A Promise of Torment (A Violent Agenda)

DINO

Lily turning up at the frat house is the last thing I’d expect.

“Where’s Dante?” she asks stepping inside.

“He’s in the kitchen.”

She rolls her eyes at me and saunters into the main open plan kitchen dining area. As soon as he sees her, he frowns. “I told you to go back to school.”

“V told me not to,” she says. “Anyway, this is where the party is.” She flicks a dirty gaze to Lorcan when she sees him. “I’m here to help you get V back.”

“You can help by going back to school,” I say.

To me, her lips curl into a dark smile. “Maybe if I had you to help me with my homework, I would.”

“Lily, you can’t stay here,” says Dante. “When Kato gets here, you’re leaving with him.”

She glowers at him. “I told you where she was and now you’re shutting me out of the best fucking part.”

After Lily called Dante, she promptly told him where to find Viola. She wasn’t at Kristian’s apartment in Sloane Square or the family house in Chelsea. It was like she’d vanished into thin air. Five fucking days we’ve been looking for her. Anything could have happened.

I glance down at my phone. There’s a new message from Kristian.

Family dinner at 8p.m.

Aunt Helen’s place.

Bring an expensive bottle.

Fucking finally. He’s been avoiding me since that night at Harper-Black estate. I’ve been stonewalled at every goddamn place he frequents. Not one of the guys would talk to me and tell me what the fuck is going on.

And now Lily has told us where to find Viola, he messages me this.

Aunt Helen’s place is code for one of the safe houses. Our families have a few of them dotted around the city. I don’t know them all, but I do know this one and it matches the description of where Lily said she came from when she escaped.

‘Why are we waiting for Kato anyway?” Lorcan asks.

“Backup,” says Dante.

“Fuck backup,” says Lorcan.

“It’s better we stick to the plan,” Dante says. Dante has been stalking the streets at night. I’ve no idea where he goes but he’s always here in the morning ready with a cup of coffee and a dark psychotic look on his face. Lorcan doesn’t trust him and neither do I, but Lily and Viola do so here we are.

“I don’t give a fuck; we’ve waited hours already.”

“You don’t just stroll up and knock on the door,” says Dante.

“Or maybe you do?” I say. “Maybe we want to wait before we barge in there,” I say, showing the room my phone.

Dante’s brow raises. “Your brother has invited you for dinner?”

“Nah, fuck that. We’re going now,” Lorcan says. The poor bastard looks terrible. He hasn’t shaved, showered, or changed since the night of Adrien’s party. I don’t even know if he’s had any sleep. Not that any of us have.

“Fine,” Dante says. “It’s your funeral.”

Lorcan snorts and storms out. “Fucking pussy.” A minute later the front door slams.

“Give him five minutes,” I say. “He’ll calm down.”