Dethroning the King: The Laws of Kings, #2

By Jennifer Loren

It is said that brothers have a special bond; those raised together will forever know and understand each other like no one else, but brotherly love means nothing in the world of kings. As far as Dace Colletto is concerned, that brotherly bond between him and his older brother was all a lie. There are no words that can be spoken that can heal the wounds his brother has inflicted upon him. There are no acts of love that can provoke forgiveness for the pain his brother has caused him. Peace has not breathed around Dace since before his mother's death. And now, now there is only one thing that can bring peace amongst Dace's family. Now, he must destroy his brother, and put an end to his reign for good. There is no question what he must do, the only questions that remain for Dace are about the ones he loves. Can he triumph and still keep his youngest brother Antony from acting too impulsively and getting himself killed? Can Dace keep his true love, Austin, from falling into a trap and becoming another one of his brother's victims? Can he bring an army together strong enough to battle his brother's?

 

There is no question that there will be bloodshed. Someone will fall, and there is no doubt that an end will come to someone's reign, but who will be wearing the crown at the end of this deadly game?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jennifer Loren
• Release date: Jul 6, 2020
• ISBN: 9781329594548

Jennifer Loren

Jennifer Loren graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a Fine Arts Degree, specializing in Architecture and Design. She currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her German shepherd, Nick. In addition to the vastly popular, top mafia romance and bestselling series, The Devil’s Eyes, Ms. Loren has successfully published bestselling romantic suspense novel Finding Ava and its sequel Reckless and the bestselling short story, The Hand That Holds Mine. Her mafia series, The Laws of Kings, and its sequel Dethroning the King along with standalone novel Undercover – Secrets & Lies have also been released with great reviews. Her writing genre is considered dark, romantic suspense, and mafia romance. Her books tend to have a lot of humor, which is why she is currently branching out into comedic books and children's books. Her first children's book, the award-winning The Awkward Puppy has been highly rated and loved by children and adults.  @JenniferLorenDE https://www.jenniferloren.com https://www.facebook.com/JenniferLoren.Author http://www.youtube.com/user/LorenJennifer Books By Jennifer Loren The Finding Ava Series Finding Ava Reckless The Long Road The Devil’s Eyes Series The Devil’s Eyes The Devil’s Revenge The Devil’s Son The Devil’s Masquerade: The Poison The Devil’s Masquerade: The Remedy The New Devil in Charge The Devil Forgotten Fate Escape The Laws of Kings Series The Laws of Kings Dethroning the King Undercover Undercover: Secrets & Lies Short Story The Hand That Holds Mine

Book preview

Prologue

Mark Twain’s last words came in the form of a note by his death bed, in which he wrote, Death, the only immortal who treats us all alike, whose pity and whose peace and whose refuge are for all—the soiled and the pure, the rich and the poor, the loved and the unloved.

Death. Death is where I live, who I am, yet the world continues to move around me. The sun persists in its journey to rise and fall, the moon continues to glow, all with no concern for my demise. The people go on about their lives, despite daily burdens, still in hope of achieving their dreams. And in the midst of it all, do they remember me? Does anyone speak my name? I want to call out, scream at them, "I’m here! I’m here if you would only look at me. If only you knew what I have been through, then surely, you would at least speak my name. Do it for me. Go ahead. Say it.  Say my name so that maybe, just maybe, I might live again. No? Will you not bother to even stop and wonder where my body might lie? Or even if the thought of my lifeless body was true? I find little friendliness in death, not that I am permitted to seek it out anyway. No, I am expected to wait and wonder how will my story be written, my history told. I shudder at the thought of the lies and misunderstandings mixed into the shadow of the truth, the truth of where I really am. I guess I should have never expected anything more or less. Death was my fate ... until now.

The winds have changed. The storms have swirled to their breaking point, and my soul has awakened my desire for revenge. Yes, the time has come to change my fate, change my history, but first, I have to change his. I have to make him pay for killing me, make him pay for the pain he has caused the ones I love. I have not allowed myself to even speak his name out of fear that I would not be able to keep myself from screaming and calling his attention to me. The squalls have brought change, a shift in the tempest’s energy, and now, I am no longer afraid.

