"Thank you," Austin murmurs politely, wrapping one arm around me to pull me close.
I feel like my heart might beat out of my chest as we follow her through the restaurant, past diners in expensive suits and couture, to a private room in the back.
I recognize his brother as soon as we enter. He looks like a slightly smaller, grumpier replica of Austin, with thesame stunning green eyes and dark hair. He's scowling at the table like he's contemplating setting it on fire.
Their parents are nothing like I expected. Honestly, I'm not sure what I expected, but it's not the petite brunette with a bright smile and an infectious laugh, or the calm giant at her side who looks like an older version of his sons. They seem almost…normal.
"Austin!" his mom cries as soon as she spots us, leaping up to hurry across the private dining room toward us. She flings her arms around her son, squeezing him in a tight hug.
"Hey, Ma." He leans down, planting a kiss on her cheek. "You behaving tonight?"
"When has your mother ever behaved?" his dad drawls, sauntering over with a grin on his face.
"Sinclair!" His mom swats her husband on the shoulder. "Don't you be lying to our children. I behave just fine."
"Uh-huh," Austin says, grinning. "You're full of shit too, Ma."
She harumphs at him before turning to me. "Oh, sweetheart." Her expression softens before she pulls me into a hug. "Look how beautiful you are!"
"Hi, Mrs. Hawkes," I whisper, hugging her back awkwardly. "It's really nice to meet you."
She just cups my cheeks, beaming at me. "Is my son being nice to you, sweet girl? Do I need to stick my foot uphis—"
"Ma!" Austin protests.
"What? I'm just asking," she says, her green eyes flashing when she looks at him. "Don't think I haven't seen the pictures, Austin Alaric."
Fuck my life.
I squirm in my heels.
"I'm so sorry about those," I whisper, my cheeks hot. "I promise, it wasn't what it looked like."
"Oh, honey." She gives me a sympathetic smile, hugging me again. "Don't you even worry about it. My son should be ashamed of himself for not setting the record straight as soon as those photos were published. You did nothing wrong. Frankly, he probably deserved worse than a little wine on his pants. He can be a bear."
"She's right," Mr. Hawkes says, his voice a deep, disapproving rumble as he pins Austin with a hard look. "Austin deserves a boot up his ass for not speaking up sooner."
"Pops!" Austin protests.
I just grin at him as his parents lead us to the table.
"Hey, bro." Sidney holds his fist out for Austin to bump it before his eyes come to me. He's…intimidating as hell, honestly. Even though he's not quite as big as Austin, he has this intense aura that's something else. "You must be Serena."
"Hi," I murmur, smoothing my hands down my dress. "It's nice to meet you, Sidney."
"This asshole giving you problems?"
"Always."
Sidney actually cracks a smile. "Sounds about right. You ever need backup, call me. I'll happily kick his ass for you."
"Thanks," I whisper.
He winks, and the entire menacing aura vanishes, replaced by something softer. I have a feeling he's a big teddy bear beneath the gruff exterior, but he hides it well.
"I see we're all picking on Austin tonight," Austin grumbles, pulling out a chair for me.
"It's not our fault you have a stick up your butt," his mom says, her tone sugary-sweet. "It makes picking on you so much fun for us."
