23. Chapter 23 - Rion
Chapter 23
R in was so cute, scolding us the entire way back home, going on and on about not causing a dangerous scene in public again. At some point, she moved on to not killing assholes just because they were assholes. What she didn’t understand was that killing him wasn't just some impulse. It was a need—an inescapable, insurmountable need to make sure that no one touched what was ours.
It had started with that whole massage debacle. None of us wanted someone's hands on her naked body, even if that someone was a woman, so when she went to bed the night before, we started planning. While we were going to let her go have fun with her friend, that didn't mean we were just going to sit on our thumbs at home. No, we devised a plan to follow her and make sure nothing happened.
Since I was the only one with actual massage therapy knowledge, I got to impersonate the massage therapist and put my hands on that beautiful body. There were a few times I got so lost in the feeling of her, in soothing away her aches, that I forgot I was pretending to be a woman.
We moved to tailing them to the rest of their appointments, making sure Rin was taken care of and protected.
Then we saw that fuckboy waiter through the glass, leaning into Rin, touching Rin, and my body shook. I gripped down on the steering wheel so hard it groaned. Ravi and Roux didn’t fare so well either, their faces filled with hate and vengeance. It was the easiest decision in the world to send them to take care of him. Didn't even think twice.
When we finally thought it was all over, those damn Riccis showed up, and we lost our minds, already revved up from the waiter. As far as the Riccis were concerned, I’d admit we went a little overboard. We’d let our emotions run wild, but if I were being honest, I would do it all again.
Once we were back home, the car in the garage, Roux said he would take our special friend into the ice room until we had time to plant a new tree. Ravi and I took Rin in the house. We tried to usher her away quickly enough that she wouldn’t get too curious, but she looked over her shoulder, asking in a hushed tone, “What does ‘plant a new tree’ mean?”
Ravi cupped her cheek, giving her a quick kiss. “You're so adorable. You know the Ambros tree reserve on the far side of campus?” She nodded as he led her into the house. “Well, each tree that you see out there is covering up the body of someone we’ve killed.” Her eyes flew open, her shocked gaze bouncing between us as Ravi finished. “It's extremely hard for someone to dig up an endangered plant, let alone a tree. You have to go through a lot of red tape and politics to get permission.”
“S-s-so they can’t pin the murder on you? Doesn't a body take a long time to decompose?”
She was so smart, so perfect, that I wanted to lock her up in the house and throw away the key. “Yes,” I responded, “and that's why we came up with an organic chemical compound which will speed that process up by fifty to sixty percent. We cover the body in that before we plant the tree.”
“Wow. Morbid but impressive.” Her praise filled my soul, and it hungered for more, like it could be sustained by her words alone.
“Yes, yes. So wonderful.” Ravi threw his hands up in the air before turning around to scoop her hands in his. “What about getting you ready for the gala tonight? I'm so excited to see you in the dress I picked for you.”
She looked up at me. “When do we have to leave?”
Glancing at the clock, I responded, “In about an hour.”
Looking around, she bit her lip before saying, “Well… I only need about thirty minutes.” Her flushed cheeks and hesitant voice had my body going into hyperdrive, already buzzing with energy.
Ravi’s smile turned sly. Looking between us, he circled around her back, his hands gripping her waist as he whispered in her ear, “I think we can come up with something to do for the other thirty minutes.”
She looked to her bedroom, giving us the green light, before she threw her hands up. “Wait! I just got my hair and nails done, so don’t mess them up.”
This time, it was my turn to smile. “Noted. I promise we won't mess up anything.” Capturing a lock of her hair, I kissed it before moving over to her ear. Ravi was kissing along her neck, making her whimper. I took a quick break to coo into her ear, “I think having you on all fours at the end of the bed, ass in the air as we take turns fill you up until you’re dripping, should leave your hair and nails intact. Yes?” Her eyes turned molten, lips parted, and I knew that was her version of a yes. Pulling up her dress, I ran my fingers along the seam of her pussy, making her breath hitch and her silver eyes roll to the back of her head. “I think an orgasm from each of us should fit in that timeframe.”
Slowly backing her up into her room, Ravi’s dirty mouth whispered about how he was going to stretch her wide, prepping her so good for his brothers' cocks. I pinched her pebbled nipple, and she bent back, her tits begging for more as her ass ground into Ravi. The two of them moaned, and at that moment I knew this was what it meant to be complete. My brothers and I had finally found some peace, and our deepest desire was happily in our clutches. It couldn’t be more perfect.
