“Ask Izzy,” Serena teased under breath.
Izzy glared and then looked away, wringing her hands.
Even Maksim went quiet.
“Oh, come on,” Serena whispered. “It’s not like it’s a secret.”
“Andrei found them.” Violet sighed and sat on Valerian’s lap. “And let’s just say we’re all lucky they’re still alive.”
Ah, it made sense why she was checking out Romeo—she wanted to forget the heartache. It never helped when you jumped into bed with someone who wasn’t your other half; all it did was make you feel even more like shit. I’d have a chat with her later.
“I’m out.” Maksim stood. “I need more beer.”
He didn’t as much as look at Izzy.
She scowled after him then flipped him off.
“Easy, tiger.” Serena wrapped an arm around her. “Do you wanna talk about it?”
“If that annoying, little, brat Kartini, wouldn’t have ratted us out, things would have been different.”
At the mention of Kartini, we all turned, just as the music started, and wouldn’t you know there she was dancing with Sergio like the princess she was.
She was in the second half.
What we called the younger kids, because they never hung out with us, mainly because we were a really bad influence, and they were underage, but now that she was eighteen…
Things were about to change.
It didn’t help that she was drop-dead gorgeous.
“I’m surprised Sergio hasn’t locked her in her room yet,” I muttered and then cursed as Annie made her way over to us along with Tank.
I was just getting up when Junior snapped me in the thigh with the back of his hand. “Don’t be rude.”
I clenched my jaw.
“Nice party.” Tank clinked his beer with Junior’s. “Congrats, guys.”
“Thanks.” Valerian beamed.
I nearly choked on his happiness.
It should have been me.
Married.
With a family.
Her in a white dress.
“So how are things at Scary Dad’s house?” Valerian asked Annie.
Her body stiffened, and tension hung on the air. She gave a too-bright smile. “Perfect. Absolutely perfect.”
And in the back of my mind, all I kept thinking about was what we’d done, what I’d done, how I’d ruined her, and any chances I would ever have.
How I had done it on purpose.
How I’d hurt her.
How she let me.
And how I wanted nothing more than to keep punishing both of us just so I could feel something.
“Good, I’m so glad you have a safe place.” Violet smiled.
I almost snickered.
Safe?
She was living with a fucking monster.
And as I looked up into her eyes and saw them widen, I was beginning to think she preferred it.