Reign of Brayshaw (Brayshaw High #3)(90)

I unfold the dress, holding it up to get another look only for Chloe to reach out and take it from me.

She shakes her head, setting it aside. “There is no way any of these will do. They’re not... you.”

My brows jump.

“Give me a minute, I’ve got this.”

So I do, and just over an hour later, the three of us are meeting Rolland in the entryway.

His back greets us first. A sliver of white from his dress shirt peeking out of the navy-blue suit he’s wearing, Maybell beside him.

Our footsteps aren’t quiet, so his head turns, and a grin splits his mouth, and Maybell follows.

“Damn,” Chloe whispers. “No wonder Daddy won’t let me sit in on meetings yet. I’d be all over that.”

“Shut up, Chloe,” I snap quietly.

“I thought you were hoing it up with Mac?” Victoria throws back.

Chloe mews. “Yeah, but if I wasn’t...” She trails off, rushing the last few steps to Rolland.

“Mr. Brayshaw, great to see you. Ms. Maybell, a pleasure.”

“Ms. Carpo.” Rolland nods. “Thank you for helping on short notice.”

Maybell, though, she scoffs and looks to me, making me hide my grin.

She smiles, then steps aside.

“How do you feel, Raven?” he asks.

I nod, running my hand over the tips of my hair.

I cut a quick glance a Chloe. “Like myself.”

“Also known as angry and unladylike.” Chloe tilts her head. “But she went from hobo to hopeful so it’s a win.”

Victoria scoffs while Rolland gives a small chuckle.

“Right,” he says, but quickly grows serious. “Are you ready for this?”

“Is it cliché if I say I was born ready?” I stand tall.

“I’d say it’s quite fitting.” He nods, a hint of a grin on his face. “Is there anything you want to go over beforehand? Anything I should know first?”

“What if I told you I was winging it?”

A chuckle flies from him and his eyes widen slightly. “Well then, I’d say I expected as much.”

Suddenly, the door is thrown open, and Royce jerks to a stop.

“Hoo, hooo, baby girl!” Royce’s head pulls back slightly, as he bites his lip. “Just... yes.” He slaps his chest dramatically.

I roll my eyes, reaching for the handle but he swiftly steps in, slamming it behind him.

“I told you to stay outside!” Chloe snaps.

My glare flies to her, but Royce speaks before I can.

“Sorry, wannabe Raven, but I’ll hang my dick to dry the day I listen to you, now back to the important stuff.” Royce steps in front of me, eyeing me up and down before hitting my grey eyes with his deep brown ones. “You done, done it, RaeRae.”

“Done what?”

“Morphed into the perfect Jill to my Jack.”

“Oh my god,” Victoria grumbles behind me.

I start busting up laughing, though, and Royce laughs with me. He’s kidding, but maybe I’m the only one who gets it, and honestly, I like it like that.

He grins, stepping in to hug me, whispering, “I dig it, RaeRae. It’s you.”

“Son, if you don’t go, they’re all gonna come in and we’ll never get out.”

“Oh, I know.” Royce steps back with a grin, smoothing his hands down the black dress shirt he’s wearing. “But I’m the troublemaker, never listen to shit. Gotta keep up the rep.” He shrugs, grins, and runs back out the door.

With a shake of her head and wide, confused eyes, Chloe reaches for the handle, but yelps when Royce shoves his head back in quickly.

“Might wanna wait like three minutes before you come out. These fuckers are slow to slide in.” His eyes move to Chloe playfully. “I’m in quick but stay long, and I’m not just talkin’ time, I’d say ask VicVee over there but she’s being stingy.”

“For fuck’s sake,” Victoria mumbles, burying her face in her hands.

“Wow.” Chloe purses her lips.

Royce winks.

“Jesus.”

The three of us look to Rolland who tries to hide his blush with a frown, making us laugh.

I slap my hand on his shoulder and his eyes slide to mine. “Get used to it. It literally only gets worse.”

“And yet you’re smiling as you say it.” He tilts his head slightly.

I clear my throat and look to Royce who reaches out to squeeze my hand.

He’s acting like himself today, smiling, teasing. It’s a good thing.

“Why is everyone just laughing and joking and carrying on like normal?” Chloe asks. “Are you not walking into a pack of ruthless beings?”

“We are.” I look to her. “But we have wolves.” I grin at Royce, holding my hand out for Victoria.

She slaps her palm in mine, a smile pulling at her lips. “And a Raven.”

Royce’s eyes widen, snapping to Maybell.

Curiously, mine slide between them, catching the small wink she gives.

Royce sighs, giving a small nod, his eyes brightening before us all as he barely whispers, “And so, the Raven led her wolves...” His smile is slow. “It all makes sense now. There was no other ending after the way it started.”