. Don’t you understand?” He touches my cheek, coaxing my eyes to his. “I’m all you have. I’m all you need.” Quieter, his eyes flick to my mouth when he roughly whispers, “I’m the only one who loves you.”

“You’ve got a damn fine body, Lucia. Some people just see a flat surface to stick and poke, but I see the peaks and valleys. The curves. The angles.” The marker ascends, pressing into the soft skin below my breast. “I look at a body like yours and I see a living, breathing canvas. A potential masterpiece.”

I’m not allowed to think of stars, but I can show you some.”

“Every powerful man has demons. The things they do to gain it leave a mark on their soul.”

She’s mine.

but I know deep in the pit of my wandering soul, this woman is mine. Even if she never loves me back, I’m never letting her go.

“I did it because I love you,” he snaps. “When are you going to understand that?”