The Fortunates (Unfortunate #2) - Skyla Madi Page 0,74

his body around his wife as people screamed and dipped low. The manor fell silent and Kade exchanged nervous glances with everyone in the room. Were they caught? Was it game over?

“Was that a—”

“Gun.” He nodded, seemingly breathless. “Yeah.”

Kade waited in the silence, expecting moderators to storm the room and hold them all at gunpoint. They didn’t. Instead, one by one, the Fortunates in the room stood up straight as something outside of the door piqued their interest. Unfortunates remained in their positions, keeping to themselves like they always did.

“Did that get your attention?” Vince shouted, his haunting voice cutting through the air. “Helloo? It’s like I’m talking to myself out here.”

“Vince?” Gasping, Anna dug her fingers into his arm. “He’s crazy.”

Kade wondered how long it took for her to figure that one out. Since Michael’s death, Vince had been slowly but surely spiralling out of control. There was no one to keep him in check, no one he feared like he feared Michael.

Until now.

Enough was enough.

Kade let go of Anna and watched as John Milano pushed his way toward the door, where the gentleman’s room met the foyer. He glanced over his shoulder at Kaden and even though he was fifteen metres away, Kade could see John’s concern. Pulling Anna to her feet, Kade demanded she go upstairs and wait for him.

“Without you?” she asked, snagging his arm as he attempted to step away. “No.”

Growling, he tucked her behind his back and squeezed his way to the foyer. As Kade stepped out from behind the door, he came face to face with Vince.

Vince grinned wickedly, causing blood to trickle from the deep scratches that sliced across his cheekbone. “Ah, there you are.” He waved his gun, beckoning him forward. “Come, look.”

The overdressed Fortunates in front of him parted, exposing the crying Unfortunate at Vince’s feet.

Portia.

She held her face in her hands while she sobbed and Kade visibly flinched at the sight of her slender shoulders as they shook with fear and pain. His heart sped up in its tempo, pounding faster than it ever has.

“Portia…” Anna gasped as she stepped out from behind him.

Kade tried to block her way, but she forced herself in front of him and marched into the circle. Vince lifted his gun and pointed it at Anna’s face. His muscles clenched. And she called Vince crazy?

“Look who it is. The defender of scum.”

Kade snapped forward, snatching Anna’s wrist in his hand. She tried to shrug him off, but he wouldn’t let her go.

“You have no right,” she shouted, giving up her fight to shake him off.

“No right?” Vince turned the handgun on himself, pointing it at his cheek. “Have you seen my face? She put her filthy, Unfortunate hands on me.”

“I’d bet my life you put yours on her first.”

He shrugs, adjusting his black two-button jacket. “Details.”

Portia peered up from her hands and her swollen eyes twisted his heart. Her warm, umber cheeks were wet with tears. How could Vince be so cruel? So…defective? Portia was the reason their bellies were filled with food whenever their father went away. She organised and catered every meal at every party and even oversaw the kitchens at the other houses when large events were hosted. Did he love anyone? Anything? Did he not know attachment? Would he kill his own mother if he was given the chance?

“Vince, please,” Anna urged, her voice shaking with emotion. “I’m begging you…”

He flipped his gun and pointed the handle at Anna. “Kill her.”

“How much have you had to drink, Vincent?” John asked, his voice booming around his large foyer. He squeezed into the space beside Kade, worry and contempt etched into his hard features. “I think it’s time for you to go home, son.”

Vince shook his head, raking his hand through his hair. “I’m having way too much fun.”

On Kade’s left, Oliver pushed his way through the crowd, stopping in horror when he saw Portia on the floor. Kade watched him. He watched the way Oliver’s face flickered through all different kinds of emotions and then he looked at Portia, who stared back at Oliver, her eyes soft and content.

Them? A couple? How long had that gone on?

Surrendering, Oliver lowered his head. Kade frowned. How could he give up? Kade loved Anna so much that his heart would never let him throw in the towel. She’d die while Kade tried to save her, and he’d follow shortly after.

“I told you to kill her.”

Grunting, she snapped her hand forward and successfully freed it