Page 82 of Deviant Reign (Knight's Ridge Empire 6)

EMMIE

The cocktails Stella has been making for us since we got back to the hotel have helped settle some of my unease as the four of us sit around shooting the shit.

Apparently, Alex banned any boy/girl mixing until we’re due to leave in a couple of hours to head to the bar. Something I can’t say I’m all that bothered about because it gives me a little more time to figure out how I’m going to play it when I finally come face to face with Theo. That, and I can only hope that his anger has lessened a little the next time he has to look at Xander.

I tried to convince him to head home when we got back here, but he stood firm, telling me that his babysitting gig didn’t end until we were all back safely on London soil.

I rolled my eyes hard at that, but I didn’t argue. Things are so fucked up right now that I can’t deny it settles something inside me, knowing that I’ve got him there looking out for me—for us.

He turns his focus on Calli as she asks him something about the club while I watch Stella shake another cocktail concoction she’s made up.

“So where’s this outfit you’ve got for me?” I ask, wondering why she’s not already presented it to me.

“Waiting.”

“Waiting for what?” I ask nervously.

As if he were summoned, the hotel room door opens and Seb pokes his head inside.

“Evening ladies, looking good,” he says happily, although his eyes don’t stray from Stella.

“Ugh,” I complain teasingly. “I thought we were free of cocks for a few hours.”

“Nice, cous. Really fucking nice,” he mutters, beelining for his girl. “And to think, I come bearing gifts for my favourite cousin.”

My lips part to tell him that I’m his only cousin, but the reality is, I have no idea if I am. We haven’t sat down to have that kind of conversation yet, and quite frankly I’ve not got enough head space to deal with the potential outcome of it.

I’m happy living in ignorant bliss right now that Seb and his sisters are my only new relatives.

“Gifts?” I ask, hoping he’s got something exciting up his sleeve.

Pulling his arm from behind his back, he reveals a tablet.

“Uh…” I start, confused as fuck.

He ignores me as he leans down, pins Stella to the sofa with his hand around her throat and slams his lips down on her.

“If your gift was watching you two fuck right in front of me, then I think I’ll pass. Neanderthal,” I scoff, pushing from the sofa after draining my cocktail. I’m going to need more to put up with their antics.

By the time he releases her, leaving them both out of breath and clearly in need of more, I’ve made another very strong drink.

“Nah, we’ll save that for later. Hopefully, you’ll be too distracted by then to pay any attention to us.”

“Hmm… We’ll see,” I mutter, taking a sip of my drink and wincing at just how potent it is.

If I didn’t already have a buzz going from Stella’s bartending skills, then I will after this.

“Come on,” he says, snatching up my hand and dragging me toward the bedrooms.

“This one,” I say, pointing to my room, assuming it’s where he’s heading. Although fuck knows why. “What’s going on?” I ask when he swings the door open and steps inside as if he owns the place.

“Like I said, I’ve got a gift. I really think you’re going to love it.”

“Jury’s still out on that.”

“No faith,” he mutters, dropping down onto the bed and resting the tablet on his thighs. “No fucking faith.”

“So…” I prompt, getting irritated with his teasing.