Page 28 of Vicious Sentiments

Chapter Nineteen

Margo announced a family dinner earlier, and my hands are shaking under the table as Dillon takes a seat across from me. He smiles politely at me like nothing happened on the beach, and if I didn’t know better, I would take his aloof baby face as non-threatening. But, now I know.

My stomach twists at the realization that he’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Everything about him has the ability to lure you in unassumingly. His blue eyes are large and his blonde hair is light and inviting. I would have no idea that his face could twist into malice. I need to be careful with him.

Marney is helping Margo in the kitchen. I can hear her giggling, but Julian is not here yet, which leaves me and Dillon alone at the elaborate table. When he catches my eye, I look away.

“Attending the family dinner?” He sinks back in his chair. “You sure you want to know all the family secrets?”

His tone is harmless but his words unsettle me. I take a shallow breath, one he won’t notice, and keep my head down.

DoI want to know the family secrets? Considering what he said earlier, I’m not sure. I’ve already wracked my brain for what Julian’s profession could be. I’ve exhausted myself with everything illegal and everything legal and yet dangerous at the same time. Yet, I can’t figure out how any of it would get Cape’sfiance—ex-fiance?—killed. Unless being a part of the family means doing whatever it is they do.

There’s only one idea in my head that worries me. Everything else I can deal with but I will not be aproduct.I will drown myself in the ocean before I have to endure one more man hurting me. The last few days have been such a reprieve that I think it’s given me the strength to meet Death’s sweet embrace if ever faced with the option again.

Margo billows into the dining room with an ice bucket full of cold beers and heaves it onto the table. She lets out a huff and flings her hair back.

“At least one of the boys can be on time.” She smiles appreciatively down at Dillon. She grabs his head and pulls it against her chest, giving a squeeze and pats him on the cheek. “Don’t tell the others, but I think you’re my favorite.” She laughs.

Dillon’s mouth cracks into a wide smile, a flicker of a blush at his cheeks. “I would never keep a beautiful woman like you waiting.” He sits up straighter as she lets him go.

“Hmmm.” Margo muses. “I don’t know about beautiful anymore.”

“You’re a fine wine, Margo.” He hollers behind him as she goes back to the kitchen.

My lips perk at the small exchange and I bite my lip to hide it. Did he just flirt with Margo? He turns back in his seat, a self-satisfied smirk on his face as he smooths his hands over the tablecloth.

I’m choking back a snort when Julian appears in the archway and leans against the frame, crossing his arms.

“Something amusing?” he purrs.

I shake my head, my cheeks heating as I remember the last time I heard his voice. He called mehisfrom the other side of my door.

“I don’t think I would like it if anyone else besides me made you smile.” He holds my eyes as he pushes off the frame and grips Dillon’s shoulder. Dillon winces but clicks his tongue.

“Possessive much?” Dillon’s nose crinkles.

“Only when something is mine.” Julian’s eyes sparkle at me.

“Don’t see how you can—” Dillon starts but then Marney comes skipping in.

“Margo says I can open the beers!” She has a bottle opener in her hand and her eyes are bright with excitement.

Julian gives Dillon a small shake and makes the trek around the massive table to sit beside me. He ducks his head down and his breath tickles my hair.

“You look beautiful,” he says in my ear, and I can feel the heat from the palm of his hand hovering over my thigh. He doesn’t rest it there but he might as well have the way my body stiffens in anticipation.

My body is responding to him in ways I’ve never felt. Normally, I would have to fight the urge to recoil from such a movement, and it’s confusing to actually want a man’s hand on my thigh.

Without taking his eyes off mine he reaches out for a beer, the ice clinking, and holds it up to me in offer.

“I don’t know,” I whisper.

“I get to open it!” Marney rushes around the table. “Please. Please. Please.” She reaches out.

“Here. Here. Here.” Julian chuckles and hands her the bottle.

“Marney, be careful,” Dillon warns.

---