Sure, secrets are scary, but there’s no way in hell he’ll be able to figure out mine. Even Knox doesn’t know all about it, and that says something since we’ve shared everything since our mother’s womb.
As soon as I tuck my phone in my jacket, Edric’s cool, posh voice fills the dining room. “As you’re all aware, we’re here to start a relationship between our families. I’m honoured to have ties to you, Ethan.”
Dad tips his head. “So am I, Edric.”
The latter smiles, and I tighten my hold on the napkin in front of me. “Before that, we have to get the youngsters’ approval — modern times and everything. Ronan, do you agree to be engaged to Teal?”
His son’s lips curve in an almost manic smile. “Of course. It’d be my honour.”
His honour?
The fucking liar.
Why does he get to fake his feelings so perfectly like that? Why can’t I do that?
“Teal?” Edric asks and it takes everything in me not to rise out of my seat and lunge at him with a fork — or better yet, a knife.
My gaze focuses back on Ronan, who’s watching me with that same smile.
“Absolutely.” I mimic his smile. “It’s an honour.”
Congratulations scatter all around us, but the one I focus on isn’t Agnus as I initially thought I would. No — it’s the boy with a previously disgusting symmetrical face.
Previously because I can’t conjure the disgust anymore, no matter how much I try to.
His smile is still in place, but his entire demeanour sharpens. His eyes darken, his shoulders strain, and his hold on the spoon tightens.
Those are all small, almost imperceptible changes, but the signs are there, and they point to one thing.
The start of a war.
Wars are Death’s playground. It’s where he harvests souls and leaves the remaining ones desolate.
You’re always a victim of war, whether by losing a loved one or your property or both.
And right now, Ronan appears ready to make me lose everything.
Not that I’m scared of him. I’m not. Because what he doesn’t know is that I’m als
o ready to make him lose everything.
His hand disappears under the table, and soon after, my phone vibrates in my pocket.
I hold it in my lap and read the text.
Ronan: You made your hell, and now I’ll ruin you.
Not as much as I’ll ruin you.
I meet his glare with one of my own as I type.
Teal: Bring it.
5
Ronan
The team comes to a halt after the assistant manager calls for a time out.