Page 65 of Sardonic Burn

“Campbell.” Hudson approaches me, and I’m left speechless. He grins widely, and it continues to knock air out of my lungs.

“Little De Santis,” I greet back, breathless.

He tilts his head to the side, amusement growing on his face. His eyes slightly narrow at me, looking me up and down a couple of times. He stares for a moment longer than necessary on my cleavage, and I feel too exposed.

There’s undeniable hunger in that lustful gaze, and I’m terrified. Hudson is a walking temptation, and I’m not strong enough to resist.

“I told you to drop the nickname, Noelle,” he warns through a forced smile.

“It suits you.”

“We both know that’s a lie.”

Silence falls around us, and my eyes widen momentarily. His date looks at us like she’s been waiting for this to happen, a hopeful look in her eyes. However, she seems smart. She doesn’t speak to me or stare at me unnecessarily.

Good.

She’s too pretty; I might fall for her.

“You’re arrogantly annoying.” I grin, trying to escape the horror of the embarrassment I just faced. “Shouldn’t you be doing the thing you’re best at?”

“And what would that be?”

“Being a useless piece of shit.”

I’m aware that everyone is staring at us, anticipating with eager eyes and ears what is about to come. It’s like a movie, and the climax is slowly approaching.

Hudson’s stare hardens, and my stomach does a backflip. Ignoring these sensations is becoming more and more unbearable, and I don’t know how to completely get rid of them.

My heart is racing in my chest, and everyone else seems to disappear. Their voices fade out, and the harsh eyes no longer bother me. It’s just the two of us, in this deadly silent room, having a staring contest.

“Aren’t you being too harsh? Calling me useless when you’ve yet to take the position of your family’s head is a little…arrogant.Even for you.”

“Careful with your words, little De Santis.” I inch closer, yet my voice is loud enough to be heard from miles away. “You know how beautifully your brother’s blood was displayed. We wouldn’t want something similar happening to you, would we?”

His jaw clenches, and neither of us is now playing along with the plan.

My words hold venom, and they’re laced with provocation. He’s getting angry, and his date starts looking uncomfortable, slowly stepping back.

“Is that a threat I hear, Campbell?”

“It sure as fuck isn’t a compliment, little De Santis.”

Murmurs reach my ears, and I try my best not to cringe at my words. Amusement fills the room as the stares aimed in our direction intensify. Neither Ray nor Henrick want to intervene. They both want to see how their heirs will resolve this very public dispute.

And they also can’t interfere. It’s all a part of the plan.

Right?

The look in his eyes reminds me of the last event we attended, when he stabbed my thigh. The hatred fills his deep green irises, promising to make my life a living hell if I so much as even think of continuing this argument in such a manner.

Yet, the threat doesn’t faze me. It only makes me want to push his buttons more until he reaches his breaking point and all hell breaks loose. It would be a wonderful sight to see.

“Your mouth is irritating,” he grits out. “Should I cover it up with a damned pillow to shut you up? Just like Luciella?”

Blood runs cold in my veins at the mention of my aunt’s death. A loud, humorless laugh slips my lips, and I stare at him bewildered.

“How would you know anything about Luciella’s death? You never had the balls to do anything similar on your own. It was always your dear brother and daddy holding your hand.”

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