Michael, our dear king, I wonder if you regret how we met? Stupid question I’m sure, so do you ever regret never really knowing me? No, of course you don’t. That is not you. No, you are too sure of yourself. You know everything. You push this world forward without any concern for my loss. You, oh yes you, have no fears because you believe your enemies are gone, that the threats to your empire are too feeble to put up a reasonable fight against you. It didn’t start with my death—your rise upon the throne. No, it started before me, before anyone even knew to fear you. You rose to your fate by walking across the dead bodies of any one that got in your way, of anyone who dared try to stop you. It must have been a sight to watch you from afar. It must have been a story that all would want to tell, if not for you hushing them before they had a chance. Well enjoy your kingdom while you can dear king, enjoy your riches, your whores, and your consummate battles against your pathetic enemies. Enjoy it all while you can, dear king, enjoy it while I’m dead, while I sleep in the shadows, while the world moves about with no concern or memory of my tragedy, because soon, yes, soon I will be alive again, and I will make your enemies stronger. Together, we will meet you at the edge of your kingdom and wage a war like you have never known, and in the end, our dear king, in the end you will be dethroned.

Chapter 1

Austin

Soon after we escaped Michael, we were smuggled out of the country and set up in Dace’s old crew’s new hideout. The situation hasn’t been ideal for anyone, but it has allowed Dace enough time to heal and for us to get far enough away from Michael so that we can breathe a little, and without worrying about someone coming to shoot us in the back. Dace won’t allow Antony and me to help in any of the missions, so we are able to spend all the time we need investigating Michael’s long history. I am good at digging into things that are meant to be secret, but Michael has one of the most secure systems, and no one can get in without a local connection. Even his own setup man, Dace, can’t figure out a way in without being within a few feet of the mainframe, but he is the genius that made it that way. The mainframe, it’s in a heavily guarded secured building. Michael meets there once a day, and goes through all his money, his notes, his contacts and every other detail that keeps him on top. If anyone gets out of hand and threatens Michael, he just reminds them how easy it would be to release incriminating information he has on them. There is nothing they can do to stop him or negotiate, so they falter.

Aaron and I were able to get into the building once, but our presence only seemed to help Dace find roadblocks at every possible method of entry, sending even the most tech savvy people into complete impasse. So, we are left here, too far away to do what we need, too far to be hurt by Michael, and still miserable in our efforts to break free.

Ever since we left the country, Dace has been determined to regain his strength in full if not more. He cut his waves of hair so he wouldn’t have to deal with it while trying to recover. He has nearly cut me out of his thoughts, too focused on whatever progressive move he has planned next. Dace is a man on fire you could say, only he seems more determined to get back to his old crew instead of back home where we can take care of Michael. He says it’s because he wants to repay them for taking care of us. I understand that, but why wouldn’t he let me help them while he is recovering? Watching him, day in and day out, go through his routine is inspiring but, at the same time, frustrating. I need him too.

I watch him make himself something to eat and stop briefly to kiss me before moving on with his day. The only thing he says is, Good morning.

I am beginning to think he feels uncomfortable with his ex here, as if being with me in front of her is wrong somehow. I watch her run up to him and talk as if they have no secrets from each other.

They’re getting ready to head out. Are you sure you don’t want to go on this one? It’s going to be fun I hear, and you know there is no reason for me to go if you don’t.

Dace laughs. Le, you know damn well I don’t make the crew list for the jobs. So if you want to go, ask Peter. I need to go get in a workout before getting some work done myself.

I have some work he wants me to do too, but he listens to you. If you say you want to go, he will rearrange the crew and the current projects, and I will get to go.

Why, just because I go?

