21. Huxley #2
Mack deflates, instantly straightening his bowtie with determination. “Fine,” he grumbles, being reasonable for once. “I’m only being a good boy so we don’t have to go on a run. I’m tired.” He sags a little more, and I know exactly what he’s saying.
He’s tired of this life. Tired of going on gun runs or whatever else Franco has us do to keep busy. He’s tired of water polo practices, which he’s been thrown into twice a day. He’s tired of…everything.
But he’s not the only one.
JJ and I share a look.
“We’ll grab some beers from home later. Maybe go down to the gym?” Mack’s entire face lights up at the prospect of pummeling a punching bag, and he nods. “Okay then. We have to make it through all this bullshit, though.” I scrunch my nose when the crowd claps and laughs again.
“Maybe we can cut out early. It’s not like we’re really that needed,” JJ murmurs, taking a small sip of his drink until it’s finished. “Or not…”
The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end when JJ’s eyes drift behind me, sparkling with a warning. An ominous presence envelops me and nearly takes my breath away. It can only mean one thing.
Fucking Franco has arrived to mingle.
“Ah! There are my boys.” My body instantly stiffens when a hand lands on my shoulder, gently squeezing with a laugh. “Preston, you remember my sons?” Franco asks, directing our attention to the man standing beside him.
Preston Devalle. Amanda’s father.
The fuckers ruining my future. Goddamn it.
I try to hold the scowl, wanting to take over my face. So instead, I paste a smile, aiming it at both of them. “Mr. Devalle, it’s nice to see you again.”
Not. But fake it till you make it, right?
I shake his overly tanned, wrinkled hand, which holds steady, until we both pull back and examine one another with a critical eye. Me, more than him. His gaze eats away at me like that cat that got the cream. I’m in his grasp. Whatever he and Franco have decided upon, he thinks it’s set in stone.
Preston Devalle stands tall in a black suit, fitted with a small black bow tie, and a white undershirt.
He’s prim and proper with his nose in the air and a fake smile crossing his lips.
Sometimes I can’t tell if he’s actually happy to have Amanda out of his hands and into mine.
Or if he’s got an ulterior motive for it all.
I’m placing my bets on ulterior motives, for sure. That’s how they all operate. Every politician. Every CEO. Every Mafia and gang leader.
And whatever he sees in me has his lips twitching and something unexplained sparkling in his eyes.
“Huxley,” he says in return, dipping his head in acknowledgment.
His graying hair doesn’t move an inch as he does the motion.
“It’s good to see you boys again. Franco’s been keeping me up to date on wedding plans with my darling Amanda.
I’ve been away on business for a few weeks.
” My heart drops into my ass at the mention of her.
I haven’t caught a glimpse of her in the crowd yet.
Thank fucking God.
But I feel her presence. Somewhere. The monster will come. I know it.
“I’m honored.” I nearly puke in my mouth, but I hold a steady grin, masking all the mixed emotions swirling inside me.
“Yes! We’re all honored to make this union happen,” Franco’s chuckle bellows above the crowd’s noise.
Preston laughs, fixing the cuffs on his suit. “Yes. Yes. It’ll be a beautiful ceremony. Amanda has filled me in on all the planning.”
Planning? Well, that’s news to me.
I flick my gaze to Franco, who smirks at me.
It seems to me that he should be the one marrying her instead of me.
He seems to want her more than I fucking do.
Lord knows I can’t stand the girl. And wouldn’t that work out fine?
Her and him. She’d get to be the evil queen she wants to be, and Franco would get the alliance he needs. A win-win for them. And for me.
“Yes. The planning seems to be coming along nicely, Preston. We’re all thrilled for the union,” Franco answers for me quickly without giving me a chance.
Preston smiles, his eyes dancing across the space. “If you’ll excuse me, gentlemen. I’ll catch up with you later.” With that, Preston walks away, heading through the crowd and disappearing completely.
“Your newest members seem to be eager to walk across that stage and fully induct themselves into the Syndicate,” Franco remarks, cocking his head.
“You did well this time around, boys. Big fish were caught. Good members were secured in the trials. I’m proud to say we finally have recruits after two years of no results.
” There’s a sense of pride in his puffed-up chest. He tips his drink to us and throws the contents down his throat, and he smacks his lips together with a satisfied hum and then smiles.
“Their parents are in attendance tonight.”
“I’m sure they’re proud,” JJ says without any emotion in his voice.
“So proud,” Mack slightly slurs, earning a sharp glare from Franco.
Dumbass.
“And the rest of the people?”
Franco brightens. “Ah, you noticed.” His eyes peer around the room. “I’ve decided on a new protocol this year. This time, I’ve invited the parents of your new recruit wannabes, as well.”