“Maybe you’re not so boring after all,” she retorts as the sound of heels clacking off the polished floor draws my attention to the door.
Two gorgeous girls enter the room with their shoulders back and chests thrust forward, oozing sophistication and confidence. “Who are they?” I ask, glancing out into the hallway through the open door to see if their parents are with them.
“Giselle is Alessandra’s cousin and the woman with the red hair is Isabella, Alessandra’s older sister,” Drew confirms.
“I hope you found the bathroom okay, ladies,” Father says, perving over them unashamedly.
“You have a beautiful home, Mr. Hearst,” the tall redhead says, pawing at his arm as she sucks up to him.
From the corner of my eye, I spot Patrice narrowing her eyes at the girl. Perhaps she’s not fully emotionless after all.
“When will they be here?” the shorter blonde asks. She’s drop-dead gorgeous with long straight blonde hair falling to her butt and fabulous curves. She’s wearing a clingy gold and cream dress I would kill for. Although, it’s more suitable to go clubbing in than attend dinner in a stuffy mansion that’s over a hundred years old.
The sound of approaching footsteps in the hallway summons the arrival of more guests. An ominous sense of foreboding washes over me and my heart accelerates wildly. All the tiny hairs on the back of my neck lift when Father swivels his head in my direction, treating me to one of his smug grins. “I do believe our final guests have arrived.”
My eyes dart to Drew’s, and he subtly shakes his head, letting me know he’s as ill-informed as me.
My mouth is parched, my tongue almost glued to the roof of my mouth as I wait with bated breath to see who it is.
But deep down, in some subconscious part of me, I already know.
Atticus appears first, and the sight of his gloating face makes me want to commit murder.
Then two familiar forms darken the doorway, and my stomach lurches to my toes. Panic has a vise grip on my heart, and blood thrums through my veins as I stare horror-struck at Rick and Kai.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
All the blood drains from my face as they step into the room, and I sway a little on my feet. Charlie’s face doesn’t betray any outward emotion, but he holds me tight, squeezing my waist in warning. I’m trying to compose myself, but I’m in a state of shock. What the fuck are they doing here, and why didn’t Kai tell me in advance? Or maybe he tried to, but my burner cell has been off all morning because Charlie was around, and I don’t risk keeping it on in case it vibrates in my bag and sets his spidey senses on high alert.
I can’t fucking believe this.
As soon as I think things can’t get any worse, they always do.
Now, it’s obvious why the two girls are here, and murderous rage sweeps through me at an alarming rate. I’m primed to spill blood.
Isabella is older, so she’s clearly meant for Rick, which means the knockout blonde is here for Kai. I dig my nails into my palm, fighting a host of competing emotions. I feel Drew’s eyes on my back. Hear his words in my ear, and I know what I need to do. I cling to steadfast determination, reminding myself of everything that’s at stake as I lock my emotions up tight.
I plant my game face on, praying I have what it takes to survive this dinner without betraying myself.
Or killing anyone in cold blood.
The bastard is introducing the guys to Alessandra’s parents when I snap out of my inner rage. Kai looks briefly at me. It’s a quick silent communication. A warning to follow his lead. I concede with my eyes, letting him know I’ll play along.
I’m going to hate this.
I can already tell.
But I remind myself I’m doing this to protect him and to safeguard our future.
Acid churns in my stomach, clawing at my insides, and a sick feeling travels up my throat.
Father introduces the guys to the girls one at a time. Isabella looks mildly interested in Rick, but she’s not gushing over him the same way Giselle is over Kai. I dig my nails even harder into my palm, wanting to gouge out her eyeballs with sticks and shove them down her throat so she can’t eye fuck him ever again.
“Wow. That guy is seriously hot,” Alessandra unhelpfully supplies, fixing her gaze on Kai. “I wonder if he has those tattoos all over his body,” she muses, her eyes lingering on the tat creeping up Kai’s neck.
“Show some respect,” I snap at her. “Charlie and Drew have warned you what will happen if you step out of line.” I coolly regard her, picturing her as a voodoo doll, imagining stabbing pins all over her stupid hot body.
“Do I look like I care?” She plants her hands on her hips, sizing me up.