You know as well as I do he wouldn’t put you with a newbie your first time back. He would want you with your old partner. We work perfectly together. You know that, Leandra says with some new schoolgirl stance I have never seen from her before. I can’t imagine she is happy, having to stoop to such girly standards. Suppressing her usual harsh demeanor to be sweet, is not something I would think she would be capable of. She must really be desperate to get on this job or just any job with Dace.

Le, next time, I swear. Peter wants me working on another case, which I need to handle from our computer system here.

Can’t someone else do it?

No, I am the only one that knows how to break into a company’s system and retrieve information, Dace reminds her with a flirtatious touch of her chin.

Not the only one. I speak up, gaining his attention fully for the first time in a while. I can do it and then you can go on this job with her.

Anna, Le says, forcing a smile.

Austin. My name is Austin, and you know that.

Whatever. Don’t you have to do your nails or something?

Dace sighs stepping in between us. Austin, I don’t think that’s a good idea, but thank you for the offer. I’ve already got the information I need to break in, I only need to search for the documents we need. It would take more time to try and explain what we need, than it would for me to just take care of it myself. Besides the crew needs to get out of here now to meet their contact.

Oh well, next time, Le says, walking away before I can suggest another solution.

Dace waits until her back is turned and grabs my hand, squeezing with a smile. I take the opportunity to pull him to me and kiss him like I want to be kissed. Let’s go back to our room so I can give you a full examination. His eyes spark, but he looks around us and pulls back from me.

That room is not exactly sound proof, Austin, and with Le right next door, it could be awkward. I don’t want to make things any more difficult between you and her or anyone else. I sigh, dropping his hand and giving up again. Hey, don’t look like that. He takes hold of my face and turns me to look at him. I tell you what. We will take a break from this place here soon, go into the next town, get a room, and spend a weekend alone together. How would that be? I smile and nod with little hope of that happening anytime soon. He just told Peter he was ready to work whenever he needed him. I doubt he’ll tell him he needs a vacation in the middle of starting to work again. I let him walk away, my optimism waning as the distance between us grows. I turn around to Antony trying to smile at me.

This place sucks, doesn’t it? I bet it’s been difficult being in the same room with him and still not being able to have sex. In his defense, the walls are thin. I heard Blake fart last night, and I thought the roof was caving in. I laugh and smack his chest playfully for trying to cheer me up. Seriously, he is trying to protect you. These guys would love to listen in on a sex scene starring you. Hell, they do everything they can to catch sight of you coming out of the shower. Dace has had a few confrontations already.

He has? He hasn’t said anything.

No, because he doesn’t want you to feel uncomfortable. He is doing his best to keep calm around you, but he wants to get naked and dirty just as much you do, trust me. You know, though, most of them are leaving this afternoon, and he does work out in the back room all by himself. Antony smiles at me.

You’ll keep the rest busy for me?

Well, I have been wanting to get back to that poker game. I do enjoy hustling money out of those bastards. I don’t know why they believe gays can’t play poker. It will probably take them at least three hours before they realize they have been hustled and another two before they figure out they can’t win their money back, no matter how much they try to cheat. I’d say you have plenty of time, and if not, then you guys need some kind of safe word.

Thank you Antony. I kiss his cheek and give him a tight hug.

You’re welcome, but you owe me, don’t forget that.

I won’t. I yell back at him as I rush off. I make a quick stop at our room to change, but into what? I have so little here to choose from and certainly nothing that says, come to me now. I don’t think we have time for me to play hard to get. Blatantly horny is clearly the way to go right now. It’s a little tricky getting past the eating area where Antony is already luring his victims into his trap.

So anyone want to play cards, maybe Go Fish or something? Antony suggests innocently.

Go Fish? Let’s play a man’s game instead. Rick growls.

Like what, Gin Rummy?

No something where we can get some cash involved.

Cash? Well, all I have is a couple thousand. I would hate to lose any of it; it’s all I have until the end of the month, Antony says pulling out the wad of cash naively and laying it on the table.

Oh ... well I think we can make sure you have something left, Julian says, sitting down as quickly as the rest do with their mouths watering at the thought of taking Antony’s money.

