Ruin (Rhodes #1) by Rina Kent

                             “To the community.” All guests take a toast. Except for one.

                             He stares me down from the far end of the room, a dumb smirk on his lips.

                             The mini-orchestra goes back to playing a violin concerto when I turn to Tristan. “Why would you invite Hampton?”

                             He nods at a passing lady. “He’s a noble, I can’t exclude him.”

                             Dylan joins us, fetching a flute of champagne on the way. “I advised Tristan against it. Simon somehow knows that we killed his father.”

                             My cousin shrugs, his expression welcoming. “He can’t do anything about it.”

                             Tristan is right, our security is top-notch, to say the least. Yet, I still don’t like this.

                             ‘Please don’t tell me you’re thinking about killing him?’ Aunt’s yawn invades my mind.

                             ‘His father was a better opponent, and even he wasn’t exciting,’ Father says in a bored tone.

                             It depends...

                             I look over Dylan’s shoulders for Hampton. He guides a short-haired brunette with a firm hand on her naked back to the buffet section.

                             I abandon my flute of champagne. “Let me go entertain Hampton then.”

                             Dylan shakes his head, his eyes clouding with grey. “Don’t even think about continuing from last time.”

                             “I won’t. I’ll only play my role as an honourable host.”

                             It takes me several strides to get to Hampton and his date, who are picking smoked salmon parcels.

                             “Lord Hampton.” I stand in front of him. “Long time no see.”

                             He smirks, his yellowish teeth peek from underneath his thin upper lip. “I told you we would meet again, Your Lordship.”

                             I glance the brunette by his side, her icy blue eyes briefly meet mine before she goes back to nibbling at the salmon parcel in her hand.

                             “Will you introduce me to your companion?” I ask.

                             He puffs his chest forward. “Her name is Sophie. There’s nothing more you need to know about her.”

                             I hold Hampton’s determined eyes for a while then say, “Tristan wants to discuss the recent contract renewal with you.” I motion to where my cousin is conversing with a few associates. “Go on. Sophie will be in good hands.”

                             He peeks at her and doesn’t move until she gives him a slight nod.

                             Once his unimportant presence is out of sight, I extend my hand to the outside terrace. “Shall we?”

                             “It’s really nice to meet you, Your Lordship,” she says in the familiar sultry voice as we zoom out of the blinding lights and endless chatter.