Page 156 of Lady Killer

“That’s not that many when you consider how many bones there are in the human body,” I said.

“Alister’s buzzing with energy.”

I deliberately turned to look at the man in question. “Is he now?”

The corners of Ali’s mouth curled up.

To my left, Everest leaned forward in his seat, uncrossing his legs to rest his elbows on his knees. “There’s the mark of another man’s hands around your throat, love.”

“What, this?” I ran my fingers meekly over my neck.

Lucian slammed his hands down on the table. “What is the point of this?”

Everest’s head twisted sharply as he stared the larger man down. “The point,Lucian, is that Luz almost died last night, and apparently, it was a group fucking project that all of you worked on!”

“Ever, my—‍”

“She. Was. Hurt.” The words were delivered with a lethality that scared even me.

Everest never hid his madness, but sometimes it was easy to forget how dangerous he was.

Until he reminded you.

Lucian, unperturbed, stared him down. It was rare, but not unheard of, for two predators of equal strength to hunt each other in the wild. Everest’s reputation was well earned, but Lucian sat at the helm of one of the deadliest families in the world for a reason.

“A known risk that your girlfriend accepted when she proposed the idea.”

“You sent me away.”

“The job was already booked.”

“You knew what she was doing.”

“Shut up.” My words snapped everyone’s attention to me like a whip.

“How dare—‍”

“No, the five, well, four of you interrupt me and talk over me all the time. I’ve sat quietly and listened to youfor months, even though it’s my life that’s been at stake!” I said, meaning every word. “Now it’s my best friend’s life hanging in the balance, and we don’t have time for the two of you to argue.”

“Star—‍”

“Everest,” I said, turning to reach for his hands.

When he wound his through mine, I released a breath of relief.

“I’m sorry for not being honest with you. I don’t say that often, and I don’t mean it lightly.”

All of the icy wrath that had been directed at Lucian had melted away, leaving only the Ever I knew.

“Thank you, darling.” He pulled my hand to his lips and placed a kiss on it.

“But I’m also not sorry for trying to save Autumn.”

Everest’s lips frowned against my skin, while Lucian made a choking sound.

Before either could say anything, I pushed forward. “What did you learn from Michael, and how can it help us get Autumn back?”

I meant what I said. It wasn’t about them right now.

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