“Jackson!” Abby screeches, as Charlie thrusts his fist out and punches Lauder in the nose. Jackson is caught off guard, and he takes a tumble.
“Was that really necessary?” Kaiden drawls, narrowing his eyes at Charlie.
“Yes,” Charlie hisses. “I expect to get shade for the shit I’ve pulled, but leave Demi out of it.”
My heart swells at his obvious protectiveness. I take Charlie’s hand in mine, inspecting his clenched knuckles, as Hunt hauls a semi-contrite Jackson up off the floor, and Sylvia brushes past us on her way to the kitchen.
“Happy families,” the strange woman says, smiling as she sidles up to me. “I’m Shandra. A friend of Abby’s.” She casts a lingering look at Drew before quickly lowering her eyes.
“Are they always like this?” I ask.
“Never a dull moment,” Drew says, coming up and offering me a glass of wine. “I didn’t introduce myself earlier. I’m Drew. Abby’s twin.”
I know, because I’ve snooped on all of you online. For the first time, it feels wrong that I did. But it was months ago, and I had no idea I’d end up meeting all of them one day.
“Hey.” I smile at him, feeling overwhelmed.
“Charlie.” Drew slaps my boyfriend on the back. “Glad you’re here, man.”
After Jackson makes groveling apologies, we all get comfortable on the couches to hear what Xavier has to say.
“You okay?” Charlie whispers in my ear. We’re tucked up against one another on the couch with Abby and Drew on my other side. I nod, clinging to him a little closer. “I’m sorry about that, but at least, we got it over and done with.”
I press a kiss to his cheek. “Thank fuck, because that was one of the most embarrassing experiences of my life,” I whisper.
He quietly chuckles. “I know the feeling.” At least, he seems to have loosened up.
“Spit it out, Daniels. We don’t have all day,” Kaiden says from his perch on the arm of the couch.
“Kaiden.” Olivia tut-tuts. “Don’t be rude.”
“Sorry, Mom.” He blows her a kiss. “Whenever you’re ready, your lordship.” He smirks at Xavier.
“I prefer Star Lord,” Xavier quips. “It’s got a nicer ring to it.”
“You’re no Chris Pratt,” Drew says, grinning.
“The dinner is getting cold,” Hunt says, rolling his eyes and sighing. “So, sometime this century would be nice, please.”
“No foreplay in front of the oldies,” Jackson says, leaning back against the couch, smirking, and I’m guessing there’s some inside joke at play. I make a mental note to ask Charlie later.
But the banter is great, and it’s just what’s needed after a very tense start to our afternoon. There’s a lovely vibe among the crew and a genuine camaraderie I’m now enjoying. I also love, and appreciate, how everyone has forgotten the little spat. I grew up with a father who never let disagreements fester. If we had beef with one another, we aired that shit and quickly moved on. I respect and expect straight shooting from the people in my life.
“For the love of all things holy.” Abby throws her arms into the air. “Everyone, shut up and let Xavier speak.”
The room instantly mutes, and I share a grin with Abby, loving her strength and the obvious loyalty she commands from everyone here. I watch her husband stare at her with so much adoration and admiration it almost takes my breath away. She’s a lucky woman to be loved so fiercely.
Drew clasps Abby’s hand, smiling warmly at me, as we prepare for whatever Xavier is about to tell us. Abby takes my hand in hers, and it feels surreal to be here, with the woman I’ve feared and felt inconsequential against, liking her and wanting to get to know her better. The world truly works in mysterious ways.
“Your grandmothers were sisters,” Xavier says, just putting it out there. “Paternal on the Hearst side, maternal on your side, Demi.”
“So, my mom’s mom was the sister of Abby and Drew’s dad’s mom?” I say, working it out, out loud.
“Michael’s adopted mom or birth mom?” Drew asks.
“Birth mom,” Xavier says, pulling a crumpled photo out of his back pocket. He hands it to Abby. “No idea why her family didn’t take Michael in when he was orphaned.”
