Page 247 of Barinov

“YES!!!!” August screams from his chair behind us before Knox can even finish the damn sentence.

“I need one of you to grab me a chair,” Knox adds, winking over at me.

One of the freshmen drags out a folding chair over by the wall and places it center-court.

“Alright Trifecta, it’s that time again,” Knox chuckles into the mic over the commotion in the gym. “Now this song, like Shakin’ Hands, belongs to that one Hollow King in the crowd…” He pauses dramatically, tapping his chin like he’s thinking things over. “So who do we think should come down and sit in this lovely little chair of mine?”

Cade laughs beside me, leaning over. “As if we don’t already know.”

I rise from my seat, not even looking at Cade. My feral gaze is locked on our girl, knowing damn well this song belongs to me and only me.

“I think we’ll change things up a bit,” Knox adds.

“What?” I snap.

“Sit down, bestie. I have a better idea for today,” Knox laughs. “And I think everyone in here will thoroughly enjoy the show.”

“The fuck are you doin’, Knox?” I mutter under my breath, plopping back down into my seat with a huff.

“Now for the first time in Trifecta’s history, we have a full boyfriend row, a husband,” Knox beams, holding up his hand to show off his wedding band. “And one big, happy family for once in our fucking lives.”

Roman’s heavy hands find Cade and my shoulders, giving them a tight squeeze.

“So I think that this time,” Knox continues, “we let one of our fine as hell Daddies have the spotlight.”

“Holy shit,” Cade whispers, laughing as he slams his forehead into my shoulder. “Knox’s lost his mind.”

“Daniel.”

Bella gasps, her hands flying to her mouth. She laughs behind them, shaking her head like she can’t believe Knox just did that shit.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Dad groans, low and gruff as he rises from his seat.

Knox doesn’t miss a beat. “TO THE CHAIR!”

Roman’s loud as fuck whistle echoes off the rafters of the gym.

Dad slaps Roman in the arm. “You should have to get down there, Rome.”

“It’s all you, Dan!” Roman slaps him back. The two of them fighting like the old frat brothers they are.

Dad sighs like a man accepting his fate, steps forward, and sinks into the chair like it’s his throne.

“Make some noise for Daddy Barinov everyone!”

The gym loses it. August’s chanting “DILF! DILF! DILF!” like a man on a mission. Javi and Rico are laughing so hard they can barely stand. Rez has his arm around Haley’s shoulder whispering something into her ear that has her slapping his chest, cackling before walking off.

Ellie and Haley flank the sides, all in sync, but it’s Bella who strides forward center stage with a feral little smirk playing on her lips.

“Okay, Bella,” Knox announces. “You’re up.”

Bella walks right up to my father, straddles him with practice ease, and sits down on his lap like she owns the fucking chair and the whole damn gym while she’s at it.

Mom tenses so hard you can practically hear the diamonds on her bracelet clench.

Bella leans in and begins unbuttoning Dad’s shirt with slow, teasing fingers. “Now Daniel,” she purrs, her voice all smoke and sugar. “We’ve got some rules here at Wexley.”

The Legacy girls scream.