Page 75 of Cruel Kings

“You’re going to be very sorry one day,” I said in a low voice.

His emerald-green eyes widened a fraction.

“It’s not a threat,” I said quietly. “Not even a warning. It’s just a fact.”

The sound of an approaching car made us both turn toward the street. A sleek white BMW came to a stop beside us.

“Come on,” said Corey, opening the back passenger door.

I followed, climbing in after him.

“Where are we going?” I asked, suddenly feeling nervous about being in a car with all three Amhurst brothers.

“Good question,” said Corey. “Did you guys decide what we’re eating?”

“I want burgers,” said Caleb.

“Me too,” Corey agreed. “Oi, Noah! Take us to Kenny’s. Our girl needs some meat in her.”

“Got it,” said Noah, navigating through the traffic.

I didn’t have to wait long. We arrived outside a pub with darkened windows with a big ‘Kenny’s Gastro’ neon sign on the front.

Caleb, Corey, and I got down while Noah drove further ahead to park the car. I dug my hands into my jacket’s pockets as a cold breeze blew by. Even though the sun was shining, the late March afternoon was cold.

It was a relief to enter the warm interiors of the burger joint.

The place turned out to be a spacious restaurant with gastropub vibes. The darkened interior was divided into a bar area, a lounge, and a bigger space for regular dining.

Noah led our group to one of the tables. Being out in a public space, I let myself relax a little.

A young man came to our table and handed out big menu cards, asking us if we’d like to start with drinks. I stayed quiet, letting them give out their orders in loud voices, attracting everyone’s attention to our table.

“What do you want, Milla?” Noah asked.

“Errr...” I looked down at the menu and everything looked great. The prices, however, gave me pause.

Corey shifted closer to me on the couch we were sharing and peered down at the menu card.

“Their pulled pork sandwiches are great,” he said.

I gave a nod, still perusing through the items on display to find the cheapest item. “I want to have their fish-and-chips,” I said, spotting something that I could pay for comfortably.

“Eww!” Caleb muttered and grabbed the menu from me. “Get her the same things we’re having.”

I glared at him. “Is it too much to even let me eat what I want?”

“We brought you here to fatten you up,” said Corey. “Smelly fish sticks won’t do the trick.” He slid closer, letting his hand rest on my thigh.

I glanced at him. He grinned back with a challenging look in his gleaming eyes.

I sighed, letting him draw patterns on my thigh with the tip of his finger.

“Are you sure everything will be prepped for tomorrow’s party without a hitch?” Caleb asked, focusing his attention on Noah.

“Don’t worry,” said Noah. “I paid the man well.”

“I’m still not sure about the whole thing,” Corey said in a grim tone. “It’s a tad dramatic.”

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