Page 57 of Glutton for Punishment

She’s silent as we reach her door. She knows a bit about my family dynamics, but what she knows barely scratches the surface. The danger. The depravity I have to deal with daily.

I need to get my thoughts in order. I take a slow breath through my nose.

“Look,” I say, finally getting control of my voice. “We’ll talk more tomorrow. I’ll make sure you’re prepared for this.”

Her brow furrows slightly.

“Prepared for the dinner?” she asks.

I step closer without thinking, and my hand tightens around hers again, grounding me.

Her eyes stay on me, paying attention. My thoughts are spiraling. “I wish we had more time to prepare. This is important, Arwen.”

I grip her like a lifeline, hoping she understands.

“Treat Riven the same way you treated my father tonight,” I say. “He may try to dig in or ignore you fully. Either way, give him nothing.”

She nods.

“Amaya will act like she’s your best friend. She’s not,” I add before she can ask. “Don’t fall for it. Keep your guard up.”

Arwen exhales through her nose like she wants to cut in, ask questions, know more. I wish we had time, but I need to work on contingency plans.

“Just stay away from Kael,” I continue. “He probably won’t bother you and will spend his time wasting all the air in the room to talk about his ‘conquests’.”

Her eyes narrow slightly.

“Actually… stay away from Teeth too.”

“Teeth?” she repeats, one eyebrow raised.

I roll my eyes, thinking of my brother’s stupid name.

“He changed his name from Tibbon years ago,” I say. “Thinks it makes him sound more imposing. He’s not a threat, but if you speak to him, he’ll probably just try to get under your skin.”

She nods slowly. “Okay. I can do that.”

“Good,” I exhale. I hate this already.

“If you can,” I continue, “sit by Valentine. She’s probably the most trustworthy person in the room…. But! Sit as far away from Wicka as possible.”

Her eyes widen. “Slow down. This is a lot to remember.”

I huff a quick breath. “We’ll try to go over as much as possible tomorrow.”

I step closer, lowering my voice. “Just remember two things for now.”

Her gaze locks onto mine again.

“Trust no one,” I say. “And if shit goes sideways—you come directly to me.”

I hold her gaze, hoping she understands the importance of those two rules.

I exhale slowly, and before I can stop myself; I lean forward and rest my forehead against hers. The contact is soft. Her body eases. Tension releasing at the contact in the same way as mine.

The warmth of her skin. The quiet hum of the bond threading between us like something alive.

I wonder—briefly, stupidly—if she knows…