Page 7 of Unleashed
“Oh, that’s funny. Ha. Fucking. Ha. If that mutt pees on my shoes, I will take a dump on your fucking chest, I swear to God.”
Alexius struts out, suit so sharp it could slice bread, tailored so tight I swear it’s holding his ego in place. Moments like these, I have to remind myself that when we were kids, he farted, too. This guy, with his flawless hair and cover-model smirk—he’s still the same asshole who ripped one so vile it could peel paint. And while everyone gagged, eyes watering, he’d point at me. Every. Damn. Time.
“I have to admit, I didn’t think you’d come.” Luna runs up to him, brushing herself against his leg.
“She recognizes you.” I pull out a cigarette.
“Of course, she does.” Caelian rolls his eyes. “He has that kind of face bitches don’t easily forget.”
“Well, well, well.” Nicoli steps in beside Alexius with that permanent half-amused smirk, like the world’s a joke only he gets. “The prodigal son returns.”
“I haven’t even been home for two seconds and I’m already bored,” I mutter.
“Hey—” Caelian lights a cigarette and continues with it dangling between his lips “—you can’t just come home after months of being on a tropical island and expect us to shower you with affection and entertainment.”
I raise an eyebrow at him, leaning casually against my car. “Caelian, if I wanted your affection, I’d get myself a lobotomy.”
“See, I knew that yellow fucking car of yours was a symptom of some psychiatric disorder.”
“You’rea fucking psychiatric disorder.” Nicoli slaps Caelian on the back, and the cigarette flies out of his mouth.
“Hey, watch?—”
“Children,” Alexius interrupts. “Regrettably, we’re not here to discuss your questionable taste in cars or mental health issues. I’m sure Isaia’d like to get this over with so he can continue with his plans to kidnap his wife.”
Caelian’s eyes widen. “Again?”
“Shut up.” I stride up the stairs and shove against his shoulder as I pass.
His eyes catch mine. “A lobotomy might make you more tolerable, though. Think about it.”
“Suck my?—”
“Did you actually leave her behind in New York?” Nicoli falls in step next to me as we head to the Dark Sovereign room. Fuck, I’m dying for some bourbon right now.
“It’s a day,” I mutter, stopping in front of the large pocket door, watching Alexius pull the gold key from his pocket and slip it into the lock. “He won’t hurt her.”
“He might fuck her.” Caelian shrugs, and I slam my elbow into his ribs, subtle enough I barely move, hard enough to knock the wind out of his mouthy lungs.
He grunts and stumbles a step back. “Okay, maybe that was too far,” he wheezes, recovering.
Rollers glide across the overhead track as the doors disappear into the cavity built into the walls. It’s been months since I’ve been in here, and I have to admit…I missed it more than I thought I would. This room has always been a heavy-as-shit cross tied around my neck. But the familiarity of it eases me somehow.
Alexius walks straight to the oval table that takes up most of the room while I make a beeline for the bourbon. I don’t bother asking who wants a drink because I know everyone does, but slam one back before pouring my second and start filling three more glasses.
“Where’s Maximo?” I hand Nicoli his drink.
Alexius glances at his wristwatch. “I’m not sure. He should have been here by now.”
Nicoli takes his seat on Alexius’ right, studying me like he’s waiting for my skull to crack open at any moment.
“What?” I snap, sitting across from him.
“You’re oddly…calm for a man who just left an entire island in wreckage and lost his wife in the process.”
“Yeah, well, looks can be deceiving.”
“No.” He shakes his head. “I don’t think so.” God, he’s fucking annoying. “You’re scared. Aren’t you, little brother?”