“They probably knew he was the devil’s spawn and wanted nothing to do with him,” Drew says, and my eyes pop wide. There is so much I don’t know but I hope to discover in time. His statement is met with silence, and no one jumps in to refute his claim, which says a lot.
“Holy shit,” Abby says, running her finger over the picture.
Charlie leans over my shoulder while Drew and Kai lean over Abby’s.
“Were they twins?” I ask, because the two younger girls in the picture look identical.
“Yep,” Xavier confirms. “And you two are the image of them. It’s a little creepy.”
“At least, we have an explanation for it,” Abby says, beaming at me as she flings her arms around me. “I can’t believe we’re cousins.”
“I know. It’s crazy.” I still haven’t wrapped my head around it, and I doubt I will for some time.
Charlie kisses the top of my head, as Drew leans over, grinning. “Welcome to the family, Demi.”
Chapter 14
Demi
“ARE YOU STILL in shock?” Charlie asks as we are seated side by side around the dinner table. Abby, Olivia, Sylvia, and Shandra cooked a spectacular feast, and everything I’ve tasted is melt-in-the-mouth good.
“For sure,” I truthfully admit, putting my fork down, unable to eat another morsel. “I’ve grown up with no family because both my parents were only children and their folks died before I had a chance to know them. I never met any extended family, and Dad never talked about any.”
“Well, you have family now,” Charlie says, linking his fingers in mine under the table.
“Dad will be happy,” I admit, because I know how much he hates that he’s leaving me all alone. Now, I have Charlie and Abby and Drew.
“You should talk to your dad about the past,” he suggests, and I eye him circumspectly. I’m sensing there is something he’s not telling me, but before I can pry, Drew speaks.
“Did you receive your invitation to the elite ball?” Drew asks Charlie from across the table.
“I did.” Charlie tosses his napkin on the table. “They sent Mom one too.” His jaw tightens, and fire blazes in his eyes.
“She’s the widow of a descendant of a founding father,” Olivia says. “Of course, they would send her one. We both got one too,” she adds, glancing at Sylvia.
“I thought the elite looked down their noses at women,” Xavier says, popping a piece of carrot in his mouth and chewing noisily.
“They do,” Olivia agrees. “But with Michael and Charles gone, and Christian still on the run from the authorities, their responsibilities pass to us until our children assume full membership within the order.”
“Which is something William Hamilton will no doubt address at the ball now he’s been voted into the vacant president’s chair,” Kaiden says. His arm is around Abby’s shoulder, and he’s absently playing with strands of her hair. I’ve noticed they are always subtly touching one another, and it’s obvious they are crazy in love.
“What are you going to do about Joaquin and Harley?” Olivia asks.
Kaiden’s nostrils flare. “There is no way they are attending that ball or accepting the invitation to train at Parkhurst. Rick and I will cover in Atticus’s absence, but hell will freeze before we let our younger brothers get pulled into things.” He scrubs a hand over his prickly jawline. “Rick is talking to a guy today. It’s why he couldn’t be here. He’s one of the few senior elite members who wants to use this opportunity to restructure the order for good. He’s on the reorganizing committee, so we’re hoping he’s a sympathetic ear.”
“What do we know about the new president?” Drew asks Xavier.
“William Hamilton is the eldest son of a founding father from Texas. Family comes from o
il. He’s married with two daughters. He was one of the men swindled by Christian and one of the very few who publicly opposed Michael Hearst for president. He has spoken out about the archaic rules and asserted his desire to modernize the elite.”
“Sounds squeaky clean,” Jackson says. “I’m not buying it.”
“Neither did we,” Sawyer says, putting his glass down. “So, we did some investigating on the darknet—”
“And this guy makes Michael Hearst look like the fairy fucking godmother,” Xavier finishes.
“Do you have to cut across me every time?” Sawyer purses his lips, drilling a look at Xavier.
“No need to get your panties in a bunch. We play for the same team, remember?” Xavier smirks, and everyone catches the innuendo.
Ah, now it makes sense. They’re together or hooking up, or there’s some history between them.
