Page 27 of Midnight Revelations

“Are you here for Dad?” I asked, pretending to not know that he was here to spy on us and intimidate my younger brother. “Or are you looking for a little something yourself, Marlow?”

He eyed the painting behind me in contempt before turning his attention to me. “I am, as always, at Matteus’ command.” He evaded the question.

“Hmmm. So, which painting do you think he would like since you’re here in his stead to support Aaron?” I deliberately mistook his answer, since two could play at his game. “What about that one over there?”

I pointed at a monstrosity in browns and blacks with strange little yellow orbs floating about in it like eyeballs in viscous body fluids.

Aaron’s lips twitched. “It is entitledThe Underworld.”

“Perfect. Dad will be impressed by your support, Marlow. I’m sure Aaron will be happy to send a bill to him and let him know that you selected the painting for him.” I flashed him my asshole smile that I’d stolen from Jordan. He could hang it in his bathroom for all I cared. One thing I did know was that Dad was a huge art collector, and would hate anything hanging in this room. I’d make sure that Aaron charged him double for it just to fuck him off.

“You don’t often bring dates to these events,” Marlow said with a sly glance toward Poppy.

“You mustn’t be at very many of the events I attend,” I replied. The sharks were circling and this was exactly the reason I would throw up as many decoys as possible to take the attention off Lucrezia.

I had no doubt Marlow was involved in the Amber incident and was fast making his way up my list of problems that needed neutralised. Marlow’s furious gaze bored into mine since not only had he been spotted, but now Dad had a hefty fine to pay. My guess was that I was now making myself onto Marlow’s problem list.

Aaron stiffened beside me as he sensed the tension, and waved at one of his employees who began to bring canapés around the room. People automatically gravitated toward them and while a few moments ago we were in relative isolation, now people surrounded us. My brother may not be a fighter, but he was a diplomat.

I lifted one of the little treats from the tray and popped it into my mouth without looking away from Marlow. He terrified us all as children, but he would never have the satisfaction of doing the same to me now. He would look away first or Aaron would have a scene to clean up.

Marlow eventually glanced away when a waitress stood between us with a different tray of tiny delights for us to feast on.

I noticed Jordan stepping into the room from the corner of my eye. He lifted a glass of champagne from a waitress and downed it before setting it back on the tray. He sauntered across the room, giving the occasional painting a scathing glare before finally reaching my side.

“Hey, sorry I’m late.” His eyes settled on Poppy. “You’re looking fabulous tonight, Poppy.”

He was greeted by another giggle which drew Marlow’s attention. If Jordan knew her, then she was deeper in my life than he suspected. What he didn’t know was that there was a time that the three of us all shared sexual toys and Poppy had been one of them.

“Is Zee with you, as well?” she asked. “You three together would make every female heart in this room pound a little harder.”

Jordan’s lips tipped up in an easy smile. “Not tonight, Pops. He’s got another engagement.”

That “engagement” would be his wife next week.

Poppy spotted another girl I knew from my time in the Twilight Rooms and waved. “Why don’t you go and say hello to Natalie,” I said.

She moved across the room and garnered attention wherever she went. I turned to Marlow. “What can I help you with?” I asked. Aaron nearly climbed up my back as he moved slightly behind me.

“Matteus is still waiting for you to sort out his problem.” Marlow chewed on his canapé and tried to intimidate me. Was he another one with an asset?

My lips twitched. “I told him it would be sorted and it will be. I don’t recollect there being a time limit on it or you being there.”

“Matteus expects problems to be dealt with immediately.”

I downed the remainder of my drink. “Then he shouldn’t create them in the first place.” I beckoned a waiter over and placed my glass on his tray. “Let me give you some free advice, Marlow. Don’t get in my way or I will include you in the problem.”

I gave him my best smile and turned my back on him. Jordan’s eyebrow quirked but he didn’t say a word about the exchange.

“What the fuck are these paintings?” Jordan asked in a low tone. “Was the artist drunk or high on something when he did them?”

“Dad just bought that one over there.” I nodded at the piece. “He’ll be presented with the bill tomorrow for sending his lackey here.”

Jordan laughed. “Yeah, I’m sure he’ll be delighted.”

“Can I interest you in a painting?” Aaron asked, reverting to his role as host.

Jordan cast his eye around the room. “Why, you got any?”

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