Page 116 of Ink Deep Devotion
“He was just assassinated.”
Chapter 39
Dash
“Where were you?” I grill Damian, who arrives five minutes late.
He swallows, avoiding my gaze,“Nowhere.” So he was seeing Plain Jane.
I shake my head as I snatch a garlic roll out of the bread basket. I detest these family dinners. Everything my family does in public is carefully staged and planned. Nothing is accidental. We hold these media dinners solely to prevent speculation. The more elusive you are, the more people want to dig, so we give them a little to stave off their curiosity.
Outside, as Titan’s dad’s car arrives, photographers turn and shout. A tall, leggy brunette steps out first, waving and smiling, clearly enjoying the attention. I glance a look at Titan. His nostrils flare as he watches his dad pull out the chair for his date. Titan’s father always flaunts women to distract everyone from his brothers. This ensures that no one pays attention to my dad, who hasn’t smiled since mom passed away, or to my uncle Elijah, who looks like he's plotting to murder God himself.
At least my dad never publically paraded around another woman. If I take Dad for his word, he’s never been with another since Mom.
I don’t like the thickening in my throat over that fact. It makes me kind of like that small aspect about my dad.
My dad arrives next. He’s looking weary and aged. The wrinkles on his forehead are like a map, etched deep into his skin, and his blonde hair has turned silver.
I wonder what mom would look like now?
Don’t think about her!
I watch as my dad looks at Damian first before his eyes slide to me. His lip tugs up in a smile.
Instantly, I’m on alert.
Since when have you smiled at me?Never.It’s not for the cameras who are being escorted across the street to allow the diners to eat undisturbed.
I set the bread roll down and grab my water.Dad just watches me, slowly moving his eyes over my face to my shoulders before he looks me in the eye again and nods.
“What”?” I snap.
He shakes his head.“I’m just thinking about your mother,” he mutters as he finally looks away.
Damian’s eyes burn into me. What does he think I’m going to cry, stand and hug my dad, or throw a punch?
I roll my eyes as I grab my phone and message Mila’s guard.
Dash: Where is she?
Hank: She asked to sleep at your house tonight. I just dropped her off inside.
My house? Will I find her in my bed when I get home, or will my little fox stick to this pause she thinks we’re on?
Any bit of fake happiness dies when my uncle Elijah joins us wearing his famous black suit, shirt, and pants—you get the picture. Black is for his soul. He doesn’t look at Damian at all. Not one glance or fake nod for the camera.
The waiter makes his way around the table, filling everyone’s drinks and taking orders. Uncle Lucas’s date babbles on and on about her job as a model. I want to puke, but I resist and drink some of the whiskey Titan ordered. I glance at Damian, who keeps discreetly looking towards my father. When the model turns to him to make conversation, I chuckle. Damian looks like a volcano ready to erupt. He doesn’t do small talk.
“How are things going, Uncle Elijah?” I take another drink as his permanently enraged eyes glance my way. We’re the same height now, but he has that ability to make it feel like he’s always looking down his nose at you. Like he’s sitting on a throne surrounded by fire, and he’s wondering where to burn you first.
“What do you want?”
“To know why Greg Michelson was able to upset you and my dad so badly,” I whisper with a mischievous grin.“Losing your grip on King Corporations? That’s a shame.” I grunt a perverse chuckle.“There goes our inheritances.” My voice is loud enough that the model pauses and looks at Uncle Lucas.
Money hungry.“Watch out for her, Uncle Lucas. She will suck the money out of your wallet more than she sucks yourcock.” I sneer, but the model can’t hear because she’s too tipsy and self-centered.
A harsh kick from my father nails my shin from under the table. Instead of replying, Uncle Lucas glances at Titan. It’s a threat. He’s going to hurt Titan because of my remark. But I can’t stop because I’m pissed off, and I want our fathers to burn, even if that means we catch a flame too.