“Just tell us what you discovered,” Abby says. “And keep your foreplay confined to the bedroom.”
Sawyer glares at Abby, and Kaiden glares at him.
Charlie winks at me, grinning. He presses his mouth to my ear. “This shit happens all the time. I’ve kind of missed it.”
I grin at him as Xavier clears his throat and finishes explaining. “It’s the usual elite bullshit. Professional businessman with legit businesses that are all a front for a host of illegal activities, but this guy is into everything.”
“And we mean everything,” Sawyer says, jumping in and taking the mantle. Xavier meets Sawyer’s smug grin with an amused one, further incensing him. A muscle ticks in Sawyer’s jaw as he speaks. “Drugs, guns, sex, and it’s a global operation worth billions.”
“This is like déjà vu,” Abby says, leaning back into her husband’s chest.
“Round two is due to begin,” Drew agrees. “And we need to get battle ready.”
“He’s going to be careful,” Charlie says, rubbing his hand up and down my thigh. “Because the FBI is still sniffing around, right?”
Kaiden nods. “Yes, but, according to Keven Kennedy, the investigation is winding down. They’ve gotten some high-profile arrests, and they found the girls Hearst had kidnapped and put an end to his sex ring, but we all know that’s only the tip of the iceberg. However, the elite has covered their tracks well and planned for this eventuality. They gave them some scapegoats, and the powers that be are happy with that.”
“Sounds fishy,” Charlie says.
“One hundred percent,” Drew agrees. “Keven is convinced they have powerful allies in the FBI and government who are guiding this behind the scenes.”
“This shitshow is about to start up again, and none of us know how it’s going to affect us,” Abby says.
“We thought for sure they would kick us out because of the stunt we pulled, but they seem determined to reel us back in,” Drew says with a frown. “Which can’t be good.”
“No shit, Sherlock,” Jackson says, rolling his eyes. Drew scowls at him.
“They’re not going to let our interference go unpunished,” Kaiden agrees. “Not when it brought the FBI down on them.”
I’m completely lost, and I’ve no idea what they are talking about, but I’m picking up on the anxious energy in the room, and I know it’s nothing good.
Abby’s eyes land on mine, and then, she moves her gaze to Charlie. “Have you explained any of this to Demi?”
“Not yet,” he admits, squeezing my thigh.
“Well, you need to do it sooner than later. Definitely before the ball so she’s prepared for what she’s walking into.”
Charlie lifts his hand from my thigh, running it through his hair. He’s let it grow out in recent months, and it’s much longer on top now. When he’s at the office, he wears it slicked back and neat, but today, he hasn’t put product in, and I adore the tumble of messy waves falling over his forehead and into his eyes. He’s like a hotter version of Shawn Mendes, and that’s saying a lot because Shawn is hot as fuck.
But my man is hotter.
Tension oozes from Charlie, and he looks pained as he glances at me. “I’m not sure you should attend,” he tells me.
“Demi is in your life, Charlie,” Abby says, leaning forward and placing her elbows on the table. “We need to start thinking about protection. I can help with self-defense and gun lessons.” She looks to me, and I nod, because I don’t have any issue with that. “We have a month until the ball. That’s enough time to get you ready.”
Charlie shifts in his seat, averting his eyes as he reluctantly nods. His chest heaves, and his expression is troubled. A lump forms at the base of my throat. I don’t like the vibes he’s emitting, and I’m determined to get to the bottom of this when we leave.
The conversation turns more casual after that, and the guys clear the table around the women as we drink wine and talk. The girls go out of their way to include me, and a warmth spreads over my chest, eliminating the chill left behind from the previous discussion.
After everything is cleared away, Abby nabs me and Drew and pulls us out to the sunnier side of the living room. “We need a photo,” she says, positioning herself in between me and her brother and sliding her arm around my waist. “For my gorgeous new photo frame.”
Kaiden snaps a few pics, sending them to my cell. “I’ll print out a copy for you too,” Abby assures me, looping her arm through mine. And when I’m hugging her goodbye a few hours later, I hug her tight, ecstatic to have her in my life. Go figure.
