Page 76 of Blood and Thorns

“Sir, am I coming inside?” Chip asked, his frustration tightened his lips when I simply pinned him with a look. He nodded his head at my silence, his hand gripping the handle of the umbrella before he returned to the car.

Charlie Potter was becoming a pain in my arse. I knew he wanted to do more, but he was still a kid who struggled with boundaries and was far too trigger happy to be ofassistance. His lack of empathy and emotional understanding made him dangerous, not to mention a liability.

“You’re going to have to deal with him eventually,” Caden muttered. “Either initiate him or cut him loose.”

“He’s too unpredictable,” I replied, my tone closing the conversation.

But of course, Caden didn’t give a shit. “You’re right, but maybe he needs to make a mistake or two. How else is he going to learn control?”

“A mistake could get him killed.” It was why I humoured his chess games, to teach him you couldn’t win in just a few moves. It was all about discipline. Control. A strategy that held. Chip already had issues with impulsivity, and more than once I’d had to send people to clean up his mess.

“Then cut him off or put him with his mother.” Caden dropped his voice to a whisper, the red lights overhead making him look splashed with blood. “Better yet, send him to the Bratva. Sasha will sort him out.”

Pursing my lips I faced the receptionist, Caden on my right and Langdon on my left. She didn’t even blink at the weapons beneath our jackets, her gaze hovering over Langdon far too long to be professional.

“You’re expected,” she said, gesturing for us to continue on to the main floor. “Mistress has set up a table, and she will be joining you shortly.”

I didn’t bother to acknowledge her, passing through the thick curtains into the centre room. Each space consisted of various themes, kinks and exhibition levels. The main room, however, was created as an old 50’s style piano bar. It was the place to meet people and discuss consent and boundaries before exploring the more open spaces.

I’ve spent very little time in this room, but I knewexactly which table had been reserved for me, slipping into the seat that had the perfect view of the stage.

Large velvet booths and circular tables surrounded a Steinway grand piano, our host singing into the mic with a voice made from sex. Aeris wore a skin-coloured dress so tight it was as if she was naked, while her statement red hair fell in waves down her back.

She was beautiful, and she knew it.

“Sure loves the spotlight for someone who deals in secrets and rumours,” Caden muttered, seemingly more uncomfortable than Langdon or myself. “She should be more careful. It wouldn’t take much for someone to permanently steal her voice.”

Langdon smirked, lifting his hands. “Sore spot, Cade?” he signed.

Caden gritted his teeth. “No, I don’t fuck sirens who think they hold the world between their legs.”

A few of the waitresses looked our way, and I met their eyes just to watch them scatter. I shook my head, reminding myself that Arabella never looked away. That she met my gaze head on, even when she was scared. Even when she’d slapped me, her eyes widening in surprise at her reaction.

She didn’t run then, either, instead standing her ground and waiting for a retaliation. And fuck, I wanted that. I wanted her to bare her teeth. To fight back and show that fire I seemed to crave because it made her come alive.

“She’s always listening,” I warned, finding Aeris strutting towards us on long, exposed legs.

“Sebastian,” she purred, folding herself gracefully into the seat opposite me. Reaching across the table, she tried to brush her index finger over my hand, only for me to grab her wrist and squeeze in warning.

Her smile strained, her laugh forced when I let go.

“Nice to see you again. It’s been a while.” Her voice was raspy, like scorched velvet.

“Cut the shit,” Caden growled. “We’re not here for that.”

“Are you sure?” Aeris turned to him, pouting her red painted lips. “I can offer you any girl or guy you want. Free of charge.” When Caden didn’t comment, she turned to Langdon. “What about you? See anything you like?”

A nerve feathered in Langdon’s jaw, and rather than respond he reached for his lighter.

Click. Snap. Click.

She smirked, returning her attention to me. “I’ve heard you’ve taken on a pretty pet, one who wears your collar. Is it true?” At my silence she laughed again, the sound grating.

“Do you have what we asked?” Caden said, and I allowed him to take the lead because I found her voice fucking annoying.

Aeris’s smile tightened when she looked towards my cousin, and I noticed the tension there. Interesting. That was a weakness I could extort if need be.

“That depends,” she said, her tone slightly clipped.