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Shaking his head, Liam said, “You really are a brat.”
“I know.” I kind of liked it. “However, you get what you get when you nickname me hellspawn.”
Rome chuckled, and a grin flashed over Liam’s face. “Good point. Doesn’t hurt that I enjoy your sassiness.”
“You enjoy it?” I put my free hand to my chest. “Shocked.”
He just snorted, but it helped to alleviate another band of tension around us. Not that the relief lasted for long. We’d left Braxton Harbor, the drive taking us almost two hours north toward Rosewood.
The landscape and scenery changed on the highway. More than once, I glanced back to check on Kellan and Vaughn. I’d also sent a message to Lainey asking her about Julius King and if the name was familiar to her.
She hadn’t answered yet, but I would give her some time. A lot was going on with her and the minute I was free of lockdown, she was my next stop. I refused to bring trouble to her door—especially with the kind of life and death threats my uncle had been sending after us.
“We’re ten minutes out,” Liam warned. “We have reservations at the Rosewood Garden Club.”
I wrinkled my nose and then glanced down at my clothes. “I’m not really dressed for a garden club.”
“We’re gonna change when we get there, Hellspawn. Don’t worry.”
I wasn’t, except—"Are Kellan and Vaughn going to be able to get in?”
“Let them worry about that,” Liam advised. “This is really not our first job dancing the line between the one-percenters and ourselves.”
Ourselves.
Liam and I both qualified as one-percenters. Neither of us truly identified as them, in any case. The only thing I’d ever wanted from the money was freedom from the people who put the money in the trust in the first place.
When we reached the club, Liam let the valet park the car. I didn’t say anything, trusting all of them to have a plan. As it was, irritation and jumpiness kept me on edge. The man who greeted us wasn’t just some useless middleman. He also knew Liam.
“Mr. O’Connell, a suite has been prepared for you as well as a clothing selection in the usual sizes. More were also sent for your guests.”
“Thanks, Carson,” Liam said as he shook his hand. Then we were whisked to a set of private rooms where there were indeed racks of clothing.
“If you’ll follow me, Miss…” Carson said to me, but Liam caught my hand and yanked me back and toward Rome.
“She’ll be changing with us. Just bring her clothes here.”
“Of course.” No arguments, not even an ounce of side-eye. He stepped out, and within a moment later, a rack of clothes was delivered. I stared at them before glancing at Liam.
“Sorry, Hellspawn. I know you’re not a fan. I promise I’ll even help you burn them after this.”
The corners of my lips quirked. “No, but this is different…” I scanned the clothes. “Did you pick any of these out?”
His expression darkened. “No, but they were probably sent over from the store. I said we were going to need stuff.”
He was so tense. By contrast, Rome seemed to be more relaxed. He was here just to look after Liam and me and didn’t give a damn about the rest. There was something to be said for that attitude.
“Want to pick out something for me now?” The offer was easily made, and Liam wasnotFuckbucket and wouldneverbe him.
His whole demeanor transformed at the offer. “Really?”
I caught Rome’s eye, and he smiled with a little nod. “He likes picking out clothes.”
“I had kind of noticed,” I murmured.
“I’m ignoring both of you because, yes, Hellspawn, just this once, I’d like to pick out your clothes.” The offer did what I wanted it to do. It alleviated some of the darkness swirling around him.
While we didn’t have much time to waste, he checked the different outfits hanging on the rack and picked out a cross-halter, dark blue midi dress with slits that went to my thigh. He added a couple of bangles and a pair of simple ballet flats.
