Page 22 of The Devil’s Detail (The Greystone Family: Greystone Brothers #2)

Carter

I hear his voice loud and clear. The hairs rise on the back of my neck. Tears prick my eyes. But I have to blink them back. Even though I know all the cameras will be on James and Bucky, some will inevitably pan to me.

James starts the song, and soon everyone in the restaurant is joining in, the boys egging them on to be louder and more raucous as they get to the chorus.

From the corner of my eye, I catch Zak—James’s security—along with Jackson and Ash, tug Gary out of his chair. Heading in the opposite direction from everyone else in the restaurant, they drag him out behind them. His own camera crew doesn’t even notice.

And why would they? They’ve got a front row seat to the best show in town. There’s no way they’re taking their cameras off James and Bucky. This will go viral, and they have the best footage. James even goes so far as to pull the camera guy into the song, singing directly into the camera.

God, he is so like his mother when he smiles. But any other time, so like Marcus. Today his stance is arrogant, his swagger bringing the full rockstar vibe. Their dads have taught them well, and the energy pouring out of those boys fills the entire space.

No one here knows it’s all staged. They’d have no idea they came because they were asked to. To help get me out of a shitty situation unscathed. A situation I was already trying to figure out on my own.

Before they arrived, my blood was boiling and my brain misfiring as anger took over. I knew I would have been dragged out kicking and screaming, trying to claw that complete asshole into the ground. He needs to take a very long walk off a very short pier.

I wish I’d never laid eyes on the man. He’s not even that interesting. He filled time, and I’m ashamed to say that’s about all. He’s had his quota of fame at my expense. Anything else now, months after I told him to get lost, needs to be on his own time and dime.

But I know he’s on the wane. I’ve watched his shows. They’re lacklustre. Stale. A massive yawnfest. He needs me to bring him back. Needs the connection and bounce on his ratings being seen with me affords him. And so the games go on. But I’m done playing.

We’re in the restaurant the entire night, the diners treated to an impromptu concert, with even Kasey and I getting involved. We sing a couple of classic Rat Pack songs with James. Damn, that boy has a versatile voice. I see a Christmas album of crooner songs in his future.

“I didn’t know you sang so well, Carter.” James raises his eyebrows at me as we all indulge in some whiskey shots—O’Clery’s, obviously.

Zak and Ash—now back from their excursion—work on the line of people still pushing to get at James and Bucky. Talk about an amazing distraction.

James adds, “I’ll get Papa to sign you to the label. A Christmas album for your fans. Songs from Vegas.”

Well, that’s cute. His mind must work along the same lines as mine.

Jackson lands back at the table, his hair slightly dishevelled, but slightly flushed. It’s nice to see he’s amused by all the antics, his and ours. “Anytime you want to leave, let me know. All clear here. No returns for early leavers.” He smirks at us all, and to be honest, I have to admit I swoon.

I try to hide it, but I’m sure James sees it. Oh, fuck it. He knows I always swooned over both Jackson and Jonno, I don’t need to hide it. Their muscles had me hot under the collar from day one.

I ham it up for James, trying to cover my admiration for Jackson.

“Don’t you just looove the way he operates.

My big bad protector. Hey sugar, can I buy you a drink?

” James and Bucky laugh as I bat my eyelashes at Jackson.

He just snorts in mock disgust and shakes his head, walking away and over to Ash.

I know they're talking about me, and our little situation. Well, they’re not the only ones with questions.

How the hell did that imbecile know where I was?

And how did he get here so fast? Someone on my team is spilling the tea again, because no one else should have known where we were tonight.

I specifically asked Kasey not to tell his friend, and practically begged him not to post on any of his socials.

He knows the hassle I’m having, and has been really good about respecting my wishes.

Or so I thought.

“Let’s take this party back to my penthouse in the city. James, Bucky, are you coming along, sugars?” I pull James in for a hug, hoping Jackson won’t veto my executive decision. He seems determined to do just that, though.

“Don’t you want to go back to the beach? Away from all this?” He gestures around at the still chaotic restaurant.

“Naw, can’t be bothered tonight. And I got the apartment for situations just like this. It’s real close to any city action. And you know how much I love the action, baby.”

I flutter my eyelashes at James and Bucky.

They both just shake their heads at me. So fucking cool.

So chill. Oh to be twenty again. “Oh, I know that look. I think I’m in for it if your Uncle gets a hold of me.

