20. ~Killian~

20

~Killian~

The public face of Monroe Enterprises and the Carmichael Foundation was out in all its high-profile partnered glory tonight.

The ridiculous extravagance paid for in blood saturated the atrium and even spilled out onto the street.

Six-foot high faux trees with golden branches and trunks and crystal ornaments were positioned every few feet throughout the space. Lights and expensive streamers were hung from the ceilings. There were even golden runners all over the floor. The servers were wearing gold crowns or tiaras with ties or cravats as part of their uniforms. There were champagne fountains interspersed throughout too. The last part was kind of on the nose.

A champagne gala in the name of raising a shitload of funds for endangered animals, the goal to rebuild lost habitats. It was all bullshit. And the animal focus was a dig to me from Samuel. He knew I had a soft spot for animals and this was his way of giving me the middle finger, because the money would never reach them. It was pretend. A well-crafted smokescreen. Just like it always was.

It was never about helping those in need, just helping the Infidels to get richer and grow in power and influence from the press of all these high-profile, high-society events.

I mean, there were It Girls here tonight, TV celebrities, the major players of the society pages, and even a couple of movie stars.

They’d all been taken in by the bullshit.

It made me fucking sick to my stomach.

I was expecting to see the height of the luxurious pretense once we made our way into the banquet hall of this hoity toity place.

The auction would be a sharp contrast to all this.

Jonah had been called away by his father, Reed. I hadn’t seen it, I’d been posing for fucking pictures at the time, but Asher had relayed that J had gotten a text summons.

Asher had been able to confirm that there was a sub-level beneath this gala area where the auction was being set up. I had no idea how he’d gotten that intel and I hadn’t been able to ask with all the schmoozing we’d had to do. Likely, he had contacts in the guards, or maybe even one of two of the other faction leaders. Either way, at least we had confirmation and Asher had been able to send it along to Caleb.

Things were underway.

Just slowly.

Too slowly for my liking.

I sipped at the sickly sweet champagne, the glass of which I was trying not to shatter under the duress of my brutal grip. I hated champagne, but it was the first thing I’d been offered when I’d walked into this fake-as-shit gala and I’d needed something to take the edge off.

Being here had me on edge for so many reasons.

For one, I hated this public notoriety shit. After being free in Hexwood to drop the façade after all these years, here I was faking it again, having to play the golden boy role.

And then there was the prospect of running into my father. The last time I’d seen him, he’d beaten on me and threatened me within an inch of my life. Not to mention, the detailed threats he’d made via that now infamous text message. None of that had come to pass, but the old bastard was known for biding his time and waiting for the precise moment to strike against his enemies to make it as painful and as debilitating as possible for them.

There was also the fact that Aurora was back in Hexwood alone. Well, not alone, Bryce and the entire security team were with her. But she wasn’t with us. I mean, it was good that she didn’t have to walk amongst these monsters here, but even so, being apart right now while all this was going on, was making me antsy.

At least tonight’s fakery had a purpose this time, something to endure for.

We were going to stop that auction and then go for the throat. Asher was gonna do what he’d been waiting on for years—end the motherfuckers who’d subjugated us.

And then the other bright spot was that I’d also get to see my mom.

It had been months since I’d been able to communicate with her in any way. Samuel didn’t like it. He didn’t want us close and he ensured that wasn’t the case. Going around him had been too risky before, not just to me, but to Asher and Jonah too.

Soon all barriers would be down and she and I could restore what was lost, what he’d tried to break between us.

I leaned against the wall, watching Asher smiling and putting on the show that was expected of him as the revered heir to the goliath that was Monroe Enterprises.

Damn, he could fake it with the best.

The only sign I could see that he hated every moment of it was the twitching of his eye, which he hadn’t been able to school when his father had wrapped his arm around him to pose with the photographers outside by the entrance, or whenever he’d brushed his shoulder or laid even a finger on him.

We’d been told to come with some element of gold in our tailored suits.

Asher had broken up his black-on-black look just a little with a tie that was checkered gold and black, the rest of him in a black suit and a black shirt. Well, he’d still followed the rule… barely.