I shake my head when I briefly catch Antony’s eye. He is such a sneaky devil. With time on my hands, I concentrate on finding Dace. Rounding the corner, my eyes land on him, already working his muscles to keep his perfect body well-built and defined, in the gym. His fighting skills are on perfect display as he faces off with one mocked up dummy after another. I try to imagine his targets are Michael, which makes me even hotter. Every sound Dace makes causes my body to react from my head right down to the tips of my toes. The more I watch him move, the harder it is to control my urges and stay seated. The best I can do is uncross my legs and straddle the stool, rubbing my bottom against it slowly—desperately— trying to satisfy my desire until he’s done. It doesn’t work. The light grazing against my clit, the motion of his body, the sweat dripping off his nearly nude body in his workout shorts. It’s too much. He’s too much. His sounds of pounding the bag echo around the room and back to me with sex laced into every vibrating resonance. I can’t take it anymore. Dace! I scream, shocking myself but successfully gaining his attention.

He removes his headphones and smiles. Hey Baby, he says gazing over my body as if he knows of my intentions with the stool. Whatcha doin?

I was wondering if you needed a real sparring partner. I mean, since the doctor gave you a clean bill of health and you seem strong enough to handle me ... again.

He steps back, considering my offer. Yeah I think I’m strong enough to handle you now. I guess we should try and see before I go on a job and face someone less—he looks up at me with a wide smile—appealing to me. I mean, unless you and your stool have become way too close over there. I could turn out the lights and let you two be alone if you want?

A raging desire surges over me. Oh you! I rush at him and instantly engage him in a sparring match. I know his weak spots, or I thought I did, but he closes every usual angle off to me before I can get him. I try a new move and end up wrapped up in his arm, my back against his bare chest.

Austin, baby, you seem to have forgotten your panties this morning, he says, letting his excited spear force itself between my legs, teasing me with a tickle of his own desire. I break away from him with a renewed excitement.

I thought you wanted to work out ... Baby? I tease.

Oh we are. His sudden advance towards me throws me off, and I back into a bench and fall into a seated position in front of him. He surrounds me, not giving me any room to maneuver around him. Giving up so easily? I shake my head and remove my tank, proving I had no interest in underwear at all today. Cheater.

You ain’t seen nothing yet. Pushing his shorts down to his ankles, I exhale with pleasure. Taking the long, pulsating muscle into my hands, I admire it slowly and respectfully with a kiss and a swirling taste of its tip. Dace tenses, sinking his hand into my hair and cradling the back of my head. Another hand reaches down to my cheek, letting his thumb sweep across with loving encouragement. My mouth fills deep with his cock, and I enjoy every bit of it until he pulls me back and looks down on me, rubbing his thumb across my lips.

You’ve been so patient and understanding. I love you more than anything in this world. Now let me give you what you want and what I want too. Taking hold of my head, he lifts me up to kiss me. You want to go back to our room and try to be real quiet?

No, I don’t want to wait a second longer. Besides, we have all the privacy we want here.

His smile tells me he agrees. My shorts fall off easily as I climb up on him and ease down on his throbbing excitement with a gasping joy. Oh, Dace, I love you so much.

He places me on the mat, smiling over me, taking in my lips, searching for my tongue, fondling my breast into his mouth with an alluring lick of my nipple, and then ... then he moves. Oh, he moves, from this point to the depth of that, palming my ass up into his hips, kissing my heated skin with his warm, soft lips. I’ve missed this, missed being able to love him fully. Rising up, he lets me sit on him, but he keeps hold of my breasts to control my pleasure while that perfect pressure against my clit creates a storm within me. Dace takes hold of my hips and speeds my motions, rocking my body up along his shaft, turning up the pressure over and over again. Both of us exhale pleasure with wild abandon into the wide open space around us. Mirrors in the room steam, clouding the images of our naked bodies twisting and stretching around each other. It all feels so good that all I have to do is open my eyes and catch a single glimpse of his hand squeezing my ass and I immerse into him once more. Laying me back, he whispers his love for me into my mouth and thrusts his way to an explosive finale. I can barely move or think of anything more than just staying in his arms. Everything is perfect until we hear a door slam in the back.

