Sweet Retribution (Rydeville High Elite #3)(36)

CHAPTER FOURTEEN


All the blood drains from my face as they step into the room, and I sway a little on my feet. Charlie’s face doesn’t betray any outward emotion, but he holds me tight, squeezing my waist in warning. I’m trying to compose myself, but I’m in a state of shock. What the fuck are they doing here, and why didn’t Kai tell me in advance? Or maybe he tried to, but my burner cell has been off all morning because Charlie was around, and I don’t risk keeping it on in case it vibrates in my bag and sets his spidey senses on high alert.

I can’t fucking believe this.

As soon as I think things can’t get any worse, they always do.

Now, it’s obvious why the two girls are here, and murderous rage sweeps through me at an alarming rate. I’m primed to spill blood.

Isabella is older, so she’s clearly meant for Rick, which means the knockout blonde is here for Kai. I dig my nails into my palm, fighting a host of competing emotions. I feel Drew’s eyes on my back. Hear his words in my ear, and I know what I need to do. I cling to steadfast determination, reminding myself of everything that’s at stake as I lock my emotions up tight.

I plant my game face on, praying I have what it takes to survive this dinner without betraying myself.

Or killing anyone in cold blood.

The bastard is introducing the guys to Alessandra’s parents when I snap out of my inner rage. Kai looks briefly at me. It’s a quick silent communication. A warning to follow his lead. I concede with my eyes, letting him know I’ll play along.

I’m going to hate this.

I can already tell.

But I remind myself I’m doing this to protect him and to safeguard our future.

Acid churns in my stomach, clawing at my insides, and a sick feeling travels up my throat.

Father introduces the guys to the girls one at a time. Isabella looks mildly interested in Rick, but she’s not gushing over him the same way Giselle is over Kai. I dig my nails even harder into my palm, wanting to gouge out her eyeballs with sticks and shove them down her throat so she can’t eye fuck him ever again.

“Wow. That guy is seriously hot,” Alessandra unhelpfully supplies, fixing her gaze on Kai. “I wonder if he has those tattoos all over his body,” she muses, her eyes lingering on the tat creeping up Kai’s neck.

“Show some respect,” I snap at her. “Charlie and Drew have warned you what will happen if you step out of line.” I coolly regard her, picturing her as a voodoo doll, imagining stabbing pins all over her stupid hot body.

“Do I look like I care?” She plants her hands on her hips, sizing me up.

“You should.” I lean in closer to her. “Because you’re in our territory, and we can make this easy for you or make you wish you were dead.” She seriously does not want to mess with me right now.

“I hope there’s no problem over here,” Father says, creeping up on us.

“Why are they here?” Charlie asks, working hard to control his temper. For once, we are both on the same page.

“Atticus is returning to the elite and moving back to his house in Rydeville.”

“I meant Maverick and Kaiden.”

“Atticus’s sons have a lot of catching up to do. They will be fully immersed in our society, and there’s no more time to waste.” Horror engulfs me. I know this is all part of our plan, but what exactly have Rick and Kai signed up for? There is no way I want my man anywhere near Parkhurst.

I consider it a good thing that neither Joaquin or Harley are here, and I know Kai and Rick did something to ensure they were kept away. But I wonder how long they’ll be able to shield them from this life.

“I thought you said Kaiden was not to come anywhere near Abby,” Drew adds.

“That was before your sister was married and before Kaiden came to his senses.” Father bores a hole in my skull, and I hold myself rigidly still, afraid to even breathe in case I do that wrong.

This is a test.

The first of many.

He’s waiting to see how I react to my ex-lover.

And I won’t give him the satisfaction of winning this round.

“It doesn’t matter,” I tell my brother, glancing up at Charlie. “Kaiden is in the past. I’m with Charlie now.”

“And Kaiden will be getting to know Giselle better,” the bastard says, enjoying this immensely. “To see if she’ll be a suitable bride for him.” His eyes glint wickedly, and I steel another layer around my heart as I zone in on his neck, imagining my hands wrapped around it, squeezing the life from his treacherous body.

I don’t know how I stand there without retaliating, but I summon restraint from somewhere. A line of sweat coasts down my spine, and I’m trembling with rage on the inside. On the outside, I’m Switzerland. Cold, serene, beautiful, and neutral.

The bell chimes, signaling dinner, and I’m grateful, because my legs are threatening to go out from under me, and I need to sit down. Father claps his hands. “Dinner is served. If you will follow me.” He strides across the room, flashing a menacing look at Kaiden as he passes, grabbing Patrice’s hand and leading her through the partition door into the other side of the room.

Charlie threads his fingers through mine, guiding me across the floor. I cling to his hand, needing to hold on to him to keep myself upright. Especially when Kai offers his arm to Giselle, and she clings to his side, giggling and staring at him like a lovestruck fool. “What the fuck are you looking at?” Kai hisses, shooting daggers at me.