I was still thinking about my cock being buried in my paramour’s pussy while I got ready for the night. Closing my eyes, I remembered how she’d sounded as I entered her, that wet heat of hers sucking me in so hard even after my brother caused her first orgasm. Her body was so responsive and tender as she rode those aftershocks, then I worked her back up so well she was fisting the sheets.
By the time Roux found us, I had just come. Our insatiable girl turned her head, eyes blissed out, and told him he was just in time to give her the last orgasm. He didn't take long, slipping inside of her with ease and pounding into her hard and fast, filling her up right at the twenty-five-minute mark. She collapsed on the bed, taking five minutes to catch her breath and recover before shooing us out so she could clean herself and get ready. Ravi tried to stay and help, flicking his tongue between two fingers as a boast about his cleaning skills. When she closed her eyes and took a second to think, I thought she would break, but she kicked him out before she could change her mind.
Sliding the cufflinks into place, I looked over myself, making sure everything was in its right place. Everything was perfect… except the tent in my pants. Shit .
I needed to think about something else to get this under control. Heading downstairs, I thought about my current research. I was so close to having the proof I needed. All I was waiting for was the lab’s confirmation of what I already suspected, something everyone else missed. I opened up my email on my phone to check, but no results had arrived yet. I was so close. I just needed to be patient. If this worked out the way I suspected, it would give us an edge we sorely needed.
Leaving my room, I heard Ravi call out from the front room, “This is probably the only time I’ve been pissed that we have to dress the same.” Both my brothers were already ready and waiting by the couch, both of them in the same suit, shoes, shirt, cufflinks, and hairstyle as mine.
Even though I was the obvious choice to escort her tonight, being that this was my forte, my brothers disagreed. Unsurprisingly, they had argued with me until they were blue in the face, so we came up with a “fair” solution.
I would have the first hour to do what Ravi called “the boring stuff,” then we would switch out, each of us getting an hour with her while the other two hid in the blacked out car with an earpiece. I loved my brothers, so while the plan was more on the risky side of the line than I liked, I had to admit I would have fought for the same deal if our roles were reversed.
“Next time, can you add a pop of color somewhere? Like your socks or the tie?” Ravi looked down, wrinkling his nose at the outfit for the second time. “I mean, Ri, it's just—” Roux hit Ravi, his eyes wider than I’d ever seen in my life.
Swirling around to see what had my brother so shaken, I was struck blind when my eyes connected with our silver goddess. Rin looked stunning. She made my overactive mind trip over itself, sputtering like an idiot when her delectable thigh peeked out from the gown’s slit as she walked toward us.
Ravi’s jaw dropped like a cartoon character. “Holy. Shit. Rin, you look fucking divine!” He walked over, circling her so his eyes could devour her. Her cheeks were getting a nice flush, but she shrugged, trying to play it cool. That just made her more alluring.
She looked like she was dipped in silver, the dress fitting her like a second skin. Coming off the shoulders, her breasts were cupped in the front with a V cut down to her sternum. Once the fabric hit her pubic bone, it cascaded down around her. A slit ran up the right side to mid thigh. What made this dress glow was the various jewels and beads that covered her breasts, cascading down the front and flowing to the side with the slit. One side of her dress looked see-through where the jewels and beads didn't cover, but it was an illusion.
Ravi rested his hands on her waist before choking out, “Fuck. You're not wearing any underwear.”
She lifted her hand to cup his face as her lips grazed his ear, but her eyes flicked to Roux and me. “No, I’m not.”
This new information was not helping to rid me of my earlier problem.
Her ruby red shoes clicked their way up to me, then her hand ran down my chest while her eyes looked Roux up and down. Her voice became sultry, hitting a note that I hadn’t known she could make. “You boys clean up good. So tempting.”
“Oh fuck.” Ravi bit his knuckles as his eyes rolled back into his head, and I would say all three of us were feeling that way. Ravi stomped to the door, swinging it open and waving at us impatiently. “We need to leave, and we need to leave now .” His eyes carved their way into her hips as she walked past.
We all followed her like we were on leashes until Ravi closed the door behind us and yanked Roux and me back. “I think I made a mistake…” His eyes stayed glued to Rin’s ass as he scowled.
