Page 78 of Penance

The tapping of metal against a glass gets everyone’s attention. All turning to face Dee standing in the centre of the room with a big smile on his face.

“I just want to thank you all for coming today. I know most of you have attended these holiday parties before, so welcome back and to those of you who are new this year, welcome! Now, I hope everyone has had a good day so far and you’ve all had plenty to drink!” a few cheers sound out around the large room at that, before he continues. Dee laughs, “now if you would all care to join me in the grand dining room for dinner and more drinks,” he winks at Carol, who blushes. “It is my pleasure to have your company on one of my favourite days of the year,” he finishes.

People clap, everyone smiling as he starts to make his way out of the ballroom, leading everyone into the dining room.

“No puking this year, Ky,” Eli smirks, elbowing Kyla-Rose in the ribs as he drops into formation around her.

“Fuck you,” she snaps back with a scowl. “It’s your fucking fault I even got sick, fucker.”

“Hardly!” Eli mocks, “you and Charl shouldn’t have eaten so much fucking chocolate after stuffing your fat face with turkey!” he screeches with a snigger.

Kyla-Rose punches him on the shoulder, “what-the-fuck-ever,” she rolls her eyes, flashing him a wide, feral grin.

Charlie leads, having apparently apparated from the shadows. Eli and Cam flanking either side of her. Kacey, Nox and I dropping in around her back as we move into the dining room.

Cream walls, gold accents and chandeliers, every inch decorated with extravagant art. Long buffet tables line the back wall, mountains of food piled on top. Large, circular tables fill the rest of the space, everyone helping themselves to food, waiters and waitresses rushing around with drinks. The smells alone make my mouth water.

Everyone serves themselves, Charlie, choosing to forgo the food all together, stalks back into the quietest corner of the room. Kacey fills Kyla-Rose’s plate with more food than I think I’ve ever seen her eat. She points to what she wants, and he hefts mountains of it onto her plate with a grin. She must feel me watching them because she tosses a look over her shoulder, throwing me a sultry smile. I shoot her a wink as Kacey hands her the food. She practically prances over to an empty table, dropping her plate down atop it, her perky arse sliding into a velvet chair.

I watch her from my position, my gaze flicking between the food selections and her. When I glance back and see who’s seated next to her, I grind my teeth so hard I crack my jaw.

“What the fuck is that about?” Nox hisses, threatening blue eyes locked on the threat.

“Dunno,” I shrug, my shoulders tense as I watch Vito Gambino lean into our girl.

“Let’s get over there before the fucking viper strikes,” Nox grunts with irritation.

I slap my hand against his chest, stopping him as he goes to bypass me, his narrowed eyes sliding over to me.

“Easy, think about where we are,” I warn him quietly. “You’ve only just made it into her good graces. Don’t go all Kacey caveman on this shit,” I roll my tongue over my teeth, trying to keep my cool. Ever the sane one out of our little trio, “okay?”

Nox wrinkles his nose is irritation, his dark brows pulled low over his bright eyes. Danger wafting off his body like a rolling heatwave.

“Yeah, okay,” he nods.

I drop my hand from his chest. Taking the lead, I stalk towards our woman with intent. I drop down into the seat beside Kyla-Rose, Nox on my other side. She tosses her head back, a raucous laugh leaving her open mouth, her eyes squeezed tight, she rocks with laughter. My brow furrows as she wipes tears from her face. My eyes tightening, I look at Vito, a smug smirk on his playboy mouth, he winks at me.

Nox shifts beside me, I clamp a hand to his thigh beneath the table.Not now,I silently tell him with a sharp look. He swallows hard, giving me a subtle nod.

Breathe.

“What’s so funny?” Nox growls, unable to bite his tongue.

I sigh as Kyla-Rose shoots him daggers.

“Just an old story, nothing important,” Vito purrs, his Italian accent thick.

That sound alone gets my fucking back up. Let alone the way he purposely avoids looking at either of us when he answers, dismissing us completely.

“Oh, I love old stories. Do tell,” Nox continues, a raised brow.

“We were just discussing a masquerade ball we both attended at Vito’s father’s home in Italy,” Kyla-Rose says gently, her eyes flicking between us both in silent warning.

“Who are these men to you,Rose?” Vito asks blandly without looking at either of us.

His pale blue eyes undressing her with his gaze. The nickname rolling off his vile tongue like they’re familiars makes me murderous.

“These are two of my boyfriends,” she announces proudly, making Vito lean back slightly in his chair.

---