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Two hands land on my shoulders from behind. “Baby sis, look at you, all grown up.”
I turn with a sneer to face Gianni. “Did you two rehearse that fucking line or something?”
“Euphemia,language,” my mother chides. Being treated like a fucking child makes my anxiety rise.
“Please excuse us while we find our seats.” Finn’s steading palm finds the small of my back, and he pulls me into his side.
“You’re at our table, son,” my father says, and Finn’s jaw ticks. I remember the last time my father called him son and his eyes have the same murderous energy as they did then.
Christ, this is going to be a bloodbath.
1.Love Is a Bitch—Two Feet |
Chapter 19
Amongst the Stars
Finn
Amazingly,Imakeitthrough dinner without plunging a fork into either of the Luciano brothers’ hands. I’ve been determined to keep a lid on my burning desire to slit everyone’s throat, if only to avoid making this any worse for Effie. Though, I’m starting to think she might thank me if I do. She seems more uncomfortable around her own family than mine, and that says something when she had a full-blown panic attack over fucking cups.
I can’t help the territorial hand I keep on her leg the entire time, tapping a soothing rhythm to remind her I’m right here and I’m not leaving.
Except to maybe piss because I’ve held it all dinner and things are getting urgent. When the final speaker for the night ends, he welcomes the guests to the dance floor and her father asks Effie to dance. I grip her thigh tighter, but she gives my hand a small, reassuring tap and stands.
I figure this is my chance. I excuse myself from the table and make my way to the restroom. The lively chatter of the evening and music fills the room, and stepping into the hallway is a relief to the senses. It’s much quieter, which means I instantly notice when the ballroom door opens again.
I spin as casually as I can while also sticking my hand in the pocket with my switchblade. Sure, it could be any number of guests innocently following behind me. But I’ve seen too much shit to believe in coincidences and someone entering the quiet, empty hallway at the same time as me isn’t one.
“Governor,” I step toward him. I see him flinch minutely, but he tries to quickly recover.
“You won’t get away with this, Fox. Iwillfind him.”
“Find who exactly?” There’s nothing but dryness in my tone, not even fake sympathy.
“Just tell me, is he dead or alive?” he orders, as if he has any fucking right to make demands of me.
“In case you’re losing your hearing, I’ll say it again: I don’t know what you’re talking about. Now, I suggest you go right back through that door and enjoy your night.” I give him a pointed nod and walk away.
“You have no idea the enemy you’ve made, boy.” His voice shakes with anger.
I turn slowly, straightening my lapels. “What did you hope to accomplish with this little hallway ambush? To intimidate me, threaten me? Because you obviously know who I am and thatthis,”I wave a bored hand, “won’t work.”
“I won’t stop until I find him.” He glowers, and I meet his stare eye to eye.
“I sure hope you find whoever you’re looking for. Good evening, Governor.”
When I return, it doesn’t take me long to pick Effie out of the crowd, she’s down right show-stopping in that sinful emerald dress. I weave my way through the dance floor of people toward her and her father. They look to be in tense conversation, her forehead is fretted and her eyes are downcast. It takes all the control I have to not storm up and rip her away from him, throw her over my shoulder and take her far away, somewhere we can be just the two of us.
They don’t see me coming and I hear the tail end of their conversation. “I don’t want excuses. I want results.”
“It’s taking longer than I thought, but I’m trying, Papa.”
Their hushed and suspicious tones make my stomach turn to lead. I tell myself not to over analyze their out of context words.I trust Effie,I remind myself. Before I have too long to question what evidence she’s given me to trust her, she spots me and waves, relief clear on her face.
I instantly warm from the smile that tugs on her lips, the creases in her brow melting away upon seeing me.
“I’d like to steal my wife for a dance.”
