Page 254 of Chaos Kills

“Sit down,” Emilio orders gruffly, sounding as though he’s never been able to deal with anyone’s emotions or antics. “This is a family dinner.”

“Funny,” Levi replies. “Because I just saw Elaine Stanton roll up on our property not only two fucking minutes ago.”

Reeve immediately comes to attention. His hazel eyes search the table for something until he leans over, snatches the bottle of red wine, and fully tips it to his lips.

Meanwhile, Torin looks heavenward, expecting the worst or the best, but I’m not betting on the latter. And Cairo straightens his damn spine like he’s ready to throw the fuck down any second now.

“She wasn’t invited,” Emilio states, seemingly unmoved by the news. “So, I’m assuming that was you.”

“I don’t talk to the bitch who pimps out little girls,” my best friend conveys. “So, no.”

“I’d be more than happy to kick said bitch out,” Reeve commits, as he begins to stand and everyone might as well forgetthis stupid dinner because no one wants to stay. “It’ll better than this fuckin?—”

“Sit,” Torin mutters before doing the same, then begins to move his hands around a bit, looking as though he’s rearranging his napkin, but he’s signing.

I’ve seen him do it once or twice before.

I’ve also seen the boys do it, too.

Shit. How many times did I miss it?

Reeve gives up on his escape plan and goes right back to drinking straight from the bottle.

I instantly remember what he told me about her.

Everything.

His sister and his sexuality. What he said she made him do.

Out of my peripheral, Emilio tosses his napkin and stands. “I’ll handle it.”

“Let’s see what she has to say,” Levi interjects. “It might be something fun, and I might get a kick out of it.”

“Nothing out of that woman is entertaining,” Emilio leers, flicking a glower to my best friend. “Unless you like child abuse and self-centered—” Heels pound the hardwood floors outside the dining room, and all eyes turn toward the door, expecting Cruella de Vil to stride in.

Ramsey clears his throat at Reeve’s side and waits patiently for anyone to make a move or sound.

Meanwhile, I wait with bated breath because Levi has a plan. There’s always something he’s trying to do when it comes to these men.

And I’m blindly going to follow.

“Emilio,” a female voice greets with a tone so fake, I bet she doesn’t know how to sound sincere anymore. “You don’t know how hurt I was to hear you were meeting with the King of South Shore tonight and didn’t invite me. How could you?”

She doesn’t sound the least upset about it. Just simply annoyed as she strides up to Daddy Wildes and places a kiss on his cheek.

She does look like Cruella de Vil.

All skinny and lean. Her fake blonde hair has been dyed too many times, and it’s short, hitting right underneath her chin. The massive amount of makeup tries its best to hide the wrinkles along her face, but the stress lines are clearly visible.

I hope most of them are from Reeve.

“It’s just something casual, Elaine,” Emilio replies. “Levi is Haven’s best friend. I thought it would be appropriate?—”

“My, my,” she coos sweetly, the sound of her heels again ticking at my nerves as she approaches the table. “What kind of scandalous happenings are taking place out here? Even the new King of Wharf Bay is here.” Her hazel eyes pilot over to me, but she already knew I was here because she knew exactly where to look. And she’s not smart. “You must be the famous Bay Astor I’ve heard so much about.”

I stare at her, allowing my silence to speak for me. To allude to the fact I don’t want her here, and I know she wasn’t invited.

“I’m Elaine Stanton, Reeve’s mother. I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to finally meet you.” She reaches out a manicured hand across the table. “And not only that, but you and my son have been dating.”

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