Page 111 of Ashes of Sin

“They just hate losing. Now take your shot, princess.” Travis nods to the game.

Kyra walks over and I lift my arm. We relax and watch our extended family and friends enjoy themselves as the sun begins to drop.

After we’ve eaten and the dishes are cleared away, I lift my glass from my seat at the head of the long table and make a toast.

“To good friends, a new generation, and a happy long life.”

“Hear, hear.”

“To good friends.”

“Cheers.”

Glasses clink as I tap mine against Kyra’s and she sips her mineral water.

I watch Parker pick up his phone for the tenth time during the meal and swipe, staring down into a screen.

“He got a big investment on the stock or something?” Travis asks.

So, he hasn’t told anyone else.

I didn’t think so.

“No.” I sip my Macallan and then place it down on the table.

I’ve never seen him this preoccupied.

It’s time to do something about what he shared with me. Kyra is home. She’s safe, happy, and I’ll stay by her side making sure our child comes into this world healthy and happy. But Parker needs our attention before he does something to destroy his life.

Or Aurora’s.

“No,” I say again. “He’s found her.”

Travis chokes on his drink.

“What?” He coughs. “Aurora. When?”

Weeks ago. Enough time that this could have gotten way out of hand.

When Parker lifts his eyes to mine, there is both death and desire within them.

Shit.

Then he smirks.

“Oh fuck,” Travis says.

––––––––

AFTER EVERYONE LEAVES, I tidy up a few things, then head to our bedroom. Kyra has already showered and changed into a silk nightie I thought I’d torn days ago with my teeth.

It is probably one of a dozen I replaced it with after apparentlygetting in trouble.

The next day, I cut her credit card in half and replaced it with another.

“What are you doing?”

“I am your family now. You’ll use this.”

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