I was late.
I wasneverfucking late.
In a panic, I bolted out of bed, startling Lorelei. And then, the realization crashed down on me, and red filled my vision.
“Did you put my phone on vibrate and shut off my alarm?” I knew I’d set one for ten to give me plenty of time; I never risked being late.
She snagged her bottom lip between her teeth. “You looked like you needed sleep.”
Rage poured through my bloodstream, and it took every bit of my control not to throw her on the bed and choke the life out of her.
“Get. Out.”
Lorelei had the nerve to pout. “But Kill, I?—”
“Get out, or you will find yourself walking through this house naked.” I jammed my trembling hand through my hair. “Don’t push me right now.”
More unshed tears filled her brown eyes as she grabbed her clothes. “I do everything you ask of me, and I’m still not enough.” Once she was dressed, she scurried to my door. “I’m exactly the type of girl your father wants for you. Why can’t you see that?”
After having gotten ready in record time, while still making sure I met the standards my stepfather held me to, I hurried through the restaurant, bumping into a few tables and rattling the crystalglasses and silverware shining on the white linens. Stan frowned when he saw me.
“You know how I feel about punctuality, Killian.” He motioned his glass of water toward Bass. “Even your brother managed to make it before you.”
I hugged my mother before taking a seat. “My alarm never went off and I...” Making excuses wouldn’t help my case. “I apologize. It won’t happen again.”
My mother patted my hand, her brow furrowed. “Are you okay, honey? You look a little pale.” She touched my cheek and then felt my forehead like only mothers did.
“Maybe little brother just had a wild night.” Bass smirked. “I saw Lorelei come to the house late last night.”
“Lorelei Battenberg?” Stan waved the waiter down as he passed. “She’s a good option.”
If Stan knew she’d silenced my ringer and killed my alarm so I’d stay in bed with her, he wouldn’t continue to sing her praises.
“In fact, I heard her father is searching for a good match?—”
“Lorelei’s just a friend,” I interjected after the server took our orders and left.
My mother sighed, shaking her perfect sheet of ebony hair behind her thin shoulders. The woman was still a knockout and more beautiful than most of the younger wives in my stepfather’s circle. “I wish you’d find someone who makes you happy.”
“Not everyone is as sickeningly in love as you two, Daphne, even after five years.” Bass winked at my mother. “You two are so annoying.”
She playfully swatted at him while Stan chuckled. “We did get lucky, but I’m sure each of you boys will find the right one.” Her green eyes, just like mine, saddened as she studied me. “I used to think that... never mind.”
My throat tightened, and I averted my gaze to the pristine white tablecloth. My mother always thought Lexi and I would end up together. So had I—until Red wrecked everything.
“Killian, come with me.” Stan stood from the table, and I followed his command, my heart pounding.
I hated to disappoint him. Stan could rip all this power I’d gained right out of my grasp. And then I’d be a nobody once again. This world he’d brought me into was corrupt as fuck, but being a part of it was better than being crushed by it.
And my mom would be heartbroken to see me kicked out of the Davenport family. She might even pick my side over Stan’s, and I couldn’t bear to see her lose this nice, easy life.
My mom deserved everything, and my stepfather could give it to her.
Anxiety poured through my veins like a drug, and a cold sweat slinked down my spine. The restaurant spun as a heavy weight rested on my shoulders.
One wrong move could cost me everything.
Stan leaned against the gleaming mahogany bar and folded his arms over his chest. “What’s going on with you, Killian? This isn’t like you, and neither was that show on the porch last night. You have the Davenport name. You can’t be careless and do as you wish without considering the consequences.”
