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“Yeah, it’s complicated, so Madison, before you hound me for answers, know that I’m not Bishop and I’m not telling you shit.”
Madison sucks in a breath. “Nate! I wouldn’t!”
“Hey!” I grab Nate’s hand again, and I half expect him to shove me away, but he doesn’t. His eyes come to mine, and for a second, I see a flash of vulnerability wash over him, but then it’s gone, and the cold wall of ice he keeps is back up again. “Don’t snap at her.”
He leans his head back against the chair, his eyes going to the sky. Micaela starts twisting in his arms and I take her, rocking her softly in my arms.
“So what does this mean?” I ask. “I’m not asking to be nosey or because I feel like I’m owed an explanation. I’m asking because I would like no one to die tonight.” I know well and truly how The Kings operate, but I’ve not seen Hector and his generation—aka—top dogs and how they work, and that somewhat frightens the shit out of me.
Nate shakes his head. “It means after dinner, Micaela is going home with Mom and Joe.”
“Agreed.” I nod, catching Brantley who is watching Nate and me.
“Are you two finally together?”
Nate rolls his eyes. “Does it matter, motherfucker?”
Brantley grins, his eyes darkening. “Not really.”
“—Anyway!” Madison interferes. “What does this mean? How come no one told me about your dad? Why is no one telling me anything.”
“Madz?” I squeeze her hand. “That isn’t your place to know.”
“Thank you!” Bishop yells, and then stands from his chair, storming back inside.
“Thanks, Tillie…”
I sigh. “You know I don’t mean it like that, but it’s just you know. You can see that he’s trying here, but he’s about to take Hector’s crown, Madison. There are some things that you can’t know.”
Her eyes fall to her hands. “I know. It’s what I’m scared of.”
I mentally add a note to have a girl talk to see what’s going on between the two of them.
“Dinner’s ready!” Scarlet says from the doorway, and I freeze when I see her. God, she’s so stunning. Wearing a bright red gown that sticks to her where it should and falls where it can’t. Her deep red face mask outlines and hides her features. She’s beautiful.
We all make our way into the kitchen where a table big enough to feed over fifty people sits. It’s lined with candles and plates filled with the finest food. Actually, the whole room has candles. Some against the walls, on mantles and hanging from a chandelier above our heads.
Nate pulls out my chair and brings a highchair out for Micaela, leaning it back so she can be more relaxed. At least one of us will be. I take a seat. Madison is beside me with Bishop on the other side of her and Hector is at the head of the table beside Bishop. Scarlet is on the other side of the table, with Elena beside her and Joseph next to Elena. On the other side of Hector is Nate’s dad, who I have been purposely avoiding, and then there’s a couple of people I have not met yet on that side with their wives. On our side is our generation of Kings, with Brantley right beside Nate and then Cash and so on.
“Tillie,” Hector says, catching me off guard.
“Yes?” I answer, looking directly at him as two maids come out to line the table with more food.
“I do hope you’ll stay after dinner, for the ball.”
“We will,” Nate answers for me, and then adds, “But Mom and Joe will be taking Micaela home.”
“Of course,” Hector says, and then gestures to the food. “Dig in.”
Dinner goes off without a hiccup, but you can feel the awkwardness throughout the night. I’m on my third glass of champagne when my eyes finally go to Nate’s dad.
He’s already watching me. I almost drop my fork. Something about him seems familiar, but not enough to catch a clear recollection.
His mask is the same as Nate’s almost, and it’s eerie how similar they already seem.
I quickly divert my gaze by drinking a large gulp of champagne. Placing it back on the table, Nate slides it away from me. I almost want to smack him, until he leans across and his lips brush my ear in a way that has my core clenching.
“I need you snappy tonight, baby. No more champagne.”
He’s right. I was being reckless. I pat my mouth dry with a napkin, slightly pushing my plate away. Micaela starts tossing and turning in her chair, so I turn to take her out, pulling the hem of my short strapless dress down.
“She’s beautiful, son.” I freeze at the unfamiliar voice, knowing there’s only one person that can be. Squeezing Micaela’s high chair, I think over my options. If I have her in my arms, I can’t contain Nate. Not that I think I can, but I have slowly come to realize the effect I have on him at times.
