Page 52 of His Kingdom

“I know that look. I’ve seen it before. Evie isn’t her,” I remind him.

“Isn’t who?”

“Laura,” I say her name, and wait for the hit to come. It doesn’t. Back when she first disappeared, Emmanuel would swing every time anyone mentioned her. Guess he’s developed some self-control over the years.

His jaw twitches. “I don’t know who you’re talking about,” he says, looking me dead in the eye.

“Right, and I’m fucking Father Christmas. Don’t fuck with my girl’s friend, Emmanuel,” I warn him.

“I have no intention of fucking with her. Now,fucking her… that’s not off the table.” He smirks and turns around, heading in the girls’ direction.

I pull out my phone and text the guys. I’m not dealing with the fallout of Emmanuel’s fucked-up mind.

Me:

Come and rein in E. He’s got the Laura look for Charlotte’s friend.

Sammie:

Saw that one coming. She looks like her ghost.

Carlo:

This I gotta see. Nothing unravels that bastard.

Me:

This is Charlotte’s friend. She cannot get mixed up with E. Get here, now.

Sammie:

On it. Although you did just send me away.

Pocketing my phone, I make my way over to the table I haven’t taken my eyes off. Emmanuel is sitting next to Evie and Charlotte—whose eyes are on me. I sit down and drag her chair over until it’s pressed up against mine. My arm wraps around the back. “How was your day?” I ask Charlotte.

“I was Evie’s personal Barbie doll, sohell,” she whispers.

“I heard that you loved every minute of my abuse.” Evie waves an accusatory finger at her friend.

“Sure I did.” Charlotte laughs.

“So, Louie, tell me. How’d you do it?” Evie asks me.

“Do what?”

“How’d you kill Charlotte’s ex and make it look like an overdose?” she clarifies, her eyes fixed on my face. My expression.

I blink at her. And then look to Charlotte, who is staring back at me, waiting for my answer.

“He didn’t,” Emmanuel says. “I did.”

“Do you just go around killing all of your friends’ girlfriends’ exes?” Evie raises a curious brow at him.

“Only the ones who leave bruises on my friend’s girlfriends,” Emmanuel replies without missing a beat.

“So, are you like an assassin or something?” Evie tilts her head to the side.

I can’t get a read on this chick.Is she serious right now? Or does she think this is all a joke?

---