Page 23 of The Devil's Wrath

Fuck.

Kai chuckled, clearly amused. “She is a pretty thing, isn’t she?”

“She’s off limits.”

He raised an eyebrow. “When has that ever stopped us?”

I shook my head, my eyes drifting back to where she stood. “She’s Thomas Morgan’s daughter. The man is royalty in our world.”

“All the more reason to go for it,” he goaded with a smirk. “Imagine the power you’d have, being with her. You’d be untouchable.”

I let out a humorless laugh. “Or I’d end up with a bullet in my head, courtesy of dear old dad.”

“YOLO,” Kai stated before spotting a pretty blonde giving him fuck-me eyes by the bar. “I’m going to see if that little blonde number has a gag reflex.”

Thomas and Margaret approached me as Kai walked away, their arms linked and smiles on their faces.

“Hello again,” Thomas said, shaking my hand. “Enjoying the festivities?”

I cleared my throat, willing my body to behave. “Yes, sir. It’s a lovely event.”

Margaret’s gray eyes twinkled as she assessed me. “Oh my, Theo, how you’ve grown. You’re quite the handsome young man now.”

I felt my cheeks flush at the compliment. “Thank you, Mrs. Morgan. You look stunning as always.”

Thomas chuckled and lovingly touched her black hair, and then patted my shoulder. “I’d better keep an eye on you, son. Can’t have you stealing my best girl away.”

Margaret playfully swatted his arm. “Oh, stop it, you old charmer. You know I only have eyes for you.”

Thankfully, Thomas changed the subject. “I hear more congratulations are in order, Theo. Your father just told me you’re at the top of your class at St. Mary’s. Planning on following his footsteps and becoming a lawyer yourself?”

I straightened my shoulders. “That’s the plan, sir. I want to make my father proud.”

Thomas nodded approvingly. “Good man. The Brotherhood can always use men like you and your father. Keep up the good work.”

“Thank you, sir. That means a lot.”

Margaret smiled warmly at me. “And what about outside your studies? Any special young lady in your life?”

I nearly choked on my champagne. “Ah, no. Not at the moment.”

Thomas chuckled knowingly. “Well, there’s no rush, son. When the right one comes along, you’ll know it. Just like I knew with my Margaret here.” He gazed at his wife with undisguised adoration.

They broke each other’s stares, and Thomas beamed with fatherly pride as he looked over at the dark-haired girl. “Beautiful inside and out, just like her mother. We’re truly blessed.”

My eyes flickered involuntarily toward his daughter, who was now dancing with a man in a gray suit. Her silver dress swirled around her legs as she laughed at something he said. Margaret followed my gaze, a knowing smile on her lips, but she didn’t say a word to her husband.

“Well, I’m sure the right girl will come along when the time is right,” she said with a wink. “Just focus on your studies and your future for now.”

I nodded. “Yes, of course, Mrs. Morgan.”

Thomas checked his watch. “Speaking of the future, we should head out soon, my dear. We have that early flight tomorrow.”

“Duty calls.” She sighed dramatically before leaning in to kiss my cheek. “It was lovely to see you again, Theo. We’ll have to have you all over for dinner soon. Have a Merry Christmas.”

I smiled politely. “You as well. Have a safe trip.”

“It was great seeing you, Theo. I look forward to watching all the great things you accomplish.” Thomas said, giving my hand a firm shake. “Please stick around and enjoy the free champagne.”

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