Fuck. Dace says, finding our clothes and rushing after whoever it was. I stay put, waiting for him to return. When he does, I look up and see him walking in with Leandra. She was looking to get in a workout too. I told her we were more than happy to share the space. Actually, I was finishing up, but maybe you and Le can train together and get to know each other better? Dace nods towards me, trying to encourage me for some reason.

Sure, yeah, I just barely got started, I sigh.

Dace kisses my forehead. Great, I am going to go get a shower, and I will meet you after. We watch him leave, and I wonder why I am still standing here.

You know, we all get a little horny here and there, but we try to be a little more discreet about it. The guys here are good guys, but they are still only human. If they find out that you enjoy working out with your goods all hanging out for everyone to see, they just might take it the wrong way. Now, if you want to screw everything that moves here, then I wish you would stop pretending that you are so innocent. Okay, slut?

I turn to her. My outfit was meant for Dace and only Dace, and I made damn sure that what crew was here was preoccupied.

Not all of us.

I thought you were supposed to be helping Peter with something. Why are you in here?

She stands still with a smile all over her face before boldly speaking up. I was going to help Dace workout. I do know what he likes and how he likes it. And now that, that’s out in the open, I should tell you that your form is quite dull. Have you no imagination?

You’re a fucking cunt bitch, and you need to butt out of my relationship before we have a problem.

Oooh, I wouldn’t go there with me, Goldilocks. I can snap you like a twig, Leandra says, setting up her mat before stretching with that disgusting smirk on her face. I am so done. Maybe I can get a shower with Dace and calm down. He doesn’t like his shower interrupted right after sex. He likes to be clean when he gets ready to work. He can’t think straight if he isn’t. And, surely, you know he won’t ever dismiss a job he promised to get done. Maybe you can go spread your legs in the gathering area and see if anyone wants anything you got in there?

I can’t stand her.

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Everyone is back by dinner time, and I walk out to the main area to eat with Dace, only he hasn’t made it out yet. I assume he will be finished with work soon, so I move to sit by Antony, but he shakes his head at me silently for some reason.

Oh look who it is. Craig jumps up and offers his seat to me. Please take my seat, Austin.

No, take mine, several of the others say with laughter.

Antony stands and helps me to a seat that puts him between me and everyone else. What’s going on? I ask.

Hey Austin, I need to get a work out in before I go to bed. Do you think you can help me work out my big muscle? I hear you are open to that. Craig laughs.

Antony stands and faces off with him. I think you better rethink your attitude towards her before I put my fist down your throat, Craig! There is suddenly more than Craig standing up to Antony, and I feel the need to jump up and save him.

Antony, it’s okay. Come back and sit down with me.

Or better yet, come sit down on me, Austin, Danny remarks, causing Antony to jump over the table at him.

The brawl that ensues is a mess, and it takes Peter and Dace both to jump in before it finally stops. I spent most of my time just trying to keep people off of Antony’s back and never got a chance to actually stand up for myself. Antony and I are pulled out, and we go to his room where I tend to his wounds.

Thank you for standing up for me, but I can take care of myself.

No, it was getting out of hand. You should have heard what was said before you got there. I should have come to warn you, but I was waiting and hoping to find out who said something to them.

Oh I know who did that. Leandra caught me and Dace in the middle of the act. She wanted to be the one to help him workout. I admit to him. Yeah, I am not so sure how much longer we can stay here. Antony sighs, nodding in agreement.

Good because I have been ready to go since we got here. I am so bored out of my mind. Hell, I think I would rather be that jackass that’s pretending to be me in Mexico. I don’t care anymore if Michael finally decides to kill me. Anything is better than this wretched boredom.

So do one of you want to tell me what happened? Dace asks from the doorway.

"Your boys are a bunch of motherfuckers who are ready to pounce on