Total pages in book: 124
Estimated words: 114936 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 575(@200wpm)___ 460(@250wpm)___ 383(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 114936 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 575(@200wpm)___ 460(@250wpm)___ 383(@300wpm)
I trail around him. “Of course, it is.” With Jordan and Christopher beside me, I try to put some distance between The Brothers so I can hunt down Kaius, or any of The Fathers to ask them what the fuck is going on.
Only I don’t have to.
The double doors that open to the garden area at the back are spread wide open. There are little fires lit around the place, and a bar that’s to the left. Flowers bloom around the chairs and tables, and right near the front is where The Fathers and Mothers are seated around a long rectangular table. Movement behind them catches me off guard and I watch as four couples perform live sex.
I sigh. “You know. I hope we don’t get like this with age.”
“Welcome, our little prodigies!” Kaius widens his arms and stands from the chair that’s tucked beneath a wide tree that branches over the tables. Small pieces of cakes and savories are lined out aesthetically on the table, sprinkled with pink and white flowers between. “How lovely to see you all…”
“Mm-hmm,” I murmur, swiping a champagne flute from a passing naked waiter.
Kaius’ eyes fall to me. Before my mother can say anything, he interrupts, “Always a pleasure, Cartier.”
“For some.” I grab my mother around the waist and kiss her cheek.
“Cartier, something’s wrong,” she whispers in my ear so only I can hear. “Smile so they don’t know I’m saying anything.” My smile widens and I take a long drink of the bubbles to cover my mouth.
“I missed you too, Mama,” I mouth, keeping up appearances until Kaius loses himself in conversation with Keres.
Kyrin squeezes Mom’s hand before rounding both of us, obviously sensing that we need a distraction.
“Stay close to me. I feel like something is off,” she continues. “Kaius has been difficult these past couple of days.” I finally step out of her embrace but hover close.
“So what’s this meeting for?” King announces, and we all migrate to the giant table in the center of the courtyard. The Four Fathers are down one end, with their women beside them, and Mama is beside me before our end blends. She’s right. Something is off. Keres and the other Fathers look distant, but confused. As if they’re hanging on edge.
Kaius sits at the head of the table on one end, and King on the other. It’s like looking at two men who should be the same person, but aren’t. Kaius, I’ve always thought had the best interest in all of us at heart, but over the years, I’ve come to realize that’s not the case.
“I have a proposition,” Kaius announces, and I lower my glass below my lip.
“Figured as much, Father. What is it?” King gestures to the table, hurrying him along. I turn to face King, but I’m met with Keaton, who makes sure to sit directly beside me.
“What?” I whisper, painfully aware how close he is.
He leans into the side of my throat. “When I say run, you run.” He opens the palm of my hand with a set of keys and closes them again.
When he leans back to search my eyes, panic whistles through my mind. Scenarios and possibilities start chasing me and my throat closes up. What the fuck does he mean, run? I’m not fucking running anywhere.
“I need The Dolls and Maya and Val.” Kaius’ voice breaks through any and all other conversations.
“Absolutely fucking not!” I snap, glaring at him from my spot. I toss the keys back in Keaton’s lap and I hear him let out a low growl. “For what, Kaius? What could you possibly need them for?” I stand from the table, done with sitting here like I have a target over my chest, waiting to get shot.
I walk around the end of the table, standing behind King. “Why, Kaius?”
Kaius shifts his focus to me and the table falls quiet. “Don’t forget your role, Cartier.”
“Oh, I haven’t.” I lean forward just enough. “But that wasn’t the area you trained me on, was it?” I continue around the table, slowly making my way to their side. I stop behind Kallisto, patting his head. “So tell me. Why the fuck are you needing our girls?”
Kaius’ face turns dark. His eyes more hooded and his lip sneering in arrogance. “Because we have another crew.”
“You what?” King grinds out, so low I almost miss it.
“And guess who runs it?” Kaius looks to Perse. “Little Dove Hendry.”
A chuckle vibrates from my chest. “You smug bastard. That goes against the rules.” I can’t say I’m surprised about Dove. Somehow, she has managed to spin herself into a web within The Fathers. Her anger toward all of us is deep-rooted, and nothing and no one can pull those weeds out. Even Kenny, who is Kaius’ loyal lap dog, seems to sit quietly in the corner. I imagine not for long because Kenny is a lot of things, but quiet isn’t one of them.