Page 69 of Ruthless Beasts

I placed my plate and mug on the island and clapped my hands together, trying to change the subject from whatever was going on at the other side of the counter. “Okay. It’s clear that Mom and Dad have worked things out. Now, let’s move on with today’s plans.”

“Mom and Dad?” Adam’s brow quirked. “You and I are the same age.”

“Dads usually have control issues.”

Mercer held up his mug as if to point with it. “He has a point.”

Adam glared for a moment before picking up his own mug. “Fine.”

I enjoyed seeing my best friend like this. Relaxed, at ease, slightly playful. It was something that had been missing for some time, and I hadn’t even realized it. Had we gone into such a rut where we never even knew how to have fun anymore?

“I’m going to the docks today,” I informed them.

Adam brought his coffee to his lips. “Taking men?”

“A few,” I confirmed.

“Make sure they understand this is their last warning.” Adam’s attention shifted to Mercer. “Have a plan ready if they deny the offer to be bought. I’ll have the lawyers ready if they choose to sign.”

“You’re looking for property?” Bellamy asked.

Adam leaned down and smoothed her hair before kissing the crown of her head. “It’s complicated. Don’t you worry.” He cleared his throat. “I have a meeting midday with the gala committee. I’d rather not go, but it’s unavoidable. Mercer, I want you home with Belle.”

They looked at each other, and I swear that was the closest I’ve seen Mercer to being nervous since we were children. Mercer shoved aside his feelings and answered Adam. “I’ll have the port plans ready for review when you get back home. By then, if needed, we should be ready to put my plans into action.”

“What plan of action?” Bellamy inserted herself into our business.

“We need the property so that Accardo’s shipments have to float on our waters before he receives them. We’ll have it by any means,” Adam answered.

She peeled off the top of her muffin and held a piece in each hand. “Any means?”

“Yeah, baby. Any means. We’ve asked nicely. Now Ace is going in one more time. If they won’t sell… Mercer will make them.”

She swallowed hard. “M-make them?”

Mercer leaned on the island countertop, directing his eye contact at her and her alone. “I’m not just a pretty face, little girl. I’ve buried more bodies than books you’ve read. That’s a promise.”

Her eyes were wide with disbelief. “You’d kill them to get your way?”

“Baby…” Adam sighed. “They’ve made their choices.”

“That’s…“

“Life,” Mercer finished for her.

“I was going to say barbaric.” She scrunched up her nose, standing there still holding her two halves of her muffin. I skirted around the island and picked up the plate, offering it to her. For a moment, she hadn’t even realized she still held the muffins in her hand. When she did, she dropped them on the plate and swiped her hands to get rid of the crumbs.

“It’s a little unlawful,” I agreed.

“Unlawful. It’s immoral too,” she laughed.

“You don’t seem too bothered,” I pointed out.

“I’m not.” She shook her head. “Truly.”

“Well, then, you’ll spend your day with Mercer,” Adam continued. “My design consultant should be here in the evening. I’ll be home by then. We’ll get a dress picked out for you, and we’ll match it to our suits.”

“All of you will match me?” I wanted to take my phone out of my pocket and snap a picture of the perplexed look on her face.

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