Page 27 of House of Soot

His shoulders relax. “I’ll need a few days to help get this situation settled, but then yes, I can come.” His thumb brushes along my lower lip, sending a delicious thrill through me. The annoyance I felt before is completely gone, replaced by a longing for him to kiss me.

He gives me a slow smile, like he knows his power over me. Luckily, he doesn’t lord it over me. He bends to me, giving me a small, but still potent, kiss.

Then I watch him walk away, his blond hair ruffled by the wind, his shoulders strong, his gait powerful. He’s sexy beyond belief and he’s all mine.

12

BLAISE

All is going to plan. The blasts were loud and smoky but didn’t cause much damage, just as my brothers and I planned. During the attack, I took charge, directing the men on where to go and what to do. To be honest, I was a little surprised at how little direction Hampton and Ronan gave. They were surprised by the attack, which they shouldn’t have been considering the regular harassment they’ve been getting from my brothers. They also seemed unsure as to what to do tactically beyond ordering us to “kill them all.” It appears the Keans have gotten fat and lazy.

But I rose to the occasion, just as planned, and in the early dawn of this morning, Ronan sought me out. For a moment, I was worried he’d caught on to who I am. But that concern was for naught as he shook my hand and offered me a leadership position within the inner sanctum.

I maintained a stoic expression expected of someone receiving a promotion to head of security. Inside, satisfaction burns bright. Everything went according to plan and the Keans suspect nothing.

Ronan had barely left me when Jenna barreled into me, wrapping her arms around me like she’d never let go. As usual, I was filled with warmth from her love and guilt at my plans to crush her heart. Up until that moment, I was proud of how I’d been able to do my job without her distracting me. Mostly. Did I check on the cottage throughout the night to make sure it was safe? Yes. But I didn’t check on her personally. I didn’t make her and her mother move to another location like I’d have preferred.

Her raw, honest fear for me and relief that I was okay made my heart squeeze tight. But then she started talking about the Keans like they’re fucking saints and who’d want to kill them. It’s almost as if she doesn’t know they were the ones who killed my parents. It’s inconceivable. She’s the one who made it possible for Ronan to carry out their plan to destroy us.

Over the next few days,I’m hyper focused on my new job. I’ve analyzed the attack and used it to reorganize schedules and change security details. The best part is that I’m in even deeper with Ronan and Hampton. I know enough about the house and security that I could have my brothers crawl up Ronan and Hampton’s asses.

This afternoon, I stand at Ronan's shoulder, watching him review security footage from the night of the attack. His perfectly pressed suit and manicured nails paint the picture of privilege. Everything was handed to him on a silver platter, including my family's legacy.

"Look here." He points to the screen. "The timing was too precise. These weren't amateurs."

"No, sir." I keep my voice neutral despite the urge to strangle him with his own expensive tie.

He runs a hand through his styled blonde hair. "Hampton wants increased patrols. I need you to coordinate with the team leads."

"Already on it." I maintain my professional mask. It's easier with him than with Jenna. No internal struggle, no conflicting emotions. Just pure, crystalline hatred and imagining how sweet the revenge will be when he realizes he’s been beaten by his own game. The fantasy has sustained me through years of exile.

Ronan adjusts his tie in the reflection of the window. "Good work so far. You've proven yourself valuable."

"Thank you, sir." My hand fists, and I flex it to hide my true feelings and intentions.

He turns, green eyes sharp. "I still haven’t figured out where I know you from.”

My pulse quickens, but my expression remains carved from stone. Let him look. He sees what he wants to see. Another loyal soldier in his arsenal, not the son of the family he destroyed.

"I must have that kind of face," I say with a shrug.

He laughs, the sound grating against my ears. "Maybe that's it."

This evening,I’m off, and I should be at Phoenix’s place, meeting with my brothers. Instead, I stand at Jenna's door, a bottle of wine in hand, giving myself a talk about keeping my heart in a steel trap and focusing on learning all I can about why Jenna betrayed my family. As I knock, I work to shake off the nerves at seeing Mrs. Hart again. Her mother worked for my family for fifteen years before the fire. If anyone could recognize me, it would be her.

Jenna opens the door, radiant in a simple dress. "You came." She stretches up to kiss my cheek.

“I said I would.” Her scent envelopes me, and I think my heart has already lost the battle and I haven’t even stepped inside yet.

The cottage is small but well-kept, filled with potted plants and herbs that perfume the air. Photos line the walls—none from before the fire, I notice. It occurs to me that I’ve never been in the cottage. It was here when I was growing up on the estate, but I’d never been in it. I’d never bothered to know the staff or how they lived. I try to ignore the idea that it makes me just as big of an asshole as Ronan.

A woman sits in an armchair by the window, thin and pale but with Jenna's same kind eyes.

"Mom, this is Blaise." Jenna's hand finds mine.

I hold my breath as her mother looks up at me. I think I see recognition flicker across her face for a moment, but then it's gone, and I think my paranoia is getting to me.

She smiles warmly. "It's lovely to meet you. Jenna talks about you constantly."

---