Page 17 of Hexed
I love my Lair, and I guess I love my uncle too.
But I hate it when he brings up my mother.
“All I ask is that you show your loyalty in return and keep your mouth shut unless I tell you to speak,” he continues, his voice sharpening like a blade. “Everything will be fine, and we’ll…”
“We’ll what?”
“Become one big happy family.”
I huff out a short laugh, but I’m not feeling joyful. If anything, I’m so annoyed that I can taste it on the back of my tongue like sour candy.
“Come on, little one, don’t make me feel bad,” he says. “You’re my best asset, you know that.”
I nod, the tendrils of my heart reaching out to grasp at his words like they’re raindrops in the desert.
“You just need to learn to sit back and trust my decisions. I’m the king of this castle, not you. Now go on,” he finishes. “Check on the chef for me. Make sure dinner’s almost ready. We have a lot to celebrate.”
He shoos me away, and I oblige him, the same way I always do, standing up and making my way to the door. Right as my fingers grip the handle, his words stop me. “And, Venesa, I’ll expect you to be on your best behavior.”
FOUR
ENZO
When I finally make itinside the Kingston estate after calling Gio back, Aria’s waiting in the foyer for me.
My footsteps echo off the tall, coffered ceilings, and the sparkles from Aria’s five-karat oval ring ricochet off the marble floors.
There isnothingabout this place that doesn’t drip with wealth.
“Ready?” she asks.
I nod.
She beams at me and turns to walk down the hall, our fingers intertwining as she drags me behind her, passing by what looks like a chef’s kitchen, until we reach an oversize chestnut door nestled in the back of a hallway.
“Daddy’s office,” she whispers before knocking twice. I take my hand from hers before we walk in.
Trent Kingston is across the room, surrounded by dark wooden bookshelves and a large desk, his attention focused solely on us.
“Daddy!” Aria squeals, racing over to him.
Trent stands, grabbing her up in a hug. It’s been a while since they’ve seen each other, and I’m not sure they ended on good terms, so I hang back, allowing them their moment and taking in Trent’s office.
It’s nice. Classic. All oak wood and deep burgundy leather.
There’s an interesting painting hanging on the back wall that doesn’t quite mesh with anything else, though.
“Ah, Mr. Marino,” Trent says, releasing Aria and nodding toward me.
I appreciate the respect he’s giving me, and I walk forward and shake his outstretched palm. “Call me E.”
“I thought you’d keep my girl away forever. I appreciate you finally bringing her back.”
“Daddy,” Aria complains.
I grin but don’t reply.
“I hope the trip down was all right?” Trent continues.