Jonah had pushed it in another way, going way out there with a baroque golden suit jacket, a white shirt beneath with a gold tie too, and a pair of gray dress pants. It completely clashed with the bright blue streaks in his spiky hair and it had been exactly what had been needed to give us all a laugh before walking into the lion’s den tonight.

I guess because I’d been so used to doing it, that it was still automatic… I’d followed the rules. Properly. I had on a navy blue suit with a white and gold shirt and a gold cravat. Maybe it had been a little something to do with not embarrassing my mom either. My father did that enough as it was, the fucker constantly humiliating her at every viable opportunity just to put her down further.

I tensed as Carson led Ash away from the press and through the atrium on the way to the banquet hall.

Right toward where I was sipping at my drink, while trying to be casual about waiting and worrying about Jonah after Reed Keller had pulled him away earlier about some enforcer business.

I’d texted Ash, but he hadn’t been able to react more than quickly texting me back.

Ash: Jonah can handle himself with the best.

I saw him catch my eye, the brief spark of worry there that I’d lose my cool and fuck up everything.

Nah, I could keep things on the inside too. I’d been forced to for fucking ages. I could certainly give a callback to that and bring it now, rising to the occasion.

“Killian, it’s a pleasure to see you again,” Carson greeted as he and Asher stopped in front of me.

He was an older version of Asher with the inky black hair, just his was longer, brushing the edge of his collar and set with every strand in perfect place by a whole lot of expensive products. Those silver eyes so much like his son’s burned into mine. He had a couple of inches on Asher, reaching pretty much Jonah’s height. He was in a tailored suit, a blend of white and the mandatory gold for the event.

“It’s been too long,” I responded with a winning smile.

“Indeed,” he returned, shaking my hand in that bone-crushing way, that had me wanting to shake out my fingers afterward.

But I didn’t.

I swallowed it down like I was swallowing everything else right now. It would be a sign of weakness otherwise, and Carson Monroe didn’t respond well to that.

“I do hope that unfortunate difference of opinion with your father hasn’t impacted your passion for your football career.” His eyes darkened, making that fake pleasant smile he had plastered on turn sinister. “We are all invested in your potential.”

Asher’s expression didn’t change, but I saw him discreetly fingering his beaded bracelet.

“Of course not,” I managed. “Big leagues here I come.”

“Excellent,” Carson responded, that darkness retreating. Somewhat.

“Speaking of, have you seen my father? I haven’t laid eyes on him yet.”

“He will be here shortly. He had to run a last-minute errand.”

An errand? What errand?

I carefully eyed Asher.

He was frowning, obviously having picked up on something from Carson.

I didn’t know how, because the guy was harder to read than his son, and that was really saying something. But it somehow hadn’t escaped Asher’s notice. He’d picked up on a tell that I couldn’t see for the life of me.

I nodded my understanding and acceptance at Carson.

Something caught his eye, then he was gesturing through the crowds. “Not to worry, I’m sure you’ll be content with your other parent in the meantime.”

I followed his gesturing to see someone weaving in and out through the crowds.

A golden angel gliding toward us.

A smile tugged at my lips before I could school my reaction back to impassive as I took in Valerie Carmichael in all her beauty. Her soft brown hair was piled in a bun on her head, some wisps free and framing her face. Her amber eyes cut through everything else around her, but my chest squeezed as I saw that usual vacant look in them. At least she didn’t look high this time. Samuel often dosed her for these big events, a precaution to ensure she remained docile in front of so many influential figures. This errand of his must have put the kibosh on it this time. It meant I could actually talk to her, that she’d actually hear me, and see me. She put everybody else to shame in a sophisticated one-shoulder golden metallic dress that flowed down in pleats to a pair of golden sandals.

“Well, I have to mingle,” Samuel said. He grasped Asher’s arm. Hard. Fuck. “Go order a drink. Something strong. I want you relaxed for what’s to come. I know how much you hate the dolls and I can’t risk you reacting negatively.”

“I am relaxed.”

“Hmm, my mistake, I meant pliant.”

I swallowed hard.

Asher’s fist clenched.

“Unfortunately, that’s not a trait I possess. Thanks to your teachings actually,” he responded smoothly, his fist unclenching.

