A Crown Of Smoke And Ash - Sloane Murphy Page 0,108

seem my son is more than a little infatuated by you. I am yet to work out why.”

His words are cutting, despite the smile on his face. No-one around us would have any idea that the man in front of me seemingly hates me.

“Well, I guess you now have the opportunity to find out for yourself. Though I can see where Kain got his looks, I assume he got his manners from his mother.” I raise an eyebrow at him, because if he thinks I’m going to cow to him just because of who he is, he has another thing coming. He doesn’t get to judge me or his son, when we’ve never even met before. “I prefer to judge people by the actions that I see of them, rather than on heresy.”

“Oh, she has fire.” He chuckles, but his grip tightens. “Regardless, a little fire is not enough to deserve the position my son has put you in. All I see is a traitorous Hunter whore, opening her legs for anyone who wants in. Maybe I’ll try for myself, see what all the fuss is about.”

I step back from him, releasing myself from his grip, no longer caring about the people around him. I clench my fists, restraining the urge to knock him on his ass.

“Is everything okay here?” Kain appears at my side while his father glares at me.

“We’re fine,” I grind out. “As for you. You can think what you like, but I am sure that both Ethan, and Kain, would be ashamed to have any sort of tie to someone who would say such things about someone they care about. Your opinion of me carries no weight with me, I couldn’t give a shit about the thoughts of a petty, jealous old man. But your sons deserve more.” I turn on my heel and head back to the table, finishing my glass of wine as I sit.

Kain stands with his father, heated words obviously being shared between them, when in a blink, Kain punches his father straight in the face. It’s as if the entire hall holds its breath as the crack wrings out. “Don’t you ever, ever, say such things again. You are lucky I put up with your presence for mother’s sake, but I will not bend on this. Get out of my sight.”

A path clears as Silas leaves the silent room, and Kain straightens his shirt. “Apologies ladies and gents, a slight disagreement. You’re all aware of what an ass my father is. Please, continue.”

The music starts again, and people go back to dancing and enjoying the revelry in the room, when Kain and Luc appear at my side.

“Wouldn’t be a party if the Michaels’ didn’t throw punches,” Luc laughs.

“I’m sorry,” I tell Kain. “I shouldn’t have let him get to me.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for, mon amour. He never should’ve been down here. My mother isn’t feeling well, and he was meant to stay with her tonight. He wouldn’t have bothered you if she had been here. He is a pest at best.” He strokes my cheek with his knuckles, and I lean into his touch. “Would you like to dance?”

I nod, and Luc joins us as the music turns into something more my speed. The modern song, that I have no idea what it’s called, drops, and the beat has my hips swaying before I can even think twice about it. I end up sandwiched between the two of them, dancing, and thoroughly letting loose. It’s been forever since I gave myself over to the music, so that’s exactly what I do.

After what feels like hours of dancing, the lights dim, and people start to filter out. I realize that a lot of people have already left.

“I haven’t had that much fun in forever.”

“Oh, ma chérie, the fun is only just beginning.” Kain’s eyes sparkle, and he nods to Luc who grins and leaves.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, we’ve got the afterparty. This is where the adults here really let loose. Not everyone comes to join us, but those that do thoroughly enjoy themselves.” His grin is wicked, before he pulls me close, not a breath of space between us, and he kisses me so thoroughly my head swims. The wine has already loosened me, so I don’t care anymore about the people watching, I just enjoy the feel of him on me.

“Come on,” he whispers against my lips, and takes my hand, pulling me from the hall. We