Page 71 of Sinful God

“He did,” Havoc confirmed. “I don’t believe his version anymore. He showed me who he really is when he went after Raina. I wouldn’t doubt that he did purposely start this shit between you two. I’m not interested in carrying on his bullshit. Of course, I can’t speak for the rest of the syndicate. I don’t even know if they’ll accept me as a leader. My uncle has been eyeing that position for a long time.”

“You seem more than capable of handling anyone who becomes a problem. I’m sure you’ll figure it out. When you’re ready to talk business, come back and see me.” Turning his gaze to me, Dad inclined his head toward the house. “Can I speak to you inside for a few minutes, peanut?”

“Of course.” I hopped up to follow him inside.

Behind me I heard Gage snicker, “Peanut.”

I paused at the door to flip him a middle finger before entering the house. His laughter followed me.

“What’s up?” I asked when Dad and I were alone in the kitchen.

The grim expression he wore made me nervous. I wasn’t foolish enough to expect him and the Gods to hit it off or love one another right off the bat. All I wanted was for them to meet and hopefully to form some kind of mutual respect for one another. Things seemed to be going well with Havoc. At least, I’d thought so.

“What are you doing with these guys, Raina?” Dad got right to the point. “Be honest with me, please.”

“I told you. They wanted me to stay with them when Maverick’s guy was stalking me. We kind of formed a bond.” I shrugged, hoping he didn’t press it further.

He did. My dad wasn’t the kind of guy to let things go.

“Are you dating Havoc?” he pressed. “Is he a package deal with those other two? You’ve been staying with all three of them. You brought them all here today. Is there something we need to talk about?”

My face flushed with heat. I was certain that my cheeks blazed red. Nobody wanted to discuss their private life with their father. He was concerned. I knew that. I’d been keeping him out of the loop for too long.

“I’m not sure if I’d call it dating. We haven’t really discussed it like that. There’s something between us, Havoc and me. As far as the other two go, it’s kind of complicated.” I winced and offered him a tight smile.

“So what I’m hearing is that he’s sharing you with his friends.” Dad’s tone took on a note of disgust. “Is that really the kind of guy you want to be with?”

“It’s not like that,” I protested. Shit, how the hell did I explain something I couldn’t even understand? “I have feelings for all of them. I don’t entirely know what those feelings are yet. They’re real though. I’m an adult, Dad. I can make these decisions for myself. I need you to trust me.”

Dad’s face twisted like he felt nauseous. He placed both hands on the kitchen counter, like he needed to steady himself.

“I know that the college years can be a crazy time,” he said carefully. “I want you to be safe. Put yourself first. Don’t let them take advantage of you.”

I rounded the counter to where he stood and threw my arms around him. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. It’s not like what you’re picturing. I swear. They’re actually pretty good guys.”

Well, that was debatable. Dad didn’t know the worst of the shit the Gods had done to me. I would never tell. They’d come through for me when I needed them most. I would never forget that.

“I’m going to grab my things and head back with them. I think Havoc really needs me right now.” I braced for a protest.

Dad kissed the top of my head and nodded. “He probably does. He’s certainly earned my respect for doing what he needed to do to keep you safe. That doesn’t mean he gets a free pass. Remember, Raina, he’s now the leader of my biggest competitor. I wouldn’t get too comfortable if I were you.”

I knew that he meant well. That he only wanted what was best for me. Still, Dad’s words haunted me long after I’d left his house.

With my bags in the trunk of Havoc’s car and Gage snarkily calling me Peanut, I stared out the window. What Dad didn’t know was that I’d already let myself get comfortable. There was no going back.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

RAINA

Three days later I stood in front of Havoc’s bathroom mirror, scrutinizing the black knee length dress I wore. It was a strapless number with a corset style bodice that pushed my breasts up ridiculously high. Because I didn’t have much in the way of funeral attire, it was the best I had on short notice.

Maverick Alexander’s funeral was today. Havoc had asked me to go with him. I knew that today wasn’t about me in any way, and yet, I couldn’t shake the nerves that possessed me at the thought of showing my face at the funeral of my father’s enemy.

Maverick’s closest friends, family, and allies would be there. What if it pissed someone off that I dared to come? I’d voiced these concerns to Havoc. He’d waved them away, scoffing at the idea of anyone messing with me there.

“Anyone who has something to say about it can get the fuck out,” he’d said.

I did my makeup lighter than usual, wanting to keep it simple for such an event. A light dusting of silver shadow edged in a darker shade along with pale pink lips. Good enough. Hopefully nobody would be looking at me. I pulled back my blonde locks into a side braid that fell over my shoulder and called it done.

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