NINE

MIGUEL’S POV

I sat in the dimly lit room, smoke curling around me as I took a long drag from my cigarette. I gulped down a glass of whiskey relishing the fiery sensation as it coursed down my throat. Just as I flicked the ash from my cigarette, the door swung open, and Joe walked in.

The look on his face was evident enough for me to know that he had something to say.

“Speak up, before I lose my patience,” I said.

Clearing his throat, his voice came forth, “Kiera showed up at the wedding venue.”

Her name pulled a string in my heart, and I simply nodded and poured myself another round of whiskey.

If I’ve ever felt any form of affection towards any woman, it would be Kiera. Cold as my heart may be, she fascinated me. Her beauty, innocence, her perception of the world, and everything about her made her special. But the affection I had for her was no match compared to the hatred I have for Gabriel. Despite the fact that our families have been sworn rivals for ages, the bastard was also res