Since 1998

Chapter 18

The next day, Allison finally wore her mother down. Lauren agreed to let Devin and Sam come over for dinner.

The Ainsley dining room was a museum. High ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and silver that probably cost more than Devin’s entire beach house.

Alex sat at the head of the table, cutting his food in a heavy, tense silence.

Across from him, Devin and Sam gripped their forks like they were weapons.

"So," Alex said, his eyes locking onto them. "You’re the boys who’ve been taking up all of my daughter’s time."

Sam almost choked on a piece of steak. He tried to play it cool, swallowing hard. "Well, Mr. Ainsley—"

"Choose your next words very carefully," Alex cut him off.

Lauren’s knuckles were white as she gripped the edge of the table. She leaned forward, her voice a desperate whisper. "Boys, please. Don’t be shy. Eat." Oh my God, Alex is doing it again.

Anna caught Sam’s eye and gave him a tiny, warning shake of her head. She stayed quiet, refusing to give Alex a reason to snap. But watching Sam sweat was almost enough to make her laugh.

The silence was cruel. It was the kind of quiet that made it hard to breathe. When Sam’s fork made a tiny clink against his plate, it sounded like a gunshot.

Devin sat like a statue. He stared at a point just past Alex’s shoulder, refusing to blink, refusing to be the first one to look away.

Alex slowly set his silverware down. The metal rang against the gilded plate, a final, chilling sound. He leaned back, looking at them with total disappointment.

"Good heavens," Alex said, his voice as sharp as a blade. "Looking at your faces, one would think someone had actually died."

He pushed his plate away, the expensive steak barely touched.

"I'm done. I’ve lost my appetite."

The temperature in the room seemed to drop ten degrees.

Lauren’s hand flew to her throat. Allison felt a wave of heat crawl up her neck, half shame, half rage. But she stayed silent. Her father's presence was like a heavy stone.

Alex stood up without waiting for anyone to speak. He straightened his blazer, not even glancing at them. "Enjoy the rest of the silence, boys. It seems to be the only thing you’re actually good at."

He turned and walked out, leaving nothing but shattered nerves and a pile of cold, expensive food behind him.

The second the door closed, Devin and Sam let out the breath they’d been holding for an hour.

"I'm so sorry," Allison whispered as they shuffled out of the room. "I never should have asked you to come."

Lauren appeared behind them, her face tight. "Boys, please... forgive my husband. He’s just... protective."

Sam nodded politely until they hit the front porch. The second the heavy front doors shut and they were away from those suffocating walls, he lost it. He burst into laugher.

Anna followed, her giggles turning into full-on hysterics.

"Did you see his face?" Sam gasped, clutching his stomach. "Choose your next words carefully." My knees were like they were losing their strength."

Even Devin cracked a smile. Allison felt a laugh break free from her chest.

Months later, the city lights blurred into long, neon streaks against the windows of the black sedan.

Daniel sat in the back beside Rafael, watching the world pass by.

"School starts tomorrow," Rafael said, glancing at him through the rearview mirror. "No excitement for the big day?"

Daniel let out a dry, short laugh. "Excited? The Ainsleys own that place. It’s a breeding ground for brats and bullies who think their last name makes them invincible. It’s a waste of time."

"Maybe. But an heir needs an education, Daniel. You can't run the family on instincts alone."

"Fine. I’ll go," Daniel said, his voice dropping into something darker. "But I’m not going there to study. I’m going there to hunt. How’s that for an extracurricular?"

Rafael chuckled, the sound low and rough. "So you're turning a prestigious university into your own personal playground?"

"Just a playground for kids," Daniel replied. "My head is already miles ahead of anyone in those classrooms."

"What about the Ainsley girl? She’s probably enrolled, too."

Daniel leaned back into the leather seat. "I can’t wait to see her throw a tantrum in her father’s hallway. That’ll be the highlight of my week."

"You’re really set on putting her through hell, aren't you?" Rafael shook his head. "You haven’t even seen her in years. What if she’s actually... impressive?"

"The last time I saw her six years ago, she was a sobbing mess," Daniel said, a smirk tugging at his mouth. "Tears and weakness. That’s all she is."

"Bro, she was a kid then. Six years is a long time for a girl to grow up. I’m actually curious to see what she looks like now."

"I’m not. And I don’t care," Daniel lied, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.

Rafael paused for a second, his tone shifting. "Wait... is there someone else? Some girl you’re actually waiting for?"

"No one."

"Well," Rafael sighed, "I hope you find one. Life’s short in our line of work."

"I don’t have time for that," Daniel snapped. "I’m busy making myself strong. A perfect assassin, just like you."

The sedan slowed as they reached the heavy, reinforced steel gates of the compound. As the gates hummed open, the headlights swept over a dozen men standing in the shadows.

They wore sharp, black suits, their hands folded in front of them, heads bowing slightly as the car rolled past.

There was no need for introductions. The way the air went cold when Rafael stepped out told the whole story. He wasn't just a friend or a mentor; he was the man the city feared.