Page 123 of Lumi

“How did you get so good with people?” I asked when Jolene rose from her squatting position by pushing off on River’s knees.

“Well, it helps that I know psychology, but more than that, I think it’s because I care.”

“I care too, but I tend to make a mess of things when I try to give advice,” Damian said.

“Now you see why I’m crazy about her?” Atlas had a proud smile on his face and reached out for Jolene, who laughed and went back to sit on his lap.

“I wish I could borrow your brain sometimes,” I breathed.

That made Jolene laugh. “The only thing I know for sure is that I know almost nothing. I’m just trying to use the little knowledge I have to help people around me as much as possible.”

“Is that a quote?” Nathan asked.

Jolene turned her head. “I don’t know. Is it?”

“Sounds like a quote.”

River crumpled the tissue in her hand and took out her phone with the custom-made cover that had a modeling picture of her from her website. “Nathan, I’m telling Serena that we’re coming tonight, and then you’ll go without me. That way she knows to expect you. Do me a favor, though.”

“What?”

“If you get the chance, throw a drink in her face. That’s what I would do. If we’re lucky, someone records on their phone and shares it online. I’d love to see her humiliated like that. Make sure it’s a nasty drink with color to it or a dark beer.”

“River, come on.” Jolene shook her head. “You’re better than that, and so is Nathan.”

Nathan crossed his arms. “Sorry, sis. I love you and I’m happy to tell Serena what I think of her despicable behavior, but I’m not laying a hand on her or throwing anything at her.”

Damian spoke up. “I wouldn’t recommend it. It could be categorized as an assault, and if people are filmin’ she might have a case against ye.”

“Damian is right, but if we’re talkin’ about revenge plots, then I have another suggestion.” Kit smirked.

River’s eyes widened with interest. “Go on!”

“Kit, please don’t give her any ideas,” Jolene protested. “Haven’t you people ever heard about the Golden Rule? Do to others as you’d want them to do to you.”

Kit moved to the edge of her seat. “Aye. We have that same rule here in Ireland and I suggest we follow it.”

“Thank God.” Jolene sighed and leaned back against Atlas, but Kit wasn’t done talking.

She moved from the sectional to kneel on the thick oriental rug on the floor by the coffee table. With a glance in the direction of Charles and Liv in the kitchen, she lowered her voice. “C’mere to me. I don’t know about ye, but I say we give Serena and Storm a dose of their own medicine. See how they like to have their hearts crushed.”

“What are ye on about?” Damian asked in a low rumble.

“Shhh…” River shushed him with her eyes staring at Kit. “I’m in! How do we break their hearts?”

“Our best shot would be to come between them and break up their relationship. Storm and Serena broke River’s heart and humiliated her. It’s only fair that we do the same to them,” Kit said.

“Yes, but how?” Nathan was on the edge of his seat too.

“That’s where ye come in.” Kit nodded to Nathan, who shook his head with confusion.

“What, how?”

“Tonight when ye go to meet Serena, ye steal a kiss. I’ll be there to capture it with my camera. We’ll send a copy to Storm, and he’ll be crushed. He breaks up with her and she’s crushed too. Karma served!” Kit brushed her hand with exaggerated movements.

Damian broke into laughter. “Ye watch too many soap operas. What makes you think Serena will kiss Nathan?”

“Well, look at him.” Kit flung a hand through the air in Nathan’s direction. “Caramel skin, tall, strong, and damn sexy.”