The Grand Pact (The Grand Men #1)(114)

“You think I brought a suit to the middle of the Pacific fucking Ocean?”

He grins around his glass, his brows lifting in amusement. “No, but she did. She planned it all.”

I can think of nothing worse than sitting down at the table with a bunch of angry women tonight. I’m counting on Nina coming for my head. “Why black tie?”

Mason takes a swig of his beer and lounges back on the seat. “It’s the anniversary—”

“Elliot!” Scarlet calls my name, and I can tell she’s been looking for me. “There you are! Come here, please.” She ushers me over with her hand.

The guys all give me a sympathetic smile, and I shake my head as I follow the little lavender-haired menace.





I’m wearing a tux. There wasn’t much choice in the matter after Scarlet went to so much effort to surprise us with the sweet gesture. You don’t tell Scarlet Lowell no—it’s more of the logistics of saying the words as opposed to the choice. She’ll look at you, much like the way Ellis looks at me when he wants something, and the words don’t come.

I pull on my jacket and make my way down the corridor towards the kitchen.

I’m halfway down the hallway when I hear a door open and shut behind me. I glance over my shoulder, my steps faltering.

Lucy is coming from her room. She stands at the door, watching me as I take one slowed step before halting completely and turning to face her. She’s wearing a black, what looks like velvet gown, that slips elegantly off her shoulders and frames her breasts perfectly. It hugs her slim waist and drops over her curvy hips with a slit that leads my eyes entirely too high on her thigh.

“Good swim?” I ask, a frown forming on my brow despite my question.

Her eyes tighten on me, and I fight the nervous smile that threatens to show.

I don’t feel fucking smiley right now.

My stomach rolls as I stand on the spot and clench my fists, and for the first time in maybe ever, I don’t know what to do with a woman.

The fact that woman is Luce, the only person I’ve ever felt comfortable enough to give it all to, kind of fucks me up a little inside.

“When you’re ready to listen to me without being a dick, I’ll be waiting.” She starts towards me, her heels hitting the floor with force. She doesn’t readjust her dress once; she just walks like a motherfucking queen right past me and into the dining room.

I head to the bar area and pour myself a glass of something strong before following her in.

Thankfully, I’m sitting at the other end of the table from her. I take my seat, pleased she can’t get under my skin from over here. Charlie is to my right, and then I have three empty places next to me. Ellis has a name card to my left, and I presume the other empty seats will be for the rest of the Lowell tribe.

It doesn’t shock me that they’re late. Since they moved in with Scarlet, the five of them can’t be on time for anything.

“Can I just say”—Megan taps her glass although no one is talking—“I look absolutely phenomenal tonight.”

It breaks the awkward tension between the four of us, and I smirk into my glass as I take a sip.

“You both look absolutely stunning, ladies,” Charlie tells them, raising his glass in a toast to them.

They clink glasses then look at me. I lean in and follow suit, my eyes avoiding all contact with Lucy.

“Sorry, sorry, sorry!” Scarlet comes rushing into the room with Waverly in her arms. Vinny follows with Mason and Ellis right behind him. Nina trails in last, readjusting something on her skirt. “We aren’t late, are we?”

“You know you are,” Charlie chuckles.

Scarlet takes her seat and looks around at us all. “You guys look incredible. We need a photo later!”

Our food comes out, and we eat and chat about anything and everything. It’s comfortable, and it’s not. I don’t look at Lucy, and I don’t feel her eyes on me like I normally would.

She’s pissed at me, and it annoys me that it has me doubting throwing her necklace in the water.

Why would she want it now?

New York was a shit show. Neither of us needs a reminder of it.

“Did you all go cliff jumping today?” Vinny asks, lifting a hand to cover his mouth as he swallows his food.

“Just Megan and Elliot,” Scarlet sulks.

“We couldn’t—”

“We’re planning to go out tomorrow but with everyone,” Scarlet cuts me off, grinning at everyone. “We all have to get back up there. It’s been years.”

“Everyone will jump?” I snigger, sounding more bitter than I feel.

Multiple eyes flick to me.

“Yes?” Scarlet replies with a frown.

Naturally, my eyes go to Lucy. “You plan to jump, princess? I can’t see it.”

Her eyes remain on the table, and I can tell by the way her lip twitches that she’s annoyed at me.

“If I want to jump, I’ll jump,” she mutters eventually, the table silent.

I rear back in mock surprise. “A decision.” I swig down my scotch, feeling it take full effect. “Lookout. Pigs might actually fly.”

“You got the pig part right.”

She isn’t wrong, and I don’t know why I’ve called her out as I have. It definitely doesn’t make me feel any better.