“Stop being delusional.”
“Stop fighting the inevitable.”
That’s fucking it.
I wedge myself between them not so gently, and Jeremy accompanies me as I glare at the motherfucker. “Leave before I fuck up your face.”
“Last I checked, that’s not a good starting point for a truce, no?”
Bran grabs onto his brother’s arm and doesn’t look at me as he says, “Let’s just go.”
“I won’t be taking a step outside unless you give me your word about the truce.” Landon stares at Jeremy. “You know this is for everyone’s benefit. Cecily and Glyn included.”
“Not happening.” I speak with difficulty, trying not to grab Bran and shove him to my side.
“It can be for your benefit, too,” Landon tells me. “In return, I will refrain from breaking your face for the damage you inflicted on my brother.”
“Forget it, Lan.” Bran tugs harder on his arm, his voice sounding strangled. “I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not.” Landon cocks his head and glares at me. “I don’t like it when others harm my family.”
“Funny coming from you. Once I’m done with you, nothing will be left for anyone to recognize.”
Bran finally looks at me and I stare back.
I’m going to fucking kill your brother. Since you already hate me, I might as well go all the way.
“Please stop,” Glyn takes her brother’s side and pleads with Kill. “Lan isn’t the type who offers truces, so can you take it?”
“Even if we agree to the truce,” my cousin says, “Mia is off the table.”
“That’s not for you to decide, is it?” Landon smiles, and I swear to fuck, he’s the most provocative asshole on this planet. And here I thought Kill was dire.
Jeremy keeps a strong grip on my shoulder and even that can’t keep me in place. “She already told you no.”
“I can work with a no.” Landon walks to my sister, passes her a velvet box, and has the audacity to whisper in her ear.
I push Jeremy away and shove Landon back so hard, he falls against his siblings. Bran staggers to keep his brother upright and I curse under my breath.
Tonight is just a fucked-up fucking case of fucking fuckery! Why did he have to be here?
This is why I didn’t want to fucking see him.
Fuck!!
“I’ll take that as you saying yes to my offer. As for the Mia issue, I’ll leave that to her. Just know that I won’t take lightly to any censorship or attempts to keep me away from her. You can torture me if you fancy. I’ll also leave my door open in case you want to kidnap me and exact revenge for past travesties, so let me know your plan. Or don’t. I’m open to surprises.” Landon glides his attention to Kill. “You and I are even, considering the whole Glyn situation.”
My cousin’s face hardens and he steps forward, but Glyn and Bran tug their brother back.
“I’ll be out of your hair,” he calls. “For some reason, it feels like I’m not welcome here. I wonder why.”
“You motherfucking—”
I lunge at him, but I stop when Bran mouths, “Please.”
Fucking hell.
I let Jeremy and the others pull me back as I watch the three of them going down the stairs.
Bran glances at me one last time, his shoulders crowding with tension, his eyes full of anguish.
I just found out my baby sister is getting in bed with the enemy in every sense of the word, but the part that makes me lose my fucking mind is the damn pain in Bran’s eyes.
Can we talk?
We can meet briefly in the penthouse. You don’t have to spend the night if you don’t want to.
You looked really on edge. I just want to make sure you’re okay. Can I see you?
So you’re not going to apologize for punching me? Not that I’m cross with you or anything.
Okay, I am but not about the punch. I know you didn’t do that on purpose, but you’re definitely ignoring me on purpose.
About Lan and Mia, I didn’t want to keep that a secret, but I knew you’d throw a fit if you found out, and, well… I was right, wasn’t I?
If it’s of any consolation, I think Lan is really serious about her. He’s never been serious about anyone in his entire life. He’s never had a relationship or fought for a girl’s affection. Can you believe he asked me to teach him how to practice empathy just to win her over? That’s the first time he’s ever asked me anything and I’m loving it. We got close this week, and I’m really enjoying our time together.