Ruin (Rhodes #1) by Rina Kent

                             I smile. “Why would I do such a terrible thing?”

                             He narrows his eyes to slits. What was his name anyway? Sam, or something unimportant. His face reddens as he spits each word in a hiss. “I’ll get you, Rhodes! Don’t ever think that your power will stop me from digging up the truth! I’ll make you pay!”

                             I stifle a yawn at his cheesiness. The pig’s not even worth killing. And that says something. Not only I’m forced to come to this closed Noble Community banquet for the family’s name, but I also have to talk to the likes of him.

                             Slipping one hand in my pocket, I lean close, and whisper, “When you were begging me to renew the contract, someone was being cleaned out.” My smile grows when his lips part. “Do you wish to know how your father spat his last breaths? It was—”

                             “Aaron.” A low reprimanding voice calls from my side. I sway back to take the flute of champagne thrust in my face.

                             Fucking Dylan.

                             He’s about my height and built – though he likes to think he weighs more than me ever since we were in The Pit. His eyes appear kind, the rare case of central heterochromia makes them swim in both green and dark grey. Probably the only distinctive feature about his dull existence.

                             “I am sorry for interrupting you, gentlemen.” Dylan offers Sam-or-something his signature diplomatic smile. “I need to discuss a few things with my partner. I’m sure you understand that business matters can’t wait.”

                             “I’m well aware that you’re involved in the murder with them, Hart!” Hampton’s pig son points a finger at Dylan. “You can’t fool me.”

                             The radiant smile never leaves Dylan’s face. “Those are dangerous accusations, Lord Hampton. I will pretend I didn’t hear them considering your turbulent state and our families’ history.” He nods. “If you shall excuse us.”

                             The pig blocks our way. “I’m not done—”

                             My champagne flute spills on Sam-or-something’s waistcoat and dress shirt. The expensive material soaks in yellowish stains. I needed the prick to shut up. No matter how much I want to, I can’t punch him in the face in a place like this.

                             Face reddening, his jaw tightens and his fists clench by his side.

                             “Do it.” I mouth. “Hit. Me.”

                             Although he proved to be a failure of a noble, let’s see if he can at least control his reactions in public.

                             Dylan elbows me. Hard. His Olecranon a sharp stick to my side muscles.

                             Fucker.

                             “Miss,” Dylan calls the nearest waitress. “Please help Lord Hampton.”

                             I inch closer to Hampton’s son, pretending to offer him a napkin. “Your father betrayed us. See that you learn from his mistakes.”

                             His eyes almost bulge out, like he’s seeing his father’s ghost. He opens his mouth, but closes it again when the waitress scurries over with a tray of cleaning supplies. Dylan and I seize the chance to leave him.