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“I didn’t, that’s—”
“Relax, Elliot didn’t mean it like that, did you?” Olivia scolds.
“Shit, no.” He lets out a weary sigh. “I just… don’t let him corner you again. Not unless you want Theo to lose his shit.”
“Will everyone just relax,” Oakley drawls, draining his beer. “This is supposed to be a celebration.”
“Beckworth has a point,” Reese says. “When can we ditch the dinner party and get the real party started.”
“I thought you were having a party at the Chapel tomorrow,” Abi says.
“We are.” He grins. “And it’s going to be fucking epic. Theo’s new dealer— Ow, fuck, Prim. What the hell was that for?”
“Because you’re being inappropriate.” She glowers at him. “Some of these people know my parents.”
“Worried what Mummy and Daddy will say if they find out you’re with a bad boy? Maybe we should give them something to really talk about.” He smirks and grabs the back of her neck, crashing his mouth down on hers.
“Fuck’s sake,” Elliot groans, running a hand down his face.
They start bickering but I’m too distracted, my heart and head pulled in two directions.
Vaughn’s threat hangs over me like a dark cloud but right now, Vaughn isn’t here. Theo is. And something is about to go down.
I sense the shift in the air. The foreboding. He might not have told me what’s going to happen, but he told me to be ready. To get to Millie when it does happen.
People begin to take their seats again as Mr. Ashworth hovers by the stage, talking to the manager. It’s a pitiful exchange, the manager practically falling over himself with niceties.
God, I hate this place, these people.
Well, not all of them.
My gaze flickers to Theo and Millie. He’s whispering something to her. She gives a little nod, the pain in her eyes dissipating a little.
Then the object of her fear steps onto the stage and the room ushers into silence.
“Good evening, everyone. I’d like to thank you all for joining us tonight to celebrate my son’s eighteenth birthday.” He lifts his glass toward Theo’s table. “Theodore. You’re officially a man. The hard work starts now, Son.”
Laughter ripples around the room. But I don’t laugh. I can’t. Too fixated on the silent exchange between father and son as Mr. Ashworth waxes lyrical about Theo. About his achievements and accomplishments. But I realise that tonight isn’t about Theo at all. It’s about him. About presenting the right image.
“Theo and his sister haven’t always had an easy time. After their mother, God rest her soul, left us, things were hard for a while. But Theo has grown into a determined and focused young man, and I don’t doubt he’ll go far. Now, let’s welcome the birthday boy up here to say a few words. Theo…”
Theo stands, his expression giving nothing away as he rakes a hand through his hair.
But I’m hit with the sudden urge to rush over to him, to stop whatever is about to happen. I want to protect him. To shield from anything that might hurt him or Millie.
The intensity of the emotion makes me suck in a sharp breath, and Abi lays her hand on my arm.
“Are you okay?”
“I… I don’t know.” I watch as Theo steps onto the stage to join his father. Mr. Ashworth grips him on the shoulder and smiles. A predatory smile that makes my chest tighten.
“Elliot,” I breathe, unsure of what I’m asking.
“It’s okay,” he says calmly. “He’s got this.”
His words offer little reassurance as Theo takes the mic from his father, and I realise it’s too late to stop him.
15
