Page 48 of King of Deception

Arabella

I pullmy car out of the garage, the setting Vegas sun shining into my eyes as I pull on my sunglasses. Traffic is heavy, and I ought to pay attention, but my thoughts are filled with how I spent my afternoon.

I heard what Gris said about trusting him.

I’ve got to be honest. I want to believe him. But also… I really understand I shouldn’t. Mason is my brother, and I love him, and he loves me too. Even knowing that, I also understand that his plans can and have backfired on all of us.

But Gris, he’s built exactly like Mason. He is a planner, a manipulator. Only he isn’t my brother. If Mason sometimes forgets to factor in my feelings, if his ambitions get in the way, what might Gris do? Even if he really cares, I might end up crushed by Gris’s schemes and strength.

And if he doesn’t care about me…

Well, then I am for sure in for a world of hurt. I can’t even resist an afternoon tryst with him. I can’t deny him anything.

I shiver again, sliding the air conditioning vent to point away from me. I said I was going to do some scheming of my own, and I have.

I invited both Mason and Luke out to dinner tonight.

They have no idea that they’re both attending. I would like to pursue things with Gris, but first I need to right things with my family. It’s the only way I can move forward, knowing that what I’ve got going on with Gris isn’t going to come back on them.

Mason picked the restaurant, which happens to be inside our luxury hotel, Chateau Blanc. The restaurant, which features French cuisine is called Cheval Blanc, and it’s normally my favorite place to eat. I’ve been avoiding it because Preston currently stays on this property. Mason offered him an apartment, but I think he’s enjoying the perks of being in a hotel attached to our family.

I pull up the car and hand the keys to the valet. Tonight, I’m in a strapless pale pink dress that falls just below my knees and strappy sandals.

The bit of sun I got today has kissed my skin and I curled my hair the way a warrior might add war paint.

Okay, maybe it’s a bit different.

But I wanted to look as feminine as possible. Remind my brothers that I am their beloved sister, not the rope in a game of tug of war.

I enter the lobby of the hotel to find that both Mason and Luke have already arrived.

They stand facing each other, matching glares, each with their arms crossed. I sigh. But also… it’s good to see them together.

“Hello,” I call out with a wave.

They both swing their gazes to me. It’s hard to know which one looks more pissed. “You set a trap?” Mason rumbles.

“Since when are family dinners traps?” I ask back as I approach and kiss Mason’s cheek. Then I kiss Luke’s.

“You know damn well Mason and I aren’t talking,” Luke says by way of greeting.

“That’s all right. I’ve got a lot to say. You can both sit quietly and listen. But I am famished, and I love Cheval Blanc, so let’s get a table. Shall we?”

Begrudgingly, they both follow. The hostess takes one look at us and with hissed words at the waiter next to her, shows us to a private room.

“We have a fourth joining us,” Mason says to the hostess. “Show Preston Wingate in when he arrives.”

My hackles rise, but I don’t need to say a word, Luke is spitting them all for me. “Why the fuck is that fucking prick joining us?”

“He would like a chance to speak with Bella,” Mason replies, taking a seat.

I huff out a breath. “You’re a dirty rat, you know that, Mason? This is why people don’t like you. I was completely clear this afternoon. I’m not marrying him, and I don’t want to speak to him.”

That other plan I had, where I just get on a plane, is sounding even better.

“I’m not the only one who used the play, ‘invite unexpected guest,’ am I?” he replies. “Why don’t you tell us what we’re here to discuss?” Mason asks like he’s legitimately perplexed. Which can’t be true. He must know… Mason is smart like that.

“After the food arrives,” I say, just trying to gain back a bit of control.

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