Page 73 of Empress of Ruin
I pull out Lyra’s seat for her. I’d have her on my lap if I could, but I don’t think Raegan would appreciate the covert PDA. Besides, as much as I love having her as close as physically possible, I need to keep eyes on Carter. I appreciate himalmostcalling me a friend, but the jury’s still out on whether he’s become an enemy.
Me trying to pull him into the Eyes is one thing. Him fucking around with them on the side is another. Is he planning on joining or just doing some light business with them? And what in the actualfuckis Annalise doing here?
Raegan makes small-talk with Carter and me idly throughout the dinner, largely aided by her husband’s easy going and welcoming conversation starters. He knows how to avoid unpleasant topics and instead steer toward light discussion regarding things as mundane as weather, yet somehow make them engaging. No wonder Raegan married him; he seems to balance her out perfectly.
It's onlyafterthe dinner that I’m invited to Raegan’s study to discuss business. Unfortunately, Carter is invited, as well. This could easily turn into a blood bath—Carter is famous for killing people who irritate him—but I don’t get the sense it will. He was as respectful of Raegan as he’s capable of during dinner. That has to count for something.
“Killian, I’m sure you’re aware our group has been courting Carter for some time,” Raegan says once we’ve poured night caps and taken seats around a grand fireplace. “It sounds as if you’ve been doing the same.”
I’m not sure if I’d call unconventional methods such asthreatsandbribescourting, but I’m not going to correct her. “Correct,” I drawl, glancing at him. “I’m so glad you’re considering it.”
“Difficult not to,” he says idly. “The benefits are… considerable.”
What thehellhas he gotten into that makes joining the Eyes seem like a good idea? I know he’s been expanding his business dealings on an international scale. Could he want the Eyes to help him with some conflicts he’s run into?
“Mm.” I nod. “They are, indeed.”
“Killian, dear. I believe you came here tonight with the hopes of talking to me regarding the upcoming tribunal.”
What thefuck? Raegan is discussing this in front of an outsider? What the hell is her play here? That’s breakingallof the unspoken rules of the Eyes. It’s an offense punishable bydeath.
“Raegan,” I murmur. “Is it wise to be discussing this now?” Is she trying to get both of us killed by discussing internal Eyes business so freely?
“One of Carter’s concerns in joining is our handling of your case.” Raegan offers me a thin smile. “He’s worried that such conflict is routine, and that we might inhibit his dealings rather than accelerate them.”
“I’m also worried that all of you are chasing me so hard, it’s like you want to drop to your knees and take turns sucking my cock,” Carter quips. I barely hide a wince. He’ll get himself killed saying shit like that.
“Performing fellatio for anyone who isn’t my husband is not on my to-do list,” Raegan says, still maintaining her thin smile. “But, rest assured that such internal conflicts are rare. When they do arise, they’re dealt with fairly.”
Carter rolls his eyes. “Please. You’re more corrupt than politicians. I expect there’s nothingfairabout how that cute little tribunal will be handled. So, allow me to make something clear.” He leans forward. “I won’t even consider joining your organization if your tribunal ends with any harm coming to Killian.”
I raise my eyebrows. This favor he’s doing me is not going to come cheap. He’ll expect my eternal loyalty in return for this, which might cause problems down the line. If it keeps me alive, though…
Raegan looks at me. “You’ll have my vote.” She glances at Carter. “But my vote is one amongfive. I believe Killian already has another. Still, he requires one more, and that is outside my influence.”
“You better make it inside your influence.” Carter stands and buttons his blazer. “Otherwise, I’ll declare war. Now, if you’ll please excuse me, I’d like to get back to my girlfriend.” He leaves after dropping that bomb.
How he escalated from stalking Anna to dating her and parading her about in a matter of weeks is beyond me. I usually wouldn’t care, except for the fact that this will stress Lyra, and I’d prefer to minimize stress in her life. I’ve certainly already brought her enough of it.
“Some friends you have,” Raegan comments.
I knock back my whiskey, releasing a dark chuckle. “You can say that again.”
Lyra
Anna pulls me away from the dining room as soon as it’s socially acceptable, and into some sort of ridiculously lavish but somewhat privatesitting room, tucked into a corner of the home.
"What—the—fuck,” she hisses at me. She grabs my left hand and holds up my engagement ring, staring at it like it’s a monster that’s about to rise from the underworld and devour her. I barely hide a grimace. “Lyra—I don’t even—”
“What areyoudoing here with CarterBlack?” I hiss. “He’sorganized crime, Anna. As in, Family with a capital F—except he doesn’t have a family. He’s bad fucking news.”
Anna gives a short, derisive laugh. “And Killian King?” she prompts. “The golden boy philanthropist who isn’tactuallyso golden? You drop off the face of the earth, then you return andmove in with him, and a fewweekslater, you’re engaged?”
“It’s complicated,” I say through gritted teeth. “We…”
“Your explanation when I saw you at the restaurant was half-assed.” Anna takes me by the shoulders. “Lyra,what’s going on?Do you… do you need help?”
“No,” I answer quickly.Tooquickly. I don’t need help… because I’m not trying to leave anymore. Not really. “Look, I can’t tell you a lot. Killian’s into some deep shit, and through a few twists and turns, I got pulled into deep shit as well. He’s done nothing but protected me from it, and along the way… something formed between us.” It’s only as I say the words that I feel the truth of them. Thereissomething between me and Killian. Something that isn’t hate or disdain. It's been there for a while, but it breached the surface the night when he let me take photos and videos of him in anextremelycompromising position.