“Nice try, boy,” Carson chuckled.

But there was nothing lighthearted about it, no amusement in it.

It was downright nasty.

He grasped Asher’s tie and tightened it like a noose until a choked sound escaped him.

I started forward.

Asher held up his hand discreetly.

Fuck.

Carson leaned in close and growled, “I’m sure a couple of weeks in my dungeon would disabuse you of that way of thinking. Is that what you want, because I have to say, I’ve missed those lessons of ours.” He tightened the tie all the more. “So, is that what you want, son?”

“No,” Asher croaked.

“Then head to the bar and drink. Scotch. Three doubles. My staff will be watching.”

“Yes,” Asher only just managed to utter again at the brutally constricting grip.

Carson smiled, then abruptly released him, making him cough and grasp at his throat.

The bastard turned to me like nothing had happened. “Enjoy your evening,” he said, before disappearing into the crowds.

As soon as he was out of sight, I rushed to Asher and eased him behind a pillar.

“You okay?”

“Fine,” he grunted.

“What do you think is going on with that errand he said my father is running right now?”

“Impossible to know without more of a hint, but suffice to say he isn’t picking up his dry cleaning.”

“Plus, he has people doing that for him. He’s probably doing something concerning the dolls.”

“He was the original trainer. The mentor to all other trainers.”

I scrubbed my hand over my face, trying to push down how fucked-up it all was.

And how personal.

I shifted my weight, then focused on the next problem, “We can’t have you drunk for what’s coming. Shit.”

“Drunk?”

I rolled my eyes. “Fine. Three won’t do it. Tipsy then. Still compromised.”

“That bar is crowded. I’ll just employ my sleight of hand.”

I couldn’t help smiling. “You’re fucking good.”

“I’m glad you’re finally realizing that.” He laid his hand on my shoulder. “And well done back there. You performed perfectly. I almost bought it too.”

“You sure you’re not already drunk? Complimenting me and all that?”

He gave my arm a squeeze. “Just being honest, sweetheart.”

Our eyes locked.

I didn’t know what to say.

“Killian! My goodness!”

I started at the sound of her familiar voice.

The thing with Carson had knocked my focus off-kilter. My mom had been headed toward us.

And then she was right there, peering around the pillar at the two of us.

She smiled with amusement. “Everything okay here, boys?”

Asher nodded and straightened, fixing his tie. “Absolutely.”

I smiled back at her. “It’s all good, Mom.”

She beamed at me, then told Asher sweetly, “It’s really nice seeing you again.”

“The feeling is mutual, Valerie,” he said, holding out his hand to her.

She took it and I watched him shake very gently, going out of his way not to startle her. With what she’d endured, it didn’t take much now.

“I have my marching orders from my father, but I hope we’ll run into one another again before the event is finished,” Asher told her.

“I’ll look forward to it.”

He smiled, then turned away and headed to the bar, and I saw him pulling out his phone and calling Jonah as he went.

Shit. Where the fuck was he?

“I’m so happy to see you, son,” my mom said, drawing my attention right back to her.

I held out my hands between us. “Can I hug you, Mom?”

Emotion swam in her eyes.

It wasn’t just the reunion being so long coming, that we actually had a moment to ourselves because my father wasn’t here. It was because I had to ask. Because of what that meant.

“Please,” she answered, getting choked up.

I was wrapping my arms around her in the next second, wanting to take that away, to take it all away for her.

“I’ve missed you,” I breathed into her hair, taking in that familiar Chanel scent of hers.

“I’ve missed you too, Kill. So much.”

I held her to me for a long time until a buzzing of a phone had her tensing, then pulling apart from me.

She pulled it out from her tiny purse and silenced it, then stowed it back inside.

“You have a phone now?”

Samuel didn’t let her, as a rule. No communication with the outside world, except these events.

“Just while he’s not here. He needs me to coordinate with the staff.”

“Really? Well, that’s… different.”

She shrugged, looking away as she murmured. “I guess.”

“Mom? What’s going on?”

