Page 115 of Snake

Nim

When we enter the den again, the smell of cigars is already hanging thick in the air. Everyone has one except Ophelia, although Mason’s studying his like he’s wondering which end to put in his mouth.

Jet offers Knox and Silas a cigar from his box, giving his son a long, unreadable look when the kid wants to take one too. “Why don’t you take the Furinos to the stables. You can introduce them to Midnight Baron.” From the name, I’m assuming it’s a horse. From Gray’s expression, I’m assuming he knows that his father is trying to get rid of him.

Hard habit to break, huh, Jet?

I know I’m being vicious right now, but I can’t help it. At least I’m not as fired up as I was a minute ago. The fucking Knox and Silas gave me by the oak tree calmed my nerves more than I’d have thought. Although now I am experiencing a small issue where their cum is starting to seep through my underwear.

I decline the armchair Ophelia offers me, knowing I’ll have a big wet spot on my ass if I sit down. Instead, I turn to Jet, watching him puff on his cigar for a moment before saying, “So am I right? Were they blackmailing you...father?”

If my voice hadn’t been stripped of all emotion, I’m sure he would have taken great offense. Instead, he just tilts his head a little. “You’re not right, Nim. But you’re not wrong either.”

He accepts a whiskey tumbler from Vicky, and she sinks into the seat beside him, Ophelia on his left and her on his right.

I suddenly wish Dona was here, but I have a feeling Jet knows when to keep her away. She’s too emotional.

“Do you know who makes it in this town, Nim?” Jet asks.

I stay quiet, still standing, but wishing I could sit because my legs are still a little shaky.

“Those with the best poker faces?” Silas says.

Jet looks over at him, something like surprise glinting in his eyes. “Them, yes,” he agrees warily before turning back to me. “But it’s the risk-takers who have the most to gain.”

Vicky makes a disgusted sound that she quickly drowns out with whatever was left in her tumbler. Then she sits forward to pour herself another.

“Like my parents?” I ask.

“No. If anything, your parents didn’t take enough risks.” He shakes his head, as if their lack of adventure saddens him. “They always spoke about going on grand adventures. Backpacking through India. Scuba diving in Fuji. Visiting all the national parks.”

Oh yeah. I remember those dreams. They always made it sound like I’d thrown a wrench in the works.

“But that was just talk. They liked to dream, but they were never brave enough to do it.”

“They were brave enough to leave Cinderhart.”

Jet nods. “Yes.”

“And they were brave enough to take me with them.”

He nods again. “But they would never dare ask us for money. We had to force them to take it, if only to make sure that you always had a roof over your head.”

I frown, blinking hard at Jet as he sits forward. He lets the tumbler dangle from his fingertips, draping that wrist over his knee as he tugs at his cigar. He doesn’t seem to have an issue looking up at me. I guess a powerful man like him doesn’t have to be standing to command the room.

“So...you really just decided it was time for me to come back? No one forced you to change your mind?”

Jet looks down, his neck bending ever so slightly. Ophelia slides her hand over his thigh, and they both turn to look at Vicky.

She’s staring moodily into her tumbler, but she must feel their gazes on her, becauseshe looks up, her mouth twisting sourly. Then she glances over at Mason and Silas and Knox before her eyes lock with mine.

“They told you about Lorenzo, didn’t they?” she asks.

My heart knocks hard in my chest. “Uh…”

“About the abuse.” Vicky pours herself another measure, although from the way her words are starting to slur, I’m pretty sure she’s had enough. They don’t call it Dutch Courage for nothing. I guess she needs all the help she can get to crack open this secret.

The Serpents and I are the only ones who don’t know what she’s about to say, because Jet is already wearing a glum expression and Ophelia’s hand is gripping his thigh pretty damn tight.

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