Page 145 of Vicious Little Snakes

“Let’s fuck.”

She laughs and presses her lips together, smearing her lip gloss, before saying, “No. I’ve already smelled like a whore once when I saw the chairwoman. Save me my dignity today. But if you’re a good boy, I’ll let you fuck my ass.”

I groan, biting her shoulder gently before standing tall again.

“That’s a deal I can’t pass on. Now, let’s get this shitshow over with. I have a chairwoman to impress. And a Carebear to defile.”

I tug at her waist as she gives herself one more look before I drag her from her reflection and out of my room to meet up with everyone who’s waiting. My mother’s laugh hits my ears as we walk down the stairs, and I look down at Caroline, who’s smiling too.

Caroline and my mother have become close. I love it—both my favorite girls, friends. Now, if I can get Caroline and Van on the same page, life would be perfect. But at least Van’s here when Caroline needs her. They seem more allies than friends, and I guess I can get behind that.

“It’s about time,” Grey levels as we walk in the room. “The old witch will be here any moment.”

Donovan shakes her head but laughs, standing with Babe. I slap his hand as a “hello” while Caroline makes her way over toward my mother. She’s embraced and immediately fawned all over her.

I’m not the only one that loves her.The thought makes me happy.

Grey nudges my shoulder. “You realize you’re married up. Babe’s chosen her future daughter-in-law. I hope you’re in love because it’s over for you.”

I laugh, pushing Grey’s shoulder. We’re too young to get married—and that’s the only fucking reason I haven’t asked her. Because I am in love. Wholly and completely.

I motion with my head toward Van. “You’re one to talk, dick.”

He shrugs, the smile on his face shifting into thought as he stares at Donovan.Oh shit.

“Earth to the bastard,” I joke, interrupting his deep dive into bad ideas. “Did you hear we have to stick around the first week of spring break to work over some fucking newbie from Georgia?”

He’s nodding but not listening, so I add, “I hear he might be better than you.”

Grey’s face jerks to mine. “Eat a dick, I’ll smoke him. But I heard he’s good too. Jackson something, I think. It’s fine, though I don’t have plans until the second week. I’m taking Van to Paris. What are you and Care doing?”

“Eh—”

My attention’s called to Simon announcing Tabitha Whitney, shutting my mouth. My mother greets her, taking Tabitha’s hand and shaking it, saying all the right things.

Grey leans over. “She’s old but not decrepit. You should’ve just fucked her. Then she’d realize Caroline’s been doing acts of charity by dating you.”

I try not to react, keeping my face still as I lean in. “The minute this hag leaves, I’m going to throw you from the second floor.”

“Men,” my father greets, walking by and giving us a knowing look as the crowd begins making their way into the dining room.

Grey and I look at each other, chuckling as the girls join us because some things never fucking change. We’re still fucking around on the edge of trouble.

My mother directs everyone where to sit. Tucker’s seated at the head, with my mother and Tabitha across from one another on either side of him. I’m next to my mom, while Grey is seated next to the chairwoman. The girls next to us respectively.

The brief disdainful look that Grey doesn’t even try to hide almost makes me break into laughter. But I hold it in because today is my time to shine. I need to make a good impression so that Tabitha Whitney stops holding me over Caroline’s head.

Over the last few months, I’ve been used as ammo to keep Caroline on her toes, and, so, like any Upper East Side war, this lunch is a peace negotiation.

I glance to Caroline, who’s sitting straighter than I’ve ever witnessed, as the polite conversation ensues.

Grey is brusque enough to deter any kind of lengthy discussion but not impolite. My mother is complimentary, and it seems as though the chairwoman is enamored. I’m not surprised—my family’s powerful. I’m surprised it took her this long to figure out who I was.

Caroline leans into my shoulder, whispering, “It seems to be going well.”

I nod and give her a wink. The day she opened up on the island, I promised her we’d get her everything she’s ever wanted. And if this fucking ball is it, then that’s what my Carebear gets. It’s hers until she realizes she doesn’t fucking need it.

She rules this world. Always has.