Page 33 of Betrayed By Sin
He’s lounging with one foot kicked up, a wine glass balanced on his knee, his fingers lazily holding the stem. He wears charcoal slacks and a crisp black button-up, open at the collar, sleeves rolled to reveal expensive tattoos inked up his forearms.
The first time I saw Zeik was at Sin’s family dinner. He looked like he’d crashed it on his way back from a fraternity rager. Hair tousled, shirt untucked, loud, charming, and way too comfortable in someone else’s chair.
This Zeik?
This version?
Cool. Restrained. Calculated. Like the frat boy put on a suit and remembered he’s royalty.
He stands with a smirk, like he’s been expecting me. “Magnolia.”
“I see you finally bought a shirt with buttons.” I say with a smile, and everyone around laughs, except for my mother who is glaring at me.
He raises his glass, chuckling low. “Growth.”
Amelia gestures toward the chairs, and we all settle around the table. Wine is poured into crystal glasses, and I get a mental flash of accidentally knocking one over and being charged in emotional trauma.
Leon raises his glass. “To gratitude. And to peace. The kind that lasts beyond names and bloodlines.”
Cameron lifts his. “I’ll toast to that.”
My mother clinks hers lightly. “As will I.”
I lift mine more slowly, eyes narrowing just a bit.
Peace is a beautiful word. But it feels a little too curated here.
“So,” Zeik says, refilling his own glass as his parents catch up with my mother. “How’s it feel being in the Rusco fold, Magnolia? I imagine it’s…a lot.”
I give him a sidelong glance. “Did you get that from a therapist handbook?”
Cameron snorts into his wine.
Zeik shrugs, unbothered. “Genuine question. Last time I saw you, you were storming out of my club.”
It’s Sin’s club, but I don’t say that. I’m trying to be light, but I don’t trust Zeik. Maybe I should, I don’t know. “That sounds accurate, Sin was on my nerves.”
Leon chuckles, making me remember we’re not alone and I need to behave. “Well, anyone who’s met Sin Donati understands the urge.”
Amelia hums, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. “Still, the shift from one family to another can feel…disorienting.” I don’t like anyone talking about Sin but I’m not about to defend him here.
“Like time travel,” I say lightly.
That gets a real laugh from Zeik. I clock the way Amelia and Leon watch me, like they’re taking notes with their eyes.
“You know,” Amelia says after a beat, “you remind me a little of myself.”
I blink. Hopefully not in theice queen with a killer resting faceway? “How so?” I question.
Amelia just smiles wider. “I wasn’t born into this, and I know you were, but you weren’t raised in the chaos. You seem so well equipped to be in this world, in the way you calculate before you speak. That kind of awareness, it’s valuable.”
My mother gives me a look that reads:Say thank you and stop talking.
So I say, “Thank you,” and sip the wine.
It’s good. Too good. Probably enchanted.
“We’re just grateful for the peace this city offers now,” my mother says, setting her glass down with care. “Especially with Magnolia needing a space to feel safe. As you said, she wasn’t raised in this world, and I don’t want her life outside of the orphanage to be dangerous. Your family’s neutrality allows her to move freely. That kind of grace won’t be forgotten.”