Roux growled, “It’s your fucking fault! Now, we’re going to have to beat men off her, especially those fucking Maxima bastards!”
While he wasn't wrong, I was confident in our skills, and in Rin. She had no interest in others, and the three of us were already quite a handful, I made sure of it. “Calm down,” I called out with ease, smoothing down the front of my tux. My eyes focused on Rin just as she looked back at me, smiling like she knew she was beautiful, and that made it worth any headaches we might have to deal with.
“It's the same as always, brothers. While they can fucking look at her all they want, we are the only ones that get to touch .” Smiling at Rin, I clenched my jaw. “But that is it. If they touch her, cut off their fingers. I’ll deal with the council and consequences later.”
Roux cracked his knuckles, while Ravi wore a special murderous smile. Good, all of us were in agreement. Rin was to remain glued to our sides, and since I was the first up, I needed to make sure the other members of Foedus all got the hint. If they didn’t, my brothers would surely make a splash.
Getting to the venue was a chore. There were several twisted back roads, a few remote-controlled gates, and a manned gate to reach the secluded venue Foedus owned. They had purchased this land in the middle of the forest a long time ago, subsequently building a mansion with a ballroom attached to the back end.
We parked in the large garage bay to the left. Every type of luxury car was inside this building, which made our blacked out Lexus GX look like the poor man's car. Uncle was not going to like that. He liked to show off how the Ambroses were the best, and that meant we only deserved the best—cars, furnishings, clothing brands, etc. I made sure to park in the far corner, hiding the right side of the car from the security camera’s view I'd already scouted out.
Tapping my phone, I pulled up the security feed I’d hacked into. “I’ve sent the link to both of your phones, as well as the guard schedule and a map of the secret hallways all over the mansion for emergencies. You should be able to get around without being seen.”
“Is this really necessary, guys?” Rin was looking out the window, but I saw her bite her lip in its reflection. “I mean, it's just a silly party. It's not worth you guys possibly getting caught just to dance with me.”
Ravi pushed his way to the center console. “No, my love. I’m not one of those guys who can sit at home twiddling my thumbs while my woman goes out looking like this. That's too much to ask.” His face softened, and he tucked some hair behind her ear. “Plus, this isn't the first time we’ve had to do something like this. It's going to be fine. Don’t worry. We got this.” She looked back at Roux, who nodded as he put in his earpiece.
“Let's go, Rin. People will talk if we’re too late.” I got out, circled the car to open her door, and held my hand out to her. My heart began pumping like crazy when she hooked her arm into mine, squeezing me before we walked through the connecting hallway. She was the only person in this world who could make me feel so much with just a touch.
“So, does this event follow an agenda?” Her pitch higher than normal, and her eyes bounced around, taking in the opulence of the space. Gold accents and marble tended to do that to people. Everything glittered and shined, with a lot of white everywhere like it could bleach the stains from our souls for the night. It was a throwback to the days of kings and queens, with everything being extravagant and overdone just for the sake of proclaiming one’s status.
“Someone on the council will say a few words, but this event is primarily an opportunity to network with the other families. Occasionally, you might have to work together on a job, and it's much easier to do that when you already know who you're going to be working with. It's also why the heirs and spares all go to college here.” It was Foedus’ failed attempt to make a bigger sort of “family.” The elder generations had quickly learned that just because you put us all together in a room, that didn’t mean we were going to like one another. Most of Foedus’ members were killers, after all, which could lead to some… testy situations. That was why rules had to be made.
Walking through the foyer and heading straight back to the ballroom, we saw a few people loitering outside. Everyone was dressed to the nines, but not a single soul could hold a candle to our Rin. She obviously stood out, and everyone was watching us like hawks.
“If something is on my face, can you make sure to tell me? I can’t tell if their looks are out of curiosity, or if I have something wrong going on.” Her body trembled, voice uneasy, and I tried to think of something to soothe her growing nerves.
Suppressing the smile she always seemed to elicit from me, I patted her hand. “Yes. I’ll let you know.”
She inhaled, looking around the grand ballroom when we entered. Seven large round tables sat beneath banners bearing the names of each family. This year, the Rose banner was red with gold stitching, different from previous years. Usually, it was blacked out, a sign that the family line was dead. The head family tables were arranged in a half-circle around a dance floor, claiming the prime space. Unlabeled tables were set up behind them. Those were for the family members that were connected but not a part of the top teams in the family.
