Page 64 of Vicious Sentiments

I eye it with shame. I’ve already had two plates and both of Julian’s drumsticks that he set gently on my plate when he noticed me looking at them. I tried to give them back but he feigned like he was full.

I’m hoping that everyone is rapt with Marney’s story and doesn’t notice me engorging myself.

“Speaking of people who deserve it.” Margo takes a drink, of what I assume is a cranberry vodka, and looks over the rim at Julian. “Explainto me again why you let our El Cuco friend go.”

My fork hovers in the air as my ears perk up. I didn’t get any details about what happened in El Cuco and I’m surprised to hear this new information. He let the guy he was told to kill go?

“Ma,” Julian sighs. “He was a nobody. A bottom feeder. Not worth getting my hands dirty over.”

A part of me relaxes. Maybe the names in the folder aren’t accurate.

“He’s a loose end now.”

“He won’t be a problem. We have the authorities. What’s he going to do?”

“It sends a message, Jules, that we’re weak.”

Julian scoffs. “That’s the last thing we are. Denny’s back on his feet and when he gets whoevers in charge, we’ll send a message then.”

Margo shakes her head.

I’m surprised they are talking about this in front of Marney. I wonder how much she knows about the business. Does she know about the list of names I saw? Or how Margo is suspected of her parents’ deaths?

The way she carries on eating and simultaneously checking her phone makes me think I’m overreacting. Even Dillon doesn’t say anything or make a face when Julian insinuates sending a message. I may not have had a picket fence life, but surely this isn’t normal. Unless, it is for them and if I want to be a part of the family, it needs to be normal for me too.

Making a point to put it out of my mind, I go back to salivating over the strawberry glaze on the cheesecake. I know I don’t have room for it but I’m going to try. A sneaky little thought enters my mind. If it doesn’t get finished then it will be in the fridge and I can come down later tonight and have some. God, what’s wrong with me, already fantasizing about what I’m going to eat in the night?

“Ma…” Julian speaks, and I snap my attention back. “Let the girlhave some cake.”

Mortified, I shrink into my seat. “Me? I’m okay.”

“Stop, you want some.” He pushes out his chair.

“Peach, if you wanted some you could have said.” Margo leans over the table and pushes it closer to Julian who comes up beside her.

“I’m fine. Really.”

“No. No.” She waves a dismissive hand. “Let Jules cut you a piece. I made it myself.”

She made that delectable thing? How she pulled that off with murder on her mind, I’m at a loss for. If she’s worried about their reputation, she doesn’t need to be. Between the recital and muumuus and cheesecake skills, I wouldn’t be none the wiser.

Julian cuts the cake and slides a plate in front of me before he takes his seat. I can’t decide if I’m embarrassed or grateful when I take in the slice. It’s huge, practically a quarter of the whole thing.

“Thank you,” I whisper, digging in even though everyone else is still eating chicken.

“That reminds me,” Julian says, and through an orgasmic bite I see that he’s got a cat-that-ate-the-canary smile on his face. I swallow slowly, waiting for what else he could embarrass me with as he eyes Marney.

“We need to figure out what you want to do for your birthday.”

Oh, no. No. No. No. Marney’s face immediately brightens and she drops her fork. I give Julian a glare, but he just smiles, pleased with himself.

“When is it?!”

“November second.” Julian answers.

“Oh, my god, why didn’t you say anything?” Marney snaps at me. “We need time to book flights or make reservations or get a DJ.”

Margo slowly pushes out her chair, raising her brows and avoiding eye contact. “I think I have something… I need to do.”

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