Page 83 of Darling Beasts

“The main house has better Wi-Fi—” I said.

Talia looked at Raj. They were standing ridiculously close together, touching almost. Didn’t anyone appreciate the sanctity of a relationship around here?

“I told you,” Talia said to Raj. “Wi-Fi is her favorite excuse for not being somewhere. She does it all the time. Even at her own Collective.”

“I’m not making excuses,” I lied. “I don’t know what to tell you, other than if things seem ‘off,’ perhaps you need to look at yourself.” With great flourish, I whirled around and beelined toward the bacon and parmesan baked oysters. Who needed friends or family when you had hors d’oeuvres.

Chapter Fifty-Five

I was half-drunk standing alone in a corner when Dad stepped onto the stage in a bespoke dark blue suit and pink pocket square. As the mike crackled and whined, the din of conversation screeched to a halt. People exchanged looks, like,Ugh, I guess we have to listen to a dumb speech by the boss.I checked the time, wondering if I could leave soon. Talia, it seemed, was already gone.

“Let me begin by thanking everyone for being here to support my campaign,” Dad said. His skin tone had changed, though not necessarily for the better. Instead of deathly pale, he looked like he’d had a mishap with Ustenya’s bronzer. “I’d like to thank my wife specifically for putting up with the chaos.” He smiled at Ustenya, who stood beside him in a metallic snake print jumpsuit. “Now, you’ve all seen the latest numbers, but—don’t despair—I have some exciting news. We’ve lined up several new donors who want to help keep this train going.”

Light applause filtered through the room, and I deeply rolled my eyes. Did that make me a “new donor,” then?

“There’s still a long road before us, but I’m ready for the trip...” He lifted his glass. “There’s no one else I’d rather take the journey with than the people in this room. Cheers!” After taking a swig, Dad passed his glass to Ustenya.

“Now, you probably assumed this party was ALL about me, but I’ve assembled everyone here for another reason. Sweetheart?” He glanced back. “Will you summon our special guest?”

Ustenya hesitated before turning to peer behind a blue trifold screen.

“The bedrock of this campaign has been my oldest daughter, Talia. And tonight, she’s in for a surprise. Talia?” Dad said, squinting, using his height to crane over the crowd. “Tal? You out there?”

“Um, I think she stepped out?” I said, my voice echoing off the stucco walls. I glanced over to where Ustenya was speaking to someone on the other side of the screen. First she shook her head no. Then she aggressively flapped a hand. A man in a tuxedo stepped out and around the screen. He strode confidently up to my dad.

“Oh, shit,” I said, and five or six people turned to look.

“Everyone, I’d like to introduce you to a very important guest.” Dad smacked the man hardily on the back. “Now, if we can locate your beautiful better half...”

I fumbled for my phone.Where the hell are you?I texted my sister.911! 911!

“My friend Spencer here—” Dad said, gesturing “—has a speech prepared. Or a question, really. Where is my eldest daughter?” My father was now visibly sweating. “Um, Mindy? Would you mind finding Talia for us?”

“I saw her back by the main house,” Mindy said, and a smile wiggled across her face.

Shit, I thought, every alarm bell inside me going off.

“According to the motion sensors...” Mindy consulted her wrist. “Someone’s in the Jacuzzi? That’s where I’d check, personally. Don’t be shocked if she’s not alone.”

***

I’d remember the next several minutes only in fragments.

The wordJacuzzi.

Spencer fleeing the scene.

My feet on the ground as I chased after him.

The flop of his hair as he continued to outpace me. His speed was impressive. He wasn’t even wearing his performance fleece.

Spencer crossed the road. He cut through a privet hedge and stopped on the patio. I ran up behind him, heaving and panting. To my left, a crumpled-up pair of khakis sat on the floor of the meditation loggia. Beside it, a puddle of chain mail. In front of us, in the Jacuzzi, were Talia and Raj, their shoulders touching, their faces illuminated by blue and purple lights.

“What. The fuck,” Spencer said, clenching his fists.

“Spencer?” Talia gasped. She went to stand but reconsidered. I was pretty sure I could see her nipples from here. “What are you doing?”

“I was going to...” Spencer loosened his hand and slipped something into his pocket. A ring box, I recognized with a thud. “I thought we were...” He paused, pressing his lips together, his expression hardening as he zeroed in on Raj. “Who is this jack-off?”

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