Page 15 of Ruthless Chaos

I tip my head to Lev and turn back to Hans who is almost finished with my drink.

“Knew we’d find you here,” a voice says behind me.

I pivot to see Ezra sidling up to the bar with Vance in tow.

I chuckle, taking the drink from Hans. “Can’t resist a good drink.”

I would never say it out loud, but I’m relieved to see them.

Ezra Harrington and Vance Du Pont are also members of the Kingmaker Council, but most importantly, they’re my best friends. They are like my brothers. Even though we saw each other two weeks ago in Italy, we greet each other like it’s been years.

It feels like it has.

“How many fools?” Ezra asks, a wide smile on his face.

I shrug. “Only three. Already texted Dexter.”

“Slow day for you,” Vance smirks. “I’ve already got six.”

The three of us share a laugh.

“I can’t wait for this shit to be over,” Ezra mutters, looking over the room with disdain. He hates formal events. His tie is already loosened, and he looks about ready to pop the rubber band keeping his frizz of hair tame.

Vance chuckles. “The only thing keeping me going is that party later.” He rubs his hands together. “So much new pussy.”

The whiskey sour burns going down.

I’ve yet to bring up the idea of taking a Courtesan to my friends, and now isn’t the right time. For starters, there’s no guarantee I’ll even find a girl that piques my interest enough for that.

I am certain of one thing though. “I’m getting laid tonight.”

Ezra roars with laughter, slapping me on the back. “That’s what I like to hear!”

Vance is wearing a mischievous grin. “Good to know Cassidy gave you your nuts back.” His eyes glint impishly.

I shoot him a glare as my mood darkens.

Ezra tries and fails to stifle his laugh. Mentioning that psychotic bitch is the fastest way to kill my buzz. I change the topic to something I know these sadists will love.

“Any ideas for this year’s Initiation Trials?”

Vance straightens. “I thought you’d never ask.” He takes his phone out of his pocket and starts searching for what I assume are his notes. Ezra does the same.

In the corner of my eye, I see a figure approaching us.

Their gait is way too confident for an Associate. My grip on the rocks glass tightens when I recognize who it is. A deep breath slows the rage slicing through my veins.

I have to keep my head.

If Lev sees me get into a brawl at an event like this with another member of the Council, my chances of being inducted into the Society are shot.

“Brothers,” Keller says when he’s made his way to the edge of our group.

Liam Keller has a penchant for showing up where he’s not wanted, much like his father. Our family’s rivalry is older than we are. The rat is lucky we aren’t allowed to kill at Saint Frederic, else I would have sent his head home to his father years ago.

If he gets on my nerves too much, I still might.

None of us respond to him. In fact, we carry on our conversation as if he isn’t there.