Page 55 of Revere
I don’t know how long we sit in silence, but it isn’t until a yell comes from the hallway that I finally blink, snapping back into my thoughts.
“What’s going on?” My eyebrows pinch as the fighting in the hallway intensifies.
Mom sighs, her gaze filling with annoyance as she takes another sip of her drink. “Your father was taking care of a problem.”
Alex and Mila.
My stomach sinks at what might have happened. I never should have let Mila out of my sight. Not here, where there are serpents around every corner.
18
UNDER CONTROL
JACOB
Apart from thefew staff members bustling around and bodyguards at every door, the restaurant is empty.
Quinn Daniels sits at the bar instead of a table, as expected. We aren’t here for a meal. I’m barely here for a conversation, but there are some things that can’t be said over the phone when someone at Sigma House is always listening.
When I reach the barstool beside Quinn, a glass of scotch slides across the bar before I have to order it. “You always did have a soft spot for this place.”
“Hence why I bought it.” Quinn grins in way of greeting, holding his glass up for me to tap mine against it.
Glass clinks, and I take a sip, which is smooth all the way down. “Never could get you off this barstool.”
“I remember a time when the same could be said about you.” He pushes his dark hair off his forehead.
“Amen.” I take another sip.
This bar might as well be my church. It’s the closest haven of peace for a man like me when the shadow of the cross will do nothing but judge. There isn’t enough prayer to wash my soul clean, anyway. Another reason I stopped.
Quinn sits in silence for a moment while we share a drink. It’s been years since we met face-to-face. I’ve had my differences with the Sigma House Council after I refused to sit at the table beside them, but after Declan’s coup, Quinn is the last one standing. The sole council member to come out clean, so to speak.
“Been a while since you’ve been back to Bristal,” Quinn says over the rim of his glass.
“I was here six weeks ago checking in on my brother.”Along with my investment, but I don’t say that part.
He hums. “Your brother isn’t quite as composed as you are. He’s gaining quite a reputation.”
“So I’ve heard.” I snicker to myself. “Not that it matters, given his particular skill set. He’ll do well even if people hate him.”
Quinn breathes out a laugh, nodding in agreement. “How is LA treating you?”
“It’s fine.”
“Just fine?” He hitches an eyebrow. “I assume mediocre pussy and a grueling teaching schedule aren’t enough to keep you away.”
I shrug, taking another sip.
“The great Interrogator…” Quinn swirls his drink around. “Destined to run the House. Instead, he barely graces us with his presence because his life in LA isfine. Anyone else would have eaten a bullet already. That’s quite a long leash your birthright offers you.”
“Careful.” I turn to face him. “You’re starting to sound jealous. And here I thought this was a meeting between friends.”
“We were that once, weren’t we? Now, I don’t know where you stand.” He takes a drink, resting his elbows on the bar and staring at the light reflecting on the stained-glass pattern behind the liquor bottles.
“I think the better question is, where do you stand, Quinn? Are you here to try and talk me into taking the seat or to challenge me for it?” I glance around.
Staff has thinned so only security is in the bar now.
