Marcus leans right back in his chair looking completely unfazed by my appearance in his big-ass dining hall, but why should it bother him? I’m certainly no threat to him. I’m like an irritating cockroach who he could trample at any given time. His feet are propped up on the edge of the dining table as he watches me through his long lashes. When he tilted his head to the side in my apartment, he looked fucking crazy, but bringing his chin down and staring up at me like this turns my blood cold.
This is my first real meeting with these guys, and while nothing has really been said yet, it’s clear that whatever time I spend here with them is going to be the most horrifying thing I’ll ever endure.
Determined not to fret under his deadly stare, I let out a shaky breath and call on my middle school acting classes. I raise my chin and slap a bored expression over my face. I scoff to myself, keeping my gaze on Marcus as I stride toward the big table. “Can’t say that I’m impressed,” I sigh. “For such a reputation, you guys are really dropping the ball. Dinner parties and gowns? Fuck, sounds like you’re losing your edge.”
Marcus flies to his feet and I pause, my foot hovering off the ground as I blanch, watching just how fast he can move his tall frame. I suck in a breath, one that I’m sure all three of them can hear from their respective corners of the room. My act isn’t fooling anyone.
Judging by the determination and pure hatred swirling within his eyes, I expect him to come after me. But Marcus remains still, glaring at me from the opposite end of the table. It's painfully clear which one of these boys has anger issues in the family.
His hands clench into tight fists as I watch his sharp jaw become so much more defined. He’s on the edge and I don’t doubt that one more snide comment from me would have him breaking loose and putting an end to this twisted game.
I bite my tongue, knowing when to push and when to reel it in. After all, I lived with my father for eighteen years before finally finding freedom. That was more practice in restraint than any young girl should ever have to put up with. I should consider it a warm-up for this exact moment of my life. I bet the other girls these assholes have plucked off the street didn’t come fully equipped with years of abuse training.
Keeping still, I refuse to break eye contact with Marcus, ready to see this through, but I don’t have to when Levi stands and glares across the wide table to his brother. Not a word is said out loud, but their silent conversation has both their gazes flicking back to mine.
“Sit,” Levi orders, his tone filled with authority as he repeats the one order his eldest brother had given only a few short moments ago.
Levi’s deep voice somehow still seems to vibrate through my chest just like it did when he was pressed right up against me. I turn my head toward him and swallow hard, unable to avoid his authoritative demand. Taking a step toward the table, I slowly pull out the chair closest to the exit.
I feel both Marcus’ and Roman’s stare on me as well, but I keep mine trained on Levi as I slowly take my seat.
The table is filled with food and my stomach growls, but despite the brothers’ full plates, I don’t dare reach for any of it, not even the glass of water by my knife and fork.
None of them make a move to start on their dinner, far too intrigued with their shiny new toy. “You’re going to want to eat,” Levi explains, leaning back in his chair and picking up a dagger of his own, trailing his forefinger up and down the sharp blade and letting the chandelier light glisten off the shiny metal. “That’s the last meal you’re going to be offered.”
I clench my jaw as my gaze drops to the array of food scattered around the table and it doesn’t go unnoticed that food isn’t the only thing here. There are bottles of booze spread from left to right, brands that my boss could only dream of affording in his nightclub, but it’s the unlabeled pills and cocaine that hold my attention. I didn’t take these guys for ones to mess with drugs. Their minds are already fucked up enough, but then, maybe they need something to help them forget just how monstrous they really are.
I’ve never been one to indulge in drugs and alcohol, but I’m certainly no prude. I had my experimental years right after high school. I got smart after watching a friend overdose at a party and I haven’t touched them since—the drugs, that is. I’m more than happy to have a glass of cheap wine to wash down my dinner. Not tonight though. I want a clear mind while dealing with these guys.