“Easton, Ellington,” Janice calls to them. “We’re ready.”
I open the passenger door for her, and as she goes to get in, I grab the hem of her dress to help her. “Thank you,” she says before I shut her door.
I get into the driver’s side and start up the car. “We’ve got to stop by Blackout. But it shouldn’t take long.”
“Okay.” She nods, looking out the window.
We took some pictures and then went back to the table and sat there. Everyone laughed and held conversations except for her.
She remains quiet while we make our way to the club. Ryat is driving Blakely’s SUV in front of me, and I can see Haidyn in his car behind us. Something is going on, but we still don’t know what it is.
We pull into the back parking lot as everyone else joins us. Making our way into Blackout, the Lords kiss their wives and tell them this shouldn’t take long as they leave them on the first floor to mingle and talk.
I turn to face Eve to tell her I’ll be right back, but she speaks before I can.
“I’m going to use the restroom.” Then she turns and walks off down the hall, and I make my way to Ty’s office.
EVERETT
I enter the bathroom, pull out my lipstick, and reapply it. Taking a piece of paper towel, I blot my lips and then run my fingers over the necklace, knowing what it represents. That I’m the property of a Spade brother.
Taking a deep breath, I tell myself they need to see the real me. The one who isn’t afraid to be in a room full of men. I won’t bow my head again for a Lord. No matter who he is.
Making my way up in the elevator, I exit and walk across the breezeway and enter the room.
The chatter comes to a halt and all eyes land on mine.
“The Ladies are downstairs,” Alex says with a laugh.
I hold up my left hand to show I’m not wearing a wedding ring. “Good thing I’m no one’s Lady.” Slamming the door shut, I lean back against it.
Every man in the room looks at Tyson, who’s sitting at his desk. They expect him to tell me to leave, but he’s staring at Kashton. It’s comical how all heads swivel to look at him next. The silence lingers. They’re waiting to see if the guy I’m fucking is going to pick me up, throw me over his shoulder, and carry me out of the room. Kash sits back and smirks. He’s curious to see how this plays out.
“Well, speak up,” Tyson starts. “Who called this meeting?”
“I did,” I answer.
“You?” Saint frowns and then looks at Kashton, but he doesn’t say anything. He didn’t know. “How did you manage to get us all here?”
“Called in a favor.” It’s that easy. Bill was more than willing to help me out after he saw how stressed I was over our encounter. “There was a man there tonight, and you guys need to be aware of him.”
“Old boyfriend?” Alex asks with a chuckle. “I’m sure Kash can take care of him.”
“His name is Evan. About six three, jet-black hair, dark eyes.”
“Do you know him?” Saint wonders. “Personally?”
This is my chance to be honest. What I know and what I’m going to tell them will ruin any chance I have with Kashton. Maybe it’s what I should have done from the beginning to get him out of my life. Self-sabotage. It was fun while it lasted. “He’s Bill’s son. And my brother.”
Silence once again as everyone looks at me like I’ve got two heads.
“Your father is Bill?” Ryat finally asks.
Guess Sin has kept my secret from most of the Lords. “Yes…no.”
He scratches the back of his neck. “I’m confused. You just said?—”
“Do you think Isabella was Bill’s first wife?” I interrupt Ryat, shaking my head. “Sin’s mother is his third.”