She met my gaze again, regret palpable. “I have to go and see to this event. I’m so sorry I can’t stay with you any longer, but meet me before you go… downstairs… later, and we’ll catch up in detail.”

“Meet you? Really? Won’t he be here by then?”

“Yes, but he’ll be preoccupied. We’ll take a few minutes before the show begins. There’s a service entrance around back. Meet me there ten minutes before?”

This was unprecedented.

Hell, it was way out there for her.

“Mom? What’s going on?”

She didn’t speak to it, instead asking, “Before I go, quickly, tell me something about your life, just a little nugget to tide me over for the next couple of hours.”

“Mom, what’s—”

“Please, Kill.”

I sucked in a breath. Whatever was happening, it would be done with soon. It wouldn’t matter. We were fixing it all. We would fix it.

“I met someone.”

Her eyes lit up. “A special someone?”

“Very special.”

“Your father won’t like that.” She grinned and whispered, “Good.”

I chuckled, then whispered back, “She’s worth it.”

“I’m glad you found someone else after the blonde your father was ranting and raving about.”

“What? You know about that?”

“He couldn’t contain himself, he was so enraged. Days it took him to calm down.”

“Mom, it is her.”

“The blonde?” she asked, her eyes wide.

“Yeah. Why?”

She looked away awkwardly and fidgeted with her purse. I saw her move to grab her phone, but pull up short.

“Mom?”

She grasped my hand suddenly. “I’m happy for you. Sorry, I just… I need to get going.” She gestured out at Carson in the distance now holding court with a bunch of the faction leaders and some celebrities too. “He won’t react favorably if I delay any longer with getting back to my duties.”

I’ll fucking kill him. I gritted my teeth, forcing back the urge. To do that, or to react in any visibly negative way.

It wasn’t time yet.

It would fuck up everything and end up hurting her and all of us in the process.

“Okay, Mom.”

“Meet me like I said?”

“Of course. I’ll be there.”

She smiled, then with noticeable effort, turned on her heel and disappeared back into the crowds at this superficial bullshit event.

I made my way over to Asher up at the bar.

“Before you ask, I’m looking into that errand comment my father made,” he spoke quietly.

“Nothing yet?”

“No. I doubt we’ll get answers before the true event taking place soon.”

“What about J?”

“Jonah came through. We have an accurate lay of the land,” he whispered to me, leaning in covertly as though he was just embracing me.

“What?” I whispered back. “I thought he was just with Reed?”

“No. I had to tell you that to keep you calm, because you’ve been on the verge ever since we got here. Actually, before that. As soon as we stopped messaging Aurora so we could focus. She’s the calming influence on you.”

“Fucking secrets,” I hissed.

“It’s only been a couple of hours and now you’ve been told. I’m walking the line, Killian. I’m trying to, anyway. And it’s for you.”

Dammit. “All right, yeah. I am on edge. I probably would’ve done the same.” I took a sip of my champagne and grimaced, then said, “I’m assuming with you now telling me that everything went well with this secret task you sent J on?”

“He’s gotten a complete lay of the land. Specifics that will serve us and Caleb’s team well. They have fifty hostages.”

“Fifty? No, that’s a lot more than we’d accounted for when they were being held at the final site.”

“They’ve obviously brought in more over the last few days. These are all of them, though. The last. We do this and the entire dollhouse operation is done.”

“So, Jonah was able to just walk in to the sub-level downstairs?”

“He used his connection with the enforcers holding the hostages and guarding the space, pretending he was catching up with the several he used to be close with before the Hexwood move. During this reunion, he was able to document everything, snap photographic details and send it all to me. It’s been relayed to Caleb.”

“He’s moving his team into position?”

Asher smiled. Actually smiled full-on. “Absolutely, he is.”

“It’s almost over,” I breathed. “It’s really almost over.”

“So long as you don’t get in my way with that other matter we discussed in the car.”

My eyes bored into his. “Take it, Ash. You have my blessing and beyond. Take that fucking kill shot on that motherfucker.”

My father would die tonight.

And there’d be no regrets.

“I need to be there when you do. I need to fucking see it.”

“We already agreed. You will.” He laid his hand on my shoulder. “All the monsters are dying tonight.”