Ruthless King

“Is she coming for your birthday?” Maxim asked.

His birthday wasn’t for another few months.

“She doesn’t need to come for my birthday. Nobody is celebrating my birthday.”

“Uh-huh, sure.” Jardin nodded, helping himself to a Scotch.

“No birthday celebrations.” Regent glared at them all. Since when didn’t they listen to what he said?

Oh, he knew since when. Since they all met their women. They were a bad influence.

Wait . . . that was something his father might say.

Then he’d tell Regent he shouldn’t let himself fall for a woman like his brothers had. That it would only weaken him. Make him vulnerable.

Something Laurent Malone had never been. He hadn’t loved his wife or kids. Not even Regent. Although if he’d cared for any of them, it was him.

Of course, his form of caring had been terrifying, cold, and calculating.

Regent often thought his brothers and sister were better off. His father might have neglected them, but at least they’d all managed to find happiness and love.

That wasn’t in the cards for him. He’d been raised to be cold. Emotionless.

Except you’re not, are you? You love the people in this house.

Lottie.

Yeah, he loved her most of all.

“Earth to Regent?” Maxim said, clapping his hands. “You paying attention, bro? Or are you away with the fairies?”

“What? What is it?” he asked.

“I’ve heard this happens when men get older. They lose their hearing and their faculties,” Maxim joked.

Regent quickly slapped the back of his head.

“Hey!”

“Respect your elders,” he told his youngest brother. “And I’ve got more important things to worry about than my birthday.”

“It’s a big one, though,” Jardin said.

“Will all of you listen to yourselves? It’s a birthday.”

“You’re turning forty. You should really start procreating. Your sperm are probably deteriorating,” Maxim told him.

“My sperm are just fine,” he said dryly. “Thank you for your concern.”

“Hey, you know me. Just want to show you that I care.”

“You weren’t spanked enough as a kid,” he muttered.

“I wasn’t spanked at all. Someone would have to notice I was alive to do that. Mind you, it could have been worse. I could have had to spend time with that asshole like you had to.”

“Anything you need from me before we go?” Jardin asked. “I’ve got to get the boys to bed. And I think Thea needs some time in the hot tub.”

“No. I don’t think there is. Things are . . . quiet.”