Page 64 of The Troublemaker

“Arthur, Lilith,” Evan says, and I almost laugh as he uses their first names, a privilege I wasn’t given, nor want—not until they start treating their daughter with the respect she deserves anyway. He turns to Kinsley. “Hey Kinsley, how’s the food truck business?”

She stands a little straighter. “It’s going well.”

“She’ll be expanding soon, starting a new restaurant in downtown Seattle,” I say, and she tightens. She’s worried about the space, but she doesn’t have to be. It’s hers. With or without her trust fund. It’s hers.

Evan slowly turns my way, a smirk on his face. “So this is the infamous Cason Callaghan.”

He throws his arm out for a shake and as much as I don’t want to, I extend mine. “I wouldn’t say infamous.”

“Oh, that’s not what your buddy Liam says.”

The unease in my stomach expands, presses against my lungs, until breathing becomes difficult.

“Hey Liam, there’s something I want to show you,” Cole says, throwing his arm around him.

“Wait, you’re Cole Cannon, right?” Evan says.

Cole straightens. “Yeah, that’s me.”

“Liam here tells me you’re the owner of the 69, Dodge Hemi Coronet out front. That’s a sweet ride you have,” Evan says and tips his glass toward the front of the house, where we’re parked.

Liam pales. “Ah, wait.” He runs his hand through his hair and tugs.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Liam. I didn’t do a proper introduction. I’m Evan Bateman. Kinsley and I go way back. Isn’t that right Kinsley?”

Liam swallows. “Shit. You’re her ex.”

Shit is right because something tells me Liam didn’t keep his mouth shut.

“What is going on?” Kinsley asks, and I put my arm around her.

“Come on, we should go,” Cole says to Liam, his fingers curling into fists.

Liam nods, guilt and worry all over his face. He fucked up and he knows it. “Yeah.”

“Don’t run away,” Evan says. “Not when we’re all just getting to know each other.”

“You’re not anyone I want to know,” Cole says.

“Want to bet?” Evan asks with a smirk.

“Back off, Evan,” I say.

“Cason, what’s going on?” Kinsley asks again.

“Aww, she doesn’t know, does she?” Evan asks.

“Doesn’t know what?” she says.

“Kinsley, we’ll talk about it later. Why don’t you go with Cole and Liam. I’ll deal with this.”

Evan laughs. “Tough guy, huh?” He snorts out a laugh. “You didn’t have to marry a thug to get your trust fund, Kinsley.”

“What is this?” her father asks. “You married just to get your trust fund?” He shakes his head. “I told you, Lilith. I told you there was something suspicious about this sudden Vegas wedding.”

Kinsley’s face pales. “Dad wait, it’s not like that.”

“It was a sham of a marriage. They planned to get it annulled after thirty days,” Evan says.

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