Ruin (The Rhodes 1)

My cousin shrugs, his expression welcoming. “He can’t do anything about it.”

Tristan is right, our security is top-notch, to say the least. Yet, I still don’t like this.

‘Please don’t tell me you’re thinking about killing him?’ Aunt’s yawn invades my mind.

‘His father was a better opponent, and even he wasn’t exciting,’ Father says in a bored tone.

It depends...

I look over Dylan’s shoulders for Hampton. He guides a short-haired brunette with a firm hand on her naked back to the buffet section.

I abandon my flute of champagne. “Let me go entertain Hampton then.”

Dylan shakes his head, his eyes clouding with grey. “Don’t even think about continuing from last time.”

“I won’t. I’ll only play my role as an honourable host.”

It takes me several strides to get to Hampton and his date, who are picking smoked salmon parcels.

“Lord Hampton.” I stand in front of him. “Long time no see.”

He smirks, his yellowish teeth peek from underneath his thin upper lip. “I told you we would meet again, Your Lordship.”

I glance the brunette by his side, her icy blue eyes briefly meet mine before she goes back to nibbling at the salmon parcel in her hand.

“Will you introduce me to your companion?” I ask.

He puffs his chest forward. “Her name is Sophie. There’s nothing more you need to know about her.”

I hold Hampton’s determined eyes for a while then say, “Tristan wants to discuss the recent contract renewal with you.” I motion to where my cousin is conversing with a few associates. “Go on. Sophie will be in good hands.”

He peeks at her and doesn’t move until she gives him a slight nod.

Once his unimportant presence is out of sight, I extend my hand to the outside terrace. “Shall we?”

“It’s really nice to meet you, Your Lordship,” she says in the familiar sultry voice as we zoom out of the blinding lights and endless chatter.

We stop by the balcony, and I face her. “Cut the comedy, Celeste.”

At the mention of her name, Xan appears right behind her, a gun pointed at her side.

“Oooh, I’m terrified. Save me, Aaron,” she purrs, her voice too sexual for her current situation. “Are you going to let your big bloke here shoot me? I’d hate to ruin this dress, you know.”

“You’re so arrogant to come here with your own feet, Celeste.” I nod at Xan. “Take her to the dungeons. Let’s get some information out of her before we get rid of her.”

Xan grabs her arm, but she doesn’t resist. A gleam crosses the depth of her eyes as she keeps staring at me. “Yes, Xan, take me so I would give you information about your master’s new pet.”

Ice shoots through my veins, and it takes great effort to keep my expression neutral.

Fuck.

She does know about Mae, and if she tells Xan, Tristan will know and things would end badly for me.

Sucking a deep breath, I nod at Xan to retreat back.

“Sir, are you—”

“Go, Xan.” My tone is firm.