Page 9 of Consume Me

Along with Sebastian and Cassandra, Kaden’s mother, Christine, also lives here. This doesn’t feel like home, but I am happy that my father seems to be thriving here.

These houses will pass to us someday, but whether we move into them remains to be seen. Abigail and Dane already have a house, and Kaden and Celine are planning something nearby. The direction they’re taking shows how we’ll differentiate between the Family and our own lives moving forward.

“Any plans for tonight? We could have a girls’ night. It’s your turn to pick,” Celine says.

“I want to go out,” I say.

“Okay, anything in mind?” Abigail asks.

“The Cave.”

They exchange a glance. I am pretty sure they are thinking of ways to keep the guys away so it doesn’t end up like all the other times they crashed our girls’ night, showing up because they got bored, apparently.Sure.

Even though the girls stayed as long as I wanted and would never say anything, I know they worry about why I alwayspick that location. It’s because I am sick with a love that I can’t escape, trapped inside the prison of my feelings. My heart belongs to someone who threw the key away before he left me to rot.

“But if Hunter tries to hack my laptop one more time while I’m gone,” Bailey grumbles.

“I will never understand the weird tango you two are doing,” Abigail says.

“There’s nothing,” she says, crossing her arms over her chest and looking outside.

Abigail parks, and Samuel, the new butler and Thomas’s son, opens the door. After Grandmother’s death, Thomas retired.

Samuel welcomes us inside, with the guys following right behind us. From the grand foyer with its double staircase to the long hallways and every room beyond, crystal chandeliers drip down, their light reflecting off the perfectly polished hardwood floors.

Walking toward the dining room, I admire the precious paintings and art lining the hallway. Every inch and piece of the mansion carries an old-world charm, kept in pristine form—a testament to sophistication and regal elegance. Cassandra waits for us at the long mahogany table, looking poised in her two-piece suit and pearls.

We don’t have to kiss her hand, instead, we bow our heads.

“Ma’am,” we all say, and she gestures to the velvet seats.

Next to me, the seat is empty. It’s empty, like every Friday, so it shouldn’t surprise me. Cassandra always leaves the chairunoccupied. Why? I don’t dare to ask. Maybe she hopes he will return too.

“Ma’am, when are we going to start talking about the reconstruction of the Family and what that implies?” Kaden begins.

Some people are meant for something greater. Even though he is the firstborn and, as such, his birthright means he’ll be the next patriarch, I couldn’t imagine anyone else in that role. Kaden has an acute sense of responsibility and duty, carrying an aura of silent power.

Just then, the tall, solid wood door opens, and I blink, unable to believehe’s real and not a figment of my imagination, conjured up by my stupid heart. His appearance is like the rumble of thunder in a starry night––all brooding and mysterious.

Cassandra’s lips curve into a bright smile. “Now, because the group is complete.”

I feel Mia’s gaze on me, burning me from within. When I look at her, she whips her head away so fast, causing my insides to crumble. It’s clear what she means by that gesture. I am okay with her shutting me out. Maybe she will stay away and not try to save what’s impossible to salvage.

Her hair clip catches my attention as it shines under the chandelier’s bright light. My hand automatically brushes the one I stole from her, tucked in the pocket of my jeans––my lucky charm, the only bridge I have to keep her close.

Bailey shoots up from her seat and jumps straight into my arms. I catch her with ease, a genuine smile curving the corners of my lips.

“I missed you,” she says, sounding relieved.

“Missed you too.” Guilt punches me in the chest with swift precision. While I would do anything for my friends and family, there was always something more with Bailey. She’s the sister Inever had.

Dane jerks a chin at me in greeting. Next to him is Abigail, who takes me in with a raised brow and pursed lips, a clear sign she’s still mad at me.

I sweep my gaze to Celine, who glances between Kaden and me. My eyes lock with Kaden’s.

“Look who decided to come back,” he snickers.

“There wasn’t much of a choice.”

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