We worked our way over to where the Rose and Ambros tables were placed, finding them next to each other. She looked up at me in question, and I motioned for her to sit at the Rose table. I helped her with her chair, leaning close for one more subtle inhale of her scent as I pushed her in. “I’ll get us drinks.”
“And I’ll people watch and come up with questions.” She smiled at me, and I had to remind myself not to fawn over her in front of these people. We needed to keep our interactions more on an ally track, not tipping any of them off to our romantic involvement. Earlier, we had warned her that we would be playing the overprotective brother role, and she’d laughed, saying that we were perfect for that.
Making my way to the bar, I nodded to a few familiar Feng members before putting in my order. A hand skimmed up my arm, then a sultry Latin voice cooed, “Ambros. Fancy seeing you here. You’re usually such a strict gentleman, never drinking at these events. Are you finally ready to let loose?” I slowly turned to see Leticia Garcia in all her glory. She was part of a sub-family of the Maximas, her mother being the sister to the head of the family, which was why she was always at events yet never at the head table.
Yanking my arm away, I growled, “Leticia,” letting my tone show that she was bothering me.
She just giggled, leaning up against the bar in her skin-tight red dress. Its thin straps dug into her shoulders, threatening to break under the weight of her large breasts on full display. She’d tried to fuck me more times than I could count, but her attitude made me sick to my stomach. Plus, I knew her game. She was just trying to find some seemingly powerful idiot to tie herself to so she could finally make it to a head table.
“Come now, don't tell me that Rose orphan is your type? I mean, she looks as basic as basic can get. No wonder her family was so desperate to leave her behind.” Her eyes flicked to Layrin, then back to me, as she cackled. The urge to grab her by the throat and slam her head into the bar was so strong my jaw clenched, but I needed to play the game… for now.
“No,” I replied with easy. “I’m just her mentor and helping her understand her place in the organization.” The bartender brought the two vodka tonics I ordered. Perfect timing. I was so close to losing it. Grabbing both drinks a bit roughly, I nodded to Leticia. “Have a good night.”
She wrapped her pointy nails around my waist, her hand resting too low for comfort. “You know where to find me if you get tired of babysitting.” Her hand grazed my dick, and it practically recoiled from her. I didn't know it could do that.
Pushing my way forward, I called out over my shoulder, “I don’t do desperate. You should know that by now.” Her eyes flash with rage as she stood there fuming. It felt good, putting her in her place for Rin and I returned to the table, handing her a drink.
She leaned over and whispered, “I know that we’re playing our parts today, but…” Her smile was wide as she looked around. “If you let her wrap her arms around you again, I think I'm going to carve out her eyes and give them to Roux as a present.”
Ravi’s laughter came out hard and fast in my ear. “Oh shit! I'm missing out on possessive Rin! But if Roux gets a present, I want a present, too.” Hearing only a puff of laughter from Roux, Ravi continued. “Also, bro, she’s right. I would never let no hoochie touch me.”
Looking at Rin, I answered Ravi. “It was Leticia.” Rin’s face scrunched up, but I tapped her palm, giving her the signal that I was really talking to my brothers. Since she’d undoubtedly have more eyes on her than we would, we hadn’t wanted to risk giving her an earpiece. Plus, she wasn’t used to paying attention to two conversations at once, and that could get challenging, especially when Ravi was on the other end of things. As it was, the night had barely started and I was already tempted to remind him this line was for emergencies only.
“Oooh. Yeaaah. I forgot about her. Last I heard, she was trying to get something going with one of the Feng boys.”
Ravi’s commentary wasn't helping, so I took a drink and faced Rin, who was balancing her chin in her hand, blinking up at me like she was waiting. Running my tongue along my teeth, I kept my voice low. “She is a nobody. She doesn't hold a candle to you.”
“Facts!”
I closed my eyes, finding it hard to have a conversation with Rin while Ravi kept commenting like he was present. “Please know that none of the women in here could ever have a chokehold on any of us like you do, so while I enjoy this bout of jealousy very much, there is no need for it.” My eyes landed on her lips, my body urging me to show her exactly what I meant. Losing myself to that carnal urge, my tongue swiping out as I leaned forward, about to blow our story just as someone saved me and plopped down next to Rin.
