Ruin (Rhodes #1) by Rina Kent

                             I nod. “Clean it up.”

                             Father’s yawn invades my mind, his voice a shred of the woods. ‘That was boring, Aaron.’

                             ‘We expected more blood,’ says Aunt, her tone like a scentless anemone.

                             It’s mostly Father and Aunt banging inside my head. Mother’s lavender-scented voice is rather rare.

                             The walk through the dark corridors soothes me. The old grey walls murmur a compelling tune— or perhaps they only mirror the voices in my head; a long humming of thunderous nights. Aunt’s favourite song.

                             I climb the stairs to the estate’s Northern Wing when my phone vibrates.

                             A text from my cousin.

                             Tristan— Don’t reject Hampton’s contract renewal before I get back to you.

                             The bastard did it again.

                             Me— I don’t take orders.

                             Tristan— Do me a favour and don’t reject Hampton’s contract renewal before I get back to you.

                             That’s more like it.

                             Me— He has been waiting for some time.

                             The reply is almost immediate.

                             Tristan— Try to delay him as long as possible. Converse. Do your thing. There has been a change in the market and I need to make sure of the circumstances.

                             I thrust the phone in my pocket and stand in front of the main hall’s mirror, scrutinising my grey suit for bloodstains.

                             My gaze flicks to tall portraits of my ancestors, decorating the walls of the Grand Hall. Only one person has my attention: Uncle Alexander.

                             Despite the dark features he passed down to Tristan, Uncle’s always been the light in this estate.

                             Since he’s gone with the rest of our family, this place – as well as my existence – has been a cemetery.

                             For that reason, I agreed to help Tristan. While I deserve the darkness, Uncle’s soul never did.

                             I straighten my tie and push the double doors to the conference room.

                             Hampton Junior appears like a dwarf in the midst of the gigantic space. His gaze roams around the room: inspecting the high ceiling crowded with chandeliers, the table fit for fifty people, and the luxurious furniture in every corner.

                             “Mr Hampton.” I offer my hand and smile. “I apologise for making you wait.”

                             “It’s all right.” He stands up, smiles, and shakes my hand longer than I like. “I’m thankful you agreed to meet me on such short notice, Your Lordship.”

                             “Absolutely, and please, Aaron is just fine. There is no need for titles in business setting.” I motion to the sofa near the fireplace. “Please take a seat.”