Don’t leave me alone with him, boys,” I implore them as if I’m terrified.

My hands in prayer position, I pop my eyes open wide in mock fear.

But then I temper my look to be playful. Oh, so playful.

“If I didn’t know you better Carter, I’d say you were actually fearing a good spanking.” Bucky makes a swishing motion with his hand. “But like I say, if I didn’t know you.” Grinning at me and Kasey’s lady friend, he waggles his eyebrows like Groucho Marx

“Be still my heart. It’s a fantasy come true.” I grab ahold of my chest near my heart, flutter my other hand in front of my face and feign a faint. “Don’t leave me, boys,” I plead in my best drawl.

My chaos doesn’t end when we leave the restaurant. I ham up my situation all the way home. Grabbing a hold of James and Bucky in the car, with Jackson and Ash getting more pissed off by the second.

Jackson checks the room as we enter and only allows certain personnel into the sitting area. Oh shit, he really means business. I hope he ain’t gonna quit. I’ve only just started to feel secure.

The only people left in the room are James, Bucky, and Kasey, his companion headed home to Kasey’s to wait for him. The only security is Zak, Ash, and Kasey’s guy. They sit discreetly in the corners. It’s amazing how such big, burly bears can blend into their surroundings so well.

I try to head off the lecture coming my way from my head of security. I wink at James, nodding my head towards the pacing Jackson, as I say, “Am I getting a spanking, Sugar?”

I’m nervous, and my extrovert self has popped out to play.

I know it’s a defence mechanism. I use it way too often.

But even I’ve started to notice it gets out of hand, normally causing me more problems than it fixes.

And while I’m outwardly becoming more extroverted, on the inside I’m shrinking.

My outward exhibitionism always covers for my insecurities, my worries.

I morph into Carter Maywood, Hollywood fucking A list celebrity actor. He keeps me safe.

But fuck this. I couldn’t even have dinner without that clingy idiot showing up. I’m not taking the rap from Jackson for that. Someone else must be responsible for it, not me.

But he totally surprises me again. He keeps doing that! He doesn’t stalk over and hover over me, all intimidation and alpha bravado. No. He calmly walks over and places a gentle hand on my shoulder. I feel like he’s burning my skin, and I jump at his touch. Fuck .

“Are you alright, Carter? That is the main thing here.” He watches my face for signs of distress, or any indication that I'm lying to him.

What he hasn’t figured out yet, is that I can’t. I can hardly keep a sensible thought in my head, turning into a babbling wreck in his presence. I couldn’t lie to his face if I tried.

“I’m good. But who told him where I was? I never posted a thing. Did you Kase?” I rasp out, scrubbing my hands through my hair.

“No, I didn’t. And neither did my friend.

I gave her very clear and strict instructions.

She could post afterward, but not before or during.

And I watched her like a hawk just to make sure.

” He nods his head solemnly. “Why is he still showing up? You dumped him at Christmas, didn’t you?

” I love Kasey for confirming what I already expected.

Or at least hoped was the truth. Making sure everyone knows the situation, he leaves no doubt he’s aware of the severity of what’s going on.

“Yeah, I thought if I went big with the old ‘it’s not you it’s me’ he’d get the irony and fuck off.

I mean, it was Christmas Eve for god's sake. Who ditches you on Christmas eve by text? A total asshole.” I point to myself.

“He never took the hint. Clearly the message has not been received and understood.” I’m shaking my head in disgust. “I don’t think I could’ve done it any worse, been any harsher.

” I nod towards James and Bucky. “You heard what he did, right? About the Christmas Eve dinner. Did Jackson tell you?” I’m fully into exasperation mode now.

I don’t even know if Jackson knows everything that happened since it was before he came on board, but I’m on the defensive now, and I’m on a roll.

“He was on his way over to my place because I wasn’t answering his calls or texts.

But he wasn’t alone.” I dramatically look around at them all, and as expected, they’re hanging on every word.

“He rocked up with a fucking camera crew. For an intimate dinner he'd planned for fifty of my best friends. I don’t have fifty fuckin’ friends.

” My arms are flailing wildly, my accent getting thicker and thicker as my anger notches higher.

“And it was Christmas. I hate Christmas. Always have since my momma died. Why would I want a party on Christmas fuckin’ Eve. Anyone who knows me well, knows that.”