“Do you need to get home, or could you come back to my place for a while? There are some things we need to discuss,” Charlie says while backing out of the driveway.
I wave at Abby, Drew, and Kaiden, watching as they withdraw into the house and shut the door.
“I want to have that conversation,” I agree, glad he put it out there so bluntly and that he’s not trying to shield anything from me. “Let me message Xena and check she’s okay to keep Dad company for a few hours.” I tap out a text to my friend, and she responds affirmatively. “We’re good.”
My eyes almost bug out of my head when we pull up in front of Charlie’s home fifteen minutes later. “Holy shit. You live here?” I gawk at the impressive mansion set on the grounds of a sprawling estate. “How many rooms do you have?”
“I honestly couldn’t tell you.” He pulls into a garage at the back of the property, maneuvering his Land Rover into a spot beside a silver Bentley. There are at least ten other cars in here. A mix of sports cars, top-end luxury cars, and SUVS, and if I added it up, I’m guessing the cost of these cars outweighs the cost of my house.
He helps me out of the car, escorting me into the house through a side door in the garage. He gives me a quick guided tour, but it still takes a half hour to show me the lower level because this place is massive.
I cannot fathom the enormity of his wealth.
It’s one thing to know he’s rich but quite another to be confronted by it in such a visible way.
I also can’t believe he lives in this gorgeous, rambling mansion all by himself. I don’t think I’d like it.
He brings me down to a basement room that is obviously his man lair, and it’s the most casual, comfortable room he’s shown me to date. It has a fully stocked bar, a pool table, top-of-the-line stereo system, and a wall-mounted TV screen that is almost the size of the screen in the Rydeville movie theater.
He pops a beer, the first alcohol he’s drank all day, and then, he makes me a mean gin cocktail. We kick off our shoes and snuggle up on the couch, sipping our drinks and just enjoying each other’s company. After a few minutes, we put our drinks down on the coffee table and turn so we’re facing one another.
“How much do you know about Parkhurst and the elite organization,” he asks, and I appreciate he’s getting straight to it.
“As much as I’ve heard on the news or found online. I know Parkhurst was the headquarters for the elite, but the public perception was that of a private medical and pharmaceutical company.” He nods. “And I know they made several high-profi
le arrests. Former elite members who were involved in wide-ranging criminal activities.”
“All that is correct,” Charlie says, tucking my hair behind my ears. “But that’s not the half of it. The elite is an organization that was started in the eighteen hundreds by our forefathers. As generations passed, membership was inherited by the children in each family. There is no choice. It is something we all must accept as tradition. Descendants of founding fathers in every state hold most seniority within the elite, but there is an inner circle, made up of other important members of rich society who are the backbone of the organization.”
“It sounds like fiction,” I admit.
“You have no idea.” He shakes his head. “It’s the most powerful organization in the world, and its reach spans multiple countries. Members are important figureheads in business and government. Fraud and corruption are commonplace as are illegal activities. What you heard at Abby and Kai’s house today is not unusual. These men have their fingers in several cookie jars, and they believe they are above the law. Usually, they are. But Abby and the others threw a wrench in the works. It’s a story in itself, and one I’ll tell you another day, but they almost succeeded in bringing the elite to their knees. It’s a first, and I doubt the elite will leave themselves open to exposure again.”
“Before Epstein, I might have accused you of blowing smoke, but I know this shit exists.”
“It does, and we are in the thick of it. The organization is restructuring, and I must play a part whether I want to or not. Kai, Rick, Abby, and Drew are in the same boat. It’s what I’ve been training for since I was ten.”
“Training?” I rub a hand along the back of my neck. “What do you mean?”
He audibly gulps. “Drew, Trent, and I have been going to Parkhurst annually to prepare for the time when we would become full members of the elite and assume our birthright.”
“Trent was Sylvia’s son? The bomb killed him, right?” I ask, remembering what I’ve read.
“Someone has done their homework,” he says, and I blush.
“I was curious about Abby,” I truthfully admit. “So, I read everything I could get my hands on.”
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