In His Veins (The Fickle Lark Trilogy #2)

Chapter 1

EVERLEIGH

? Sixteen years old. ?

My father’s office smells like cologne and cigar smoke. The air is warm from the sunlight spilling through the tall windows. That heat only elevates the scents.

I end up arriving a little earlier than the time he told me to be here at, but better that than late. I’d rather not reap the consequences of that specific scenario happening.

As my eyes adjust to the sun glares cutting through the room, I can make out a tall silhouette in a corner at the back of the room.

I squint my eyes slightly to make sure that I’m not just seeing things, but it only helps to confirm his presence.

This man is leaning against the wall, and seems to stand at least a foot taller than me.

My gaze trails from the floor up to his arms that are folded across his chest and then up to the few small strands of hair that hang loosely over his forehead. The sun catches them just right and I can see the color more clearly.

It’s a dark brown, nearly black, with just a hint of red glinting in the light. His hair is swept to the side, but not perfectly since loose strands fall over his forehead, giving him a slightly disheveled look.

My line of sight then drops down to his eyes.

They are brown too. The sun seems to glimmer enough against them that they resemble a warm chocolate color. I bet if it were night, the shade would be so dark that they would feel endless, like staring into an abyss.

“You’re early,” he says. He didn’t smile fully, but the corner of his mouth quirked up just slightly.

“And you’re not supposed to be in here,” I reply as I clutch the thin folder to my chest.

He raises a brow, seeming somewhat amused with me. “I could say the same about you. Walking into a man’s office like you own the place. That’s bold.”

I tilt my head while smirking. “I’m allowed to be in here, unlike you. Whoever the hell you are.”

“You’ve sure got a mouth on you,” he says as he steps closer.

I let out a low chuckle, “You won’t have one for long when I sew those lips together.”

“Oh? I’m not really sure that’s how you welcome a guest.”

“You think I give a-”

The air between us shifts when the door to my father’s office opens, breaking any tension that was there moments before.

My father enters, commanding the room like every other day. He then nods towards his desk as he goes to take a seat behind it.

I almost trip over the thick rug that lines half of the room as I move towards him, but luckily catch my footing.

“Everleigh,” he says, his tone as formal as usual. “This is Dante Rivera. He’s going to be working with us closely from now on.”

The man, Dante, straightens, stepping forward just enough to give a nod, his smirk softening into something almost unreadable. “A pleasure,” he says smoothly as he tilts his head toward me in a small bow.

My brow raises on instinct, and a sly grin slips onto my lips. “Oh, I’m sure it will be.”

The words hang between us, a perfect mix of challenge and curiosity, and I had no doubt he felt it too.

My father clears his throat, snapping me out of the magnetic pull of his gaze. “I expect professionalism. Both of you.”

I give a subtle nod, not saying another word, but my eyes don’t leave his.

His gaze holds mine for a moment longer, but I force myself to blink, breaking whatever the hell kind of spell I was under.

Father breaks the silence. “Everleigh, did you bring what I asked of you?”

I nod my head as I place the folder on his desk in front of him.

He flips it open, scanning through all of its contents.

As he does, my eyes cast to the corner again.

Dante is watching me. He’s not smiling, but his eyes don’t stray.

He just looks on like there’s nothing else in the room to gaze at.

I don’t usually break under pressure, so I won’t. But the way he’s looking at me is odd.

It’s not creepy, but more so like he’s trying to figure me out.

“You came through. This is excellent.”

I glance over at Father as he shuts the file.

I bite down on my lip before responding, “Is there anything else you need on him? I’m sure I could find out a bit more if you need it.”

He shakes his head, exhaling as he leans back in his chair. “No. I do appreciate your willingness to exceed my expectations though.. unlike your brothers.”

Dante steps closer to the desk. “Gabriel, I was curious as to when I would be meeting Viktor and Marco?”

Father looks up at Dante, his face devoid of emotion. “I plan to secure a meeting between us all this evening. First, Everleigh-” He looks back over to me, “needs to finish her math assignment.”

I take that as it’s my time to leave. “Yes, father. I’ll do that now.”

I lean forward to bow to him before turning to walk towards the door.

I step out and close it quietly behind me.

Dante’s eyes catch mine. Lingering yet again as I shut the door between us.