Bill’s eyes find mine and his smile grows. “It’s okay to be happy, Eve.”
My pulse races at his words, but a man walks up behind him, and my dad turns to greet him.
“Father.” My body goes rigid at the sound of the voice, and I drop my eyes to the floor.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” Bill growls softly, stepping in front of me.
“I’m assuming my invitation was lost in the mail.”
“You’re assuming wrong. Leave.”
“Hey, sis.” I look up at him as he sidesteps Bill. “It’s been too long.” The Lord goes to step toward me, but Bill places a hand on his chest, stopping him.
“Get the fuck out of here, or I’ll have you killed where you stand,” Bill threatens. When the Lord doesn’t respond, he adds, “We had a deal.”
I frown. What deal is he talking about?
His dark eyes go from mine to Bill’s before returning to mine. “I’ll be seeing you.” With that, he turns and walks off the dance floor.
Bill faces me, placing his hands on my upper arms, and I jump. He drops them immediately. “Eve, I didn’tknow?—”
“It’s fine,” I interrupt him. My dad has no clue that the Lord made an appearance at my house the other night, and I want to keep it that way.
Taking a quick look over my shoulder, I see Kashton heading straight for us. His eyes on the back of the Lord disappearing into the crowd. I look at my dad and speak quickly. “I need a favor.”
“Anything.”
THIRTY-ONE
KASHTON
Eve sits next to me at the table. She’s gone silent. I was deep in conversation with Sin when I looked up to see a man walking away from Bill and Eve. It was the same one I saw outside the bathroom while I was waiting on her.
Her father was standing in front of her in a protective way, and I rushed over to them. She hasn’t said one word to me since. I haven’t asked what happened, but I will as soon as we get back to her place.
My phone is sitting on the table by my plate when I see it light up.
UNKNOWN: 911. Meeting at Blackout afterward.
It’s a group chat text. Even if I didn’t see Saint pull his cell out of his suit jacket or Haidyn reading his, all of their numbers are included.
It must be serious, but there’s no specific time. How do they know when we’re done here?
I lean back in my chair and reach out, throwing my arm over Eve’s shoulders and don’t miss the fuck-you look Ashtyn is giving my girl from across the round table. I just stare at her, and after a few seconds, her eyes find mine. She straightens her shoulders and puts her attention on Ellington, striking up a conversation.
It makes me wonder if what Adam said was wrong and Ashtyn does know Eve. What other reason would she have for the death stare?
I don’t know what’s going on there, but I’m going to take care of it.
“Everett.” Janice comes up to the table and greets her.
“Hi, Janice.” Eve stands and pulls her in for a hug. No one but me can tell Eve’s uncomfortable. She’s not used to affection of any kind, and I hate that. I’m going to shower my girl with it. “You look stunning. Your dress is gorgeous.”
“Thank you. Bill said he told you I wanted to takesome photos.” She takes Eve’s hand. A sign she’s not going to take no for an answer. “The photographer is ready, if you have a moment.”
“Of course.” Eve gives her a nod, but I know that’s the last thing she wants to do right now.
I stand, and she frowns. There’s no way I’m not getting in on these pictures. I’m going to marry into this family, after all.
