Page 8 of Revenge

I try not to think about what he’s implying and go back to my research. I’ve got enough on my plate right now. Shit will go as planned because I have nothing left to lose. And a man with nothing to lose is a dangerous thing.

Chapter Four

Charlee

I hit another red light when my phone rings. My lips spread into a smile, as I see who it is. I hit the Bluetooth button on my steering wheel and answer it. “Hey, Kels. What’s up?”

“I’m on my lunch break and thought we could hang out later.” Horns honk as the light turns green, and I hit the gas.

“I wish. I’m on my way to dinner with my dad and stepmonster.” It’s a struggle to keep the animosity out of my voice, but I glance down at my right wrist and smile. I wore the emerald bracelet tonight, more as a way to still have my mother there for a family dinner than to piss her off, but it’s a win for me either way.

“Ugh! He managed to sucker you into going after all?” She makes a gagging sound through the phone and I can’t help the laugh that breaks free. I can always count on her to make me feel better.

“He did.” I sigh, tamping down my irritation at how I can never say no to my dad.

“You’re such a daddy’s girl.” Despite the issues she has with her own father, there’s no animosity in her voice as she teases me. That’s why I love her. Most of my friends in school couldn’t handle who my family is. Not Kelsey. She welcomed me with open arms and never looked back.

“Sometimes that has its perks.” I shrug, even though she can’t see me.

“Fine, but whatever you do, don’t tell him about Friday night. He’ll never let me see you again if he finds out.”

“My lips are sealed. I promise.” I don’t bother to correct her because she’s not wrong.

“Speaking of Friday. Guess what?” Her excitement rings out loud and clear through the car speaker. I can’t help but tease her.

“You finally pierced your clit?”

“No, not yet. This is just as awesome, though. I met a guy at Orphic the other night and he’s meeting us there on Friday. His name’s Shawn and he’s got an edible ass.”

“That’s awesome, Kels.” I keep my eyes on the road as I keep the hesitancy out of my voice.

“Why do I sense there’s a ‘but’ coming?” She knows me so well.

“I just don’t want to be a third wheel and kill your fun is all.”

“Nonsense. You’re my girl and any guy that I get with has to pass the BFF test of approval.” When I don’t say anything, she keeps at me. “Please. I need you there, Charlee.”

“Okay.”

“Yes! Thank you. You won’t regret it. I promise.” I can practically hear her jumping up and down through the phone.

“I better not.” I turn off onto my dad’s street as I tease her.

“Have I ever let you down, Vega?”

“No, never.” I don’t even have to think about my answer. She’s one of the few people in my life that I count on.

“That’s right.” A mumbled noise echoes in the background and Kelsey grunts something back to them and then addresses me. “My break’s over and I gotta go back to work but try to have fun with your dad tonight and we’ll talk on Friday.”

We say our goodbyes as I pull up to the driveway and wave to the guard at the gate. He nods and lets me through. The second I pull up the long drive, nausea churns in my stomach. I hate this house—mansion is a more accurate word to describe it. It’s oversized and looks like a small Spanish village, nothing like the average single-story from my childhood. This one is as cold and lifeless as most of the people in it.

I slam the car door and force myself to walk up the small walkway. Trepidation fills me with each step I take. The feeling only worsens when the front door opens and Marco fills the doorway, towering over me—all six feet of him.

“You’re late.” His tan skin contrasts with his white button-up shirt, while his black hair is slicked back with enough grease to start a fire. He’s also doused in so much cologne it tickles the back of my throat and I fight the urge to cough. Some things never change.

“Traffic sucked.” I shrug and do my best to ignore the way his black eyes do a head to toe inspection of my body. From the time puberty hit, I’ve gotten these looks from my father’s men. None of them have ever made me feel as nauseated as he does, though. It’s possessive and uncomfortable. When his gaze lingers on my breasts a little too long for my liking, my annoyance boils over. “You gonna let me in or what?”

A corner of his mouth lifts. “You always did have a smart mouth. I’d be careful. Daddy won’t always be here to protect you,Chiquita.”

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