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Chapter 8

“You’re sure about this?” Lawrence asked him for what had to be the twentieth time. This time he asked the question in front of the side entrance to Kenton and Alessandra’s home—the closest Torr had ever come to visiting their neighbors.

Torr gave his brother an exaggerated look of surprise that made Toni laugh.

“Brother,” he said, winking at Toni. “I do know how to act cordial. Even in the company of our enemy.”

“Your enemy,” Toni gently reminded him. “And you promised to behave yourself.”

He had. The thought of seeing Charlotte again had outweighed his good sense. When he’d learned his family planned to attend this dinner party, he’d decided to tag along. He hadn’t been invited, exactly. Indeed, everyone had been astonished when he’d suggested it—himself included.

“Very well. No mention of Alec. Or any of the times Kenton and his brothers have attempted to slaughter us.”

This time he got a look from both Lawrence and Toni.

“Trust me.”

Reluctantly, Lawrence turned and knocked on the door. Laria had gone over earlier to help Alessandra and Kenton prepare dinner. Which he would have enjoyed witnessing since his sister had never been known for her culinary skills.

He could smell the meal, garlic bread and maybe pasta with red sauce, before the door was opened. Despite Alessandra’s welcoming smile, none of them entered. “Come in . . . oh.”

She faltered for a moment when she saw him, but recovered quickly.

Lawrence and Toni stood with him even though they could both enter.

He, on the other hand, could not. Torr had never been inside Kenton’s home and would need to be invited first.

Alessandra hesitated for the briefest of moments before saying, “I’m surprised to see you, Torr. But you are welcome inside.”

Though her tone wasn’t exactly friendly, it didn’t need to be. Her words gave him the permission he needed. With that, all three of them entered as a group. Moving through the entranceway, Alessandra led them into the front room known as the red room for its red walls, it boasted a full bar tucked in the corner. It was richly appointed, complete with . . . a bartender?

No sign of Charlotte.

“I thought we’d have a drink while waiting for dinner.” Alessandra glanced at the young man standing behind the bar. “Kenton insisted. He would have hired an entire staff for tonight if I’d allowed it. This is apparently what a simple dinner party with friends looks like to him.” She laughed, turning to order them drinks, their maid nowhere to be seen.

“He’s accustomed to being spoiled,” Lawrence said.

Torr smartly held his tongue.

To her credit, Alessandra knew exactly what each of them wanted.

“Torr!”

His sister had come up from behind, clearly surprised to see him.

“Evening, sis.”

“Where’s Kenton?” Toni took her drink from the temporary employee, who looked slightly uncomfortable. No doubt this was the first time he’d been hired to serve a grand total of seven people. Seven if Charlotte was still coming. Had she cancelled?

He really shouldn’t care, but Torr had thought of little else since the evening before. Still, he had no intention of making a move on her. He knew better than to do that.

Right. And that’s why you’re enduring Kenton Morley to be here right now.

“In the kitchen with Mary.”

Every single one of them stopped and stared.

“I know, crazy, right? But I told him this was our dinner party and that we should cook.”