Page 126 of Coveted

“My professor has us focusing on characters,” I say, aware of everyone’s attention on me. “Exploring their motivations.”

“Ah, interesting topic.” Alexander’s mouth gives a wry twist. “We’d all like to know what drives the people around us.”

Gareth drinks his burgundy wine. His food is untouched, and dark shadows bruise the skin under his eyes.

Sympathy spills through my chest as I contemplate him. Losing two children must be unbearable.

“And have you figured it out yet?” Adelle asks me, her voice cool and detached. “There’s a villainous individual in our lives, killing people. What drives them, do you think?”

My throat goes dry. She holds my gaze, as if challenging me.

Is she a killer? Is her brother?

I resist the urge to look at Damon and try to read guilt or innocence on his face.

Tension pours from Lucan like charcoal vapors. Before he can strangle his step-cousins, I come up with an answer to Adelle’s question.

“Power.” The taunting growl of the killer’s voice rings in my mind. “The man who attacked me might be trying to protect himself from me giving evidence against him, but he’s having fun doing it. I think he enjoys the power.”

Gareth scratches his stubbly cheek. “He must feel powerless in his life if he has to target the most harmless people. My darling Hannah. My gentle Parker.” His glazed eyes fall on me. “And you? You don’t seem to have a cruel bone in your body.”

“Looks can be deceiving,” says Teenie absentmindedly, swirling her drink.

Lucan’s eyes flash with something dangerous, and Teenie rushes to explain, her voice rising at least an octave.

“I simply mean, people aren’t always what they seem, are they?” she asks. “It’s how monsters walk among us. They wear masks. Costumes.”

At the mention of costumes, Damon and Adelle chat about which Halloween parties they’ll attend next week. Glad to be out of the table’s spotlight, I decide to eat.

I hesitate to pick up a utensil because five sit on either side of my plate and two above.

Why didn’t I study an etiquette guide before I came? I should’ve known the table settings would be complicated at a billionaire’s house.

From the corner of my eye, I see Lucan’s hand move. He selects the outermost fork, pausing deliberately without meeting my eyes.

With a rush of gratitude, I choose the same fork for my salmon cakes and take a bite. He starts eating too.

Teenie brushes her neck. “What a gorgeous necklace, Sadie. Exquisite.”

Lucan’s fork pauses midway to his mouth.

My face growing hot, I swallow. “Yes, it’s lovely.”

Regret zigzags through me. Wearing an heirloom for my first time meeting Lucan’s family was too much. Way too much.

I tried to tell Lucan, but he insists I keep it on. He said his father’s happy for me to wear it and his mother’s not here to care.

Sneaking a glance at Alexander, my shoulders loosen because he genuinely seems unfazed. In fact, he barely looks up at Teenie’s words. It’s like I’m wearing any random pendant.

Maybe the Hales really do have so many heirlooms that they lose track.

“Ah, she blushes.” Teenie gives me a knowing look. “Sadie doesn’t like attention.”

“Too bad,” says Damon. “She and Lucan are all over the college gossip accounts.”

I cough. “Excuse me?”

“You haven’t seen them?” asks Adelle. “Royce, Darkbloom, and all the East Coast colleges have gossip accounts on social media. There are photos of you and Lucan at the campus coffeeshop from every angle imaginable.”