The Devil Duke Takes a Bride by Rachel Van Dyken

“I know.” Nixon walked over to her and pulled her into a hug. She closed her eyes and let out a heavy sigh. “Is it true?” She looked between me and Nixon and back at Nixon again. “Hey, I’m just offering to help with the bucket list!” “Ass.” I threw a pillow at him and laughed. “Maybe we’ll find some time to work on that whole goal you have before you die.” It looks like we’ll have plenty of time to slumber party in the next few months.” “I love you too,” he said kissing me back. “Stupid boys, we always jump at the chance to do it.” “Staying alive… and allowing me to rescue you.” You saved me when you were six and you’re saving me now.” “It’s the other way around, because you saved me, Trace. “That’s stupid.” I laughed into his chest. “And I’ll save you from all of it, Trace. “I’ll be scared until you aren’t scared anymore, okay?” “I’ll be scared with you,” Nixon murmured, repeating what I told him when I was six. When had things gotten so screwed up? “I’m scared.” “Probably.” He pulled me into his arms and sighed. “Okay.” I waved goodbye and turned back to Nixon. I think it’s best if we all pow-wow together.” Found a bag.” He handed Nixon my small duffel and saluted me. “So I’m going to be a prisoner in my grandfather’s home?” I can’t exactly shimmy into your dorm at all hours without people finding out. “Your grandfather and I decided it’s safer for you to be with me at all times.

“Trace.” Nixon pinched the bridge of his nose. “Hold on one second!” I threw my hands into the air. Nixon was sporting a black eye and bloody lip. “What does this mean, for… for all of us?” I asked, numbly sitting on the bed. “Trace, did you see all the men in there? Do you realize how desperate some of them are for money or to get on the good side of one of the originals? You can’t control people, and you sure as hell can’t keep them from looking out for themselves.” I mean who’s going to tell?”Ĭhase looked at me like I was insane. If they come, and if they find out everything that’s been happening. “Trace, listen, you clearly don’t understand. But aren’t you the mafia, I mean-”Ĭhase swore. You can’t just go around shooting people.” Your grandfather just shot the De Lange mob boss in cold blood, who the hell knows what’s going to happen to Phoenix? We either have to kill him or buy his silence.

“Our family - we’ve been in charge of keeping the peace for over a hundred years, Trace. I’d never seen him freaked out, but he looked about ten seconds away from losing it. For once I was okay with him having his gun out as he searched around me for any sort of sketchy person. Chase was eerily quiet as he walked me back to my room.

I didn’t hear from Nixon all the next day.

The Devil Duke Takes a Bride by Rachel Van Dyken