Page 77 of Summoned
He leans his elbows onto the table. “So you’re saying there’s a chance?”
I almost choke on my drink from laughing.
The laughter cuts off as the speakers blast to full volume. A dramatic score floods the yard, drawing everyone’s attention to the main veranda. The French doors swing open with theatrical flair.
Misha steps out first in a shimmering silver gown. Half a beat behind her, Marie follows, wearing the same outfit in gold.
“Welcome to the party of the year!” Misha announces into the microphone. “We hope you’re thirsty, because tonight there will be champagne, sin, and a little more courage than usual.”
“After all, it’s not every day you turn twenty-one,” Marie adds.
“Or as we love to say… It’s time for legal mischief.”
Cheers ripple through the crowd. Applause. Someoneraises a glass.
I glance at Boyana, expecting her to roll her eyes in sync with me. Instead, she whistles along and bounces in place as if superstars just emerged on stage.
After basking in the spotlight on the veranda and soaking up compliments, the twins head over to our table. We share quick hugs and air kisses.
“Oh, you’re all sogorgeous!” Misha’s voice reaches that high note she reserves for when she’s either thrilled or seeking attention. Her eyes land on Kiril, who’s lounging an elbow away from me, swirling his drink. She laughs loudly at something Samuil says, then tilts her head to Kiril, waiting for his acknowledgement.
Oblivious, he leans toward me. “Baroness… if you’re in the mood for some privacy, I’ve got a thing in my pants that’s soft and smells amazing.”
I take a sip from my glass. “Tell me you didn’t just call your dick aromatic.”
He chuckles and nods toward the edge of his pocket, where a small green packet is peeking out. “I’m talking about weed, baby.”
“Nicole! Wait, is thatrealon your forehead?”
Anger slithers up my spine at her mocking tone. I force my lips into a faint curve and meet Misha’s gaze. “New trend.”
Kiril gestures at me with his thumb. “Apparently, some Italian guy came up with it.”
“Oh…” Marie’s mouth rounds into an O.
“What does the ‘G’ stand for?” her sister asks. “Wait, don’t tell me—let me guess! Hmm… ‘Gorgona’?” Her lips stretch into a wide grin.
Boyana glances between us, confused. “What’s that?”
“A winged female monster with snakes for hair!” Marie yells and claps her hands.
“Almost likeour very own ‘Little Baroness’!” Misha lifts her glass.
The hairs on the back of my neck stand up. This is the second time in a week that these bitches have tried to laugh at my expense. What the hell is going on?
“Wait, wait! What if it’s for ‘Godzilla’?” Marie giggles. “Such a mysterious backstory behind that thing.”
“Maybe it’s for ‘gorgeous’?” Misha adds with fake innocence, but the smirk playing on her lips gives her away.
“Or ‘gross’?” Marie whispers, cupping a hand to her mouth in mock horror.
I press my lips into a thin line. “It stands for ‘genius,’ actually. I figured you’d catch on faster, but I guess… you’re notthatgenius.”
The table bursts into laughter as the twins exchange looks. I straighten my back, prepared for the next shot but the hyenas know when to stay quiet. Still, the bitter taste remains in my mouth for the rest of the night.
By 9:30 PM, the band is playing and the pool is full of drunk seniors, but I can’t loosen the knot in my stomach. The dinner with Daniel Deliberov is coming up soon. That alone is enough to nauseate me, coupled with the fact that Gaetano might show up and make everything worse.
I lift my glass, an imaginary scene unfolding in my head. I’m sitting across from Daniel while my father explains what a valuable commodity I am. Nodding enthusiastically, while still grinding my teeth.
