Page 77 of Thorns of Deceit

Slowly, buyers came, and so did my source of income.

She leaned forward, her eyes gleaming proudly. “Oh my gosh, that’s wonderful!”

“And so not surprising,” Isla added. “Your art is amazing, Raven.”

I grinned, warmth blooming in my chest. For a brief, perfect moment, everything was as it should be. We were just normal girls, enjoying fries, low-level scheming, and our youth.

But I couldn’t ignore the eyes I felt searing a hole into the back of my skull.

I reached for the check as Reina and Isla rose, slipping on their jackets.

“You two go ahead,” I said, nodding toward the line of people waiting to pay at the front. “I’ll catch up.”

“Are you sure?” Isla questioned. “We don’t mind waiting.”

“Positive. I’ll see you at home.”

They exchanged a glance before stumbling out into the frigid autumn air, their laughter fading as the door swung shut behind them.

I stepped into the line, check in hand, and immediately sensed the presence of two towering figures. I didn’t need to turn around to know it was the Callahan twins.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t our deceased sister-in-law,” one of them drawled.

“And here I thought Aiden had lost his mind,” the other retorted.

Fuck, I hoped they wouldn’t approach!

My breath tightened in my lungs. I should have known better than to think Aiden would stand down.

I slowly turned around, coming face-to-face with my brothers-in-law, still not able to recognize who was who.

“Kyran, at your service.” The twin bowed mockingly, and I fought the urge to roll my eyes.

Tyran’s lips curved into a creepy half-smile. “How are you, Raven? Aside from being very much alive.”

The other one’s eyes locked on to mine with a grim expression. “You did him dirty.”

Their presence sucked the light out of the room. They had an unmistakable air about them that spoke of too many things they’d seen and done in their life.

“Don’t call me that.” I glanced around, considering bolting without paying, but the punishment if I got caught would behefty. Plus, I’d never be able to show my face here again. “What do you want?”

“Now you’re hurting my feelings,” Tyran said slowly. “Not happy to see us?”

I narrowed my eyes. “You can tell?”

Kyran smiled coldly, his glacier eyes unwavering. “You should thank the gods, because you need us.”

I scoffed. “Like a bullet in my head.”

“Planning to break into a bookstore?” Kyran asked, ignoring my jab. “We can help with that.”

My brows knitted as I watched him suspiciously. How the heck had he heard us? “Why would I want your help?”

“We don’t need you getting locked up.”

“Don’t worry about me,” I replied, my voice too breezy. “Unless you’re willing to tell me honestly what you two and Aiden want with me.”

Tyran smirked. “What makes you think we want anything?”