The Peer and the Puppet (When Rivals Play, #1) (25)

I wasn’t sure I wanted to know what that pompous prick said about me, but I asked anyway. “What were you expecting?”

“Some snaggletooth inbred who could barely put a sentence together.”

I’m going to kill him.

“Come now, don’t be subtle. I’m sure your cousin had a lot more to say about me.”

“Actually, he barely mentioned you.”

I felt like I’d been kicked. “You don’t need to lie for him. He’s done a lot worse.” It was unfair that while I’d been pining for revenge, he’d barely thought of me at all.

Jamie eyed me. “Don’t take offense, lass. That’s just who Ever is.”

“And who might I be?”

A chill swept my skin leaving goose bumps in its wake, and I desperately tried to recall the pep talk I gave myself on the plane.

This time would be different.

I’d be smarter and quicker than I was a year ago.

I wouldn’t cower in his presence.

Taking a deep breath, I faced the tall, athletic frame filling the doorway.

“A cold bastard,” Jamie answered with a grin.

“I wondered what was keeping you,” Ever mused with his eyes on me. “Now I see.” The bite in his tone was unmistakable. All that was missing was his sneer, but Ever McNamara was much too poised for that.

“Unwad your knickers, cousin. I found Four here snooping around. Thought I’d have a little chat.”

Slowly, Ever’s gaze drifted lower.

My breasts were fuller now, and his lingering scrutiny made it clear he noticed. Reluctantly, he moved on to peruse my taut stomach and the subtle curve of my hips and thighs.

It was impossible not to notice his own changes. He stood at least an inch taller, and there were dips, bulges, and hard planes beneath the white button-up and blue jeans that hadn’t been there a year ago. I didn’t think it was possible for Ever McNamara to be…more.

“It seems some things haven’t changed,” he said as he leaned a shoulder on the jamb.

“Sorry to disappoint you,” I muttered even though I wasn’t in the least.

“I’d have to care.” His attention shifted to Jamie. “Let’s go.”

I’d been dismissed.

Jamie started for the door, but then he stopped with a mischievous grin. “A buddy is throwing a thing before school starts. You riding?”

Ever took the liberty of turning down his offer before I could. “She stays.”

“Four?” Jamie pushed, completely ignoring his cousin. It was refreshing to know at least one person in Blackwood Keep wasn’t afraid of Ever.

“Thanks, but no thanks. I think I’m just going to crash.”

Jamie looked disappointed, but he didn’t bother arguing.

I followed them from the room just as Mrs. Greene appeared.

“There you are! I meant to tell you that Mr. McNamara had you moved into another bedroom. I hope those boys didn’t give you any trouble.”

The boys in question peeked over their shoulder.

“They were perfect gentlemen,” I lied and caught Jamie’s grin just before they rounded the corner.

“Oh, good! Let’s get you settled.”





“MAKE WAY FOR YOUR KING!” someone shouted over the music. The horde of sycophants parted, and I hid my cringe as I moved through the swaying figures. I suppose I deserved the position. I definitely earned it.

Translation: I’ve been a supreme dick.

“King, huh?” Jamie questioned with a lift of his brow. “You’ve been busy.” Girls called Jamie’s name and grabbed at his shirt while he bumped fists with a few guys from the basketball team. I took advantage of his sudden distraction and ditched him in the crowd. Jamie would pry, and I didn’t care to explain myself. I never do.

Vaughn, my right hand and enabler, descended the stairs and clapped my shoulder. “Thought you weren’t coming.”

“I wasn’t, but my father is full of surprises.” Vaughn sipped from his cup and waited for me to elaborate. “Archer’s back.”

“Shit, man. Thought we got rid of her for good.”

“So did I, but she’s like a fucking cockroach.” Getting rid of the grease monkey had been more than just amusing. It had been necessary. Four Archer was a constant reminder of a past that needed to stay buried, and if I wasn’t careful she’d be the chink in my chain.

“Only because you were holding back.” Vaughn eyed me knowingly.

I shrugged as if Archer didn’t plague my every waking thought. “She wasn’t worth the effort.”

“And now?”

“I’ve got other priorities.” He knew that as well as I did, but the fucker was baiting me. “I’m done with her as long as she remembers her place.”

“And when the wedding bells ring?”

My nostrils flared at the thought of Thomas marrying the social climber. While she hadn’t turned out to be an evil bitch—my father would have seen through her two years ago if she were—I knew something about Rosalyn Archer was off. So I did some digging.

“That will never happen.” After the dirt I had found, I’d make sure it never got that far, but my father could have his fun for now.