“Hey, Lay! Your dress is to fucking die for!” Cinzia leaned in, glaring at me as she said, loudly enough for the three of us to hear, “And this guy is the one who got it for you? He’s either a slimy charmer or gay. Either way, run for the hills.”
“What did that Ricci bitch say?!” Ravi screeched in my ear, making my fingers itch to dig the earpiece out and smash it under my foot. Taking a few breaths, I calmed myself down. This is our main way to communicate with each other. Don’t do something to jeopardize the night. I needed to resist the temptation to react to him because Ravi was a loud asshole, and if he didn't get to dance with Rin tonight, he was going to be even more insufferable.
Rin pinched Cinzia’s arm. “That wasn't very nice, Cin.”
Cinzia’s mouth dropped open, and I tilted my head, smirking at her. One brow raised in a clear sign of checkmate . My girl had taken my side today. “Hello to you too, Cinzia.”
She shut her mouth at the stern look on Rin’s face, glaring at me as she said, “Yeah. Hi, Ambros,” like she would rather swallow a bowl of nails than say those three words. She thought I didn’t feel the same? The difference was that I was playing the long game for Rin’s sake.
A clinking sound came through the speakers of the room, pulling everyone's attention forward. Maria was on the stage, smiling, the mic in her hand. “Welcome, family and friends! It has been so exciting to see your familiar faces and catch up with old friends.” Her gaze landed on Rin, and my blood ran cold. “I’m sure you’ve all noticed there’s no black tablecloth on the seventh family table. That is because we’ve been so blessed to have found the last remaining Rose heir.” Everyone's attention landed on Rin. Her back went straight as she looked up at Maria with a smile, but she couldn't hide the tremble of her hands from me.
“Layrin Rose has been tested, verified, and is going to take her rightful place, so I encourage you all to introduce yourself to our newest family member. Stand up, Layrin, so everyone can see you.” She motioned to Rin, whose smile tightened as she stood up. I looked around, catching each set of hungry eyes that landed on her, cataloging them for later.
She quickly sat back down, with Cinzia assuring her that she had done fine and they were jackoffs who weren’t worth worrying about. For once, I agreed with Cinzia Ricci.
“This means that tomorrow, at the naming ceremony, we will be calling forward two candidates. Now, please, everyone take your seats. Food will be served while you enjoy the exquisite modern rendition of La Bayadère by the world-renowned Russian Bolshoi ballet troupe.”
While leaving the stage, she eyed Cinzia, flicking her eyes to the Ricci table with a raised brow. We all knew what that meant. Ciniza looked at Rin, shoulders slumped as she said, “I have to eat dinner at my family table, but as soon as the food and entertainment are done, I’ll be right back here. Okay?”
Rin smiled, nodding to her. “Tell Luca and Elio I say hi.”
Cinzia rolled her eyes. “Yeah, sure.”
I settled down in my seat, watching the waiter come by with two plates, then I felt a hand land on my shoulder. A shudder ran down my back, and I knew who was standing behind me.
“Nephew, I have things to discuss with you. Ambros family things.” His eyes slid to Rin like a snake, his smile lewd and venomous. “Miss Rose, don't you clean up nice. You could be almost passable.” In my head, I begged her not to say anything, to just nod and let it go, but life didn't always work out how I wanted.
“Passable?”
His hand shoulder squeezed my shoulder in warning as he laughed. “Just passable enough to fuck and carry the Ambros seed.” I cringed on the inside, wishing I could take the steak knife from the table and stab him with it. “But like I said, almost . Don’t let yourself get any foul thoughts. Let's go, Nephew.” He leaned down, whispering for only me to hear, “Unless you want something bad to happen to the girl, get up and sit at our table like all of the other unruly kids.”
“Shit. Ri. Go .” Roux’s voice had me shaking my head before I looked up at Rin. Her small smile told me to leave, but her eyes were begging me to stay.
“Long game, brother.” Ravi’s calm voice broke me, and I got up, motioning for the waiter to place my plate on the Ambros table. “I know you feel like shit, but we can make it up to her later.”
Glancing at her sitting all alone, looking like someone with no one on their side, I felt terrible. I knew I needed to play the game, and she would understand that, but a deep feeling of wrongness filled my gut. I felt like a failure, unworthy of her. Too bad for her, I could never let her go. Worthy or not.