Page 235 of The Invite
My eyes take in the neat and organized room. There’s not even a single document or a family picture on the wide wooden desk. It’s completely void of life or personality. I back away and slip out of the room.
I shut the door exactly the way I found it and turn around.
“Oomph.” I grunt, smacking into a body, almost stumbling down on my ass as my gaze flies to the person. “Scarlett.”
“Miss Davenport. Making ourselves at home, are we?” she sneers, turning up her nose as she looks me up and down. “Being my brother’s whore seems to be suiting you.”
Why does she hate me so much?
“I love your brother, Scarlett,” I reply, hoping for her to understand I’m not an enemy.
“You’re after his money, like every other bitch in town.”
I flinch in shame.
“Scarlett!”
Both of us jump at Augustus’s lethal voice. He comes stalking down the hallway, Maverick in tow as he shoots Scarlett a reproaching look.
Augustus’s expression is livid as he comes to stand beside me. His comforting scent invades my lungs as I’m yanked into his side protectively. He thunders, “Apologize to Nessa. Right fucking now.”
Tears shimmer in Scarlett’s eyes while her face becomes crestfallen. It switches to me and swirls with wrath for a second, like I stole something precious from her, before turning chilling.
“That was uncalled for, Scar,” murmurs Maverick, caressing her back.
“If you ever wish for us to be close again,” Augustus warns tightly, “you’ll apologize, Scarlett.”
Tensed silence ensues before Scarlett relents. “Sorry, Miss Davenport.”
Wrapping his hand around mine, Augustus tugs me past her and Maverick. Taking me straight to the kitchen, he sets me on a stool and kisses my forehead. I watch him work around the island, heating up the lasagna and setting our plates while fury emanates from him.
“She’s just hurt and lashing out, August.” My voice makes him tense. “I’m the reason you’re not talking to her and that’s why she said those words.”
Turning around, he leans over the marble, and says in a hard tone, “I won’t tolerate anyone disrespecting you, Nessa. Especially when you’ve done nothing to earn it.”
I smile gratefully and reach over to lay my palm over his. “You still need to forgive her and give her another chance. She loves you.” I squeeze his hand. “Please. For me.”
I hate being the reason to keep them apart.
“I’ll think about it.” He sighs after a beat.
“Thank you.”
“You have too big of a heart, little prey.”
“That you stole.”
His eyes crinkle in the corners. “All mine.”
CHAPTER – 59
Nessa
The racetrack is situated on the outskirts of the town and is known as the Tanner brothers’ territory. The leader being none other than Wolf’s older brother Ares Tanner.
During the drive, we rode through the poverty-ridden part of Fallthorne. The difference in the state of the two sides of the town is quite stark. One is dripping with gold and opulence, while the other is barely able to keep a roof over their heads.
No wonder Capri and Amber scammed the school.
