Page 74 of Vicious

“That sounds like a problem,” Tippy spoke up, his voice less than enthusiastic as he stepped up beside me. I could still smell the smoke wafting off him. “We all go in together, or none of us do.”

“Huh.” The guy wasnotimpressed with Tippy, but he did step off to the side, pulling out his cellphone and putting it to his ear. He talked in too low of a tone for me to make out anything he said, and I looked up at Viper, trying to gauge what he was thinking about the whole thing...

But his expression was stone cold.

I nudged him lightly. “You okay?”

He glanced down at me, his eyes devoid of any emotion. “I have no idea what we’re in for, Hannah.”

Nodding, I squeezed his hand. “Everything will be fine.”

He didn’t say anything as the guy came back, shrugging his shoulders at us. “He’s not happy about it, but he says to let you all in—and wanted me to let you know that you shouldreallyfollow directions, Mr. Lombardi.” The last little bit was said in a voice so low that I’m not sure anyone other than Viper and I heard it.

My heart thrummed in my chest as I let Viper lead me into the massive house. It wasexactlylike what you might see if you walked into a Beverly Hills mansion, with eloquent chandeliers and strange black and white themed art sprawled across the white walls. The floors were legitimatemarble, and my heels felt slick against the polished floor. However, one thing stood out more than anything...

The lack of people.

There were maybe thirty people present, all dressed to the ritz, standing around chatting and sipping champagne.

Weird.

They barely looked over at us, and those who did looked completely indifferent to our appearance. My skin crawled for some reason as I scanned the faces, wondering which one was the infamous Charlie Hughes. However, I didn’t make it far before my phone started buzzing in my purse. As soon as I pulled out, relief washed over my body.

I made it here. You two at Hughes?

My fingers typed a quick reply to Vinny, letting him know that’s exactly where we were—though I didn’t bother to add who else had joined us. I grabbed Viper’s arm, stopping him before he approached another group of people.

“What?” He turned to me.

“Do you think that Vinny will be able to get in?”

“Yeah, he can get in anywhere he wants.”

“Good evening,” a tall, slender woman about my mother’s age interrupted us, extending her hand to Viper. “How’ve you been, Ron?”

“I’ve been better, but it’s good to see you, Meredith.” He took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “This is Hannah Mullins.” Viper gestured to me, and the woman smiled, her eyes full of... amusement.

“Ah, Vinny’s niece, yes?” Her body angled more toward me. “You are a sight, aren’t you? Beautiful young thing.”

“Thank you,” I choked out, her strange way of talking catching me a little off guard. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t go saying that yet.” Her voice was endearing but also triggered worry—where the hell was I? “I hope you have a lovely evening though, Ms. Mullins. Please let me know if you need anything at all. I can’t guarantee that I’ll be much help, but,” she leaned in toward me, her voice lowering. “I’m sleeping with the man who calls the shots, so I might have a little pull.”

I swallowed hard, nodding, not sure if I should laugh—or be just plain disturbed. “Good to know, thank you.”

“Well, Meredith Hughes,” Tippy called out from behind me, startling me. “It’s good to see that beautiful face of yours.” His shoulder brushed mine as he reached out and pulled the woman into an awkward hug.

What the fuck?

I glanced up at Viper, his reaction flashing with a moment of shock. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one put off by the bubble-popping greeting.

Meredith smoothed over her dress as she shook her head at him. “Never know what to expect with you.” Her voice was light and airy, though I wouldn’t say that she wascheerful.

“Well, you know I like to keep you on your toes.” Tippy winked at her, before taking a swig of the champagne he had picked up on the way in. “I’m just happy to be doing business with one of the most powerful couples in California.”

“Mmm,” she replied, pursing her lips. “Anyway,” she turned to Viper, her slight smile fading. “Speaking of business, Charlie would like to speak with you, Ronny.”

Viper tensed up beside me, but had I not been holding his hand, I wouldn’t have been able to tell. “Of course. Hannah and I will be more than happy to meet with him.”

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