Crowed (Team Zero #2) - Rina Kent Page 0,61

the gate and is waiting upstairs.”

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.”

“Allow me to compliment the architectural style of the Rhodes estate, Your Lordship,” he says, his nose pinching up. It’s round and flat, comparable to a pig’s rather than a human’s. “It’s beyond anything I’ve seen.”

“You make my ancestors proud.” The estate was built for one aim and one aim only: intimidation.

Hampton clears his throat, his lips twitching. “I gather you know I’m here for the contract renewal. My family would love to continue as the exclusive shipping company of the electronics’ branch of your conglomerate.”

“Here’s the situation.” My voice deepens. “I, for my part, would renew for your long-term loyalty to my family and our noble community connections.” — I would not. Emptying him of his blood like I did his father is a more tantalising idea — “However, Tristan and Dylan treat the affairs as profit only. Unless you convince me that your company can offer us what others can’t, I am afraid we will have no future exchanges.”

I feign interest at his mumbles of better offers, newer equipment, and what-the-fuck-ever that almost bleeds my ears. The hopelessness of his situation shows through his unbalanced voice and the constant wiping of sweat on his forehead. The Hamptons are dangling by a fine thread. Tristan has driven them to the edge where only we could catch them — or let them crush to pieces.

My phone vibrates. Offering another fake smile, I check the text.

Tristan — Renew the contract.

That’s it. I’ll turn Hampton down just to piss Tristan off.

My phone vibrates again.

Tristan — Do me a favour and renew the contract.

Tristan — Bastard.

Tucking my phone back in my pocket, I smile at Hampton who’s been watching me with desperate anxious eyes. What type of noble is he if he can’t conceal his emotions? Such a failure. At least his father was interesting at the beginning.

“You convinced me, Mr Hampton. We shall renew after our lawyers review the contract.”

His face brightens with a grin as he shakes my hand. “My father will be thrilled. I can’t wait to tell him the news.”

I smile, genuinely this time. “I’m curious to see how that works out.”

*****

Tiny