Page 95 of Risk
“I do say, the thinly sliced radishes are a lovely touch.” Landon chimes.
Kerrington rubs his temples like he has a migraine. “When will any of you grow up?” He plucks a tomato out and eats it. “Pass the salt.” Once Gage hands it over, Ker growls, “I can’t believe how low Scarlet sank just now. I’m so disappointed in her.”
“Why?” Mason laughs. “We knew she’d do something.”
“Yeah, but damn.”
“I can’t believe Nicole did that on stage.” Landon shakes his head. “That’s probably gonna cost her, won’t it, Mase?”
“No price she can’t pay.”
I feel sick. “Is this normal behavior?”
“For these people?” Mason looks around as if assessing the room. “Yup.”
I can’t imagine growing up in a world where everything is so double-edged and poisonous. “I’m glad you’re out.” The minute the words leave my lips, I feel bad about it. This isn’t how life should be for anyone, but to say I’m happy that Mason has been disowned doesn’t feel right either. “I’m so sorry.”
“For what? You didn’t do anything.” Mason grabs my chair and slides it closer to him. “I like having you close to me.”
How much closer could I get?
A terrible idea pops into my head. Guess Mason’s not the only one feeling salty and rebellious tonight. And after seeing that stunt with Scarlett on stage, my fears about being Mason’s downfall have burned to ash.
Fuck these bitches.
With a quick shift, I sit on his lap. “This close enough?”
“Fuck me,” he says, banding his arms around my waist. “This is perfect.”
I stab his salad and feed it to him, hyperaware that people are looking at us.
“Way to command everyone’s attention, guys.” Landon shakes his head, grinning like a Cheshire cat. “Damn, Mase, your girl is as rebellious as you are.”
“I know,” he says, preening with pride.
“Incoming,” Kerrington coughs.
A flash of white appears in my periphery and the next thing I know Nicole sits in my chair. “Hi, Leah. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
We shake hands and I notice hers are freezing and trembling. “You were amazing up there.”
“Was I?” She presses the back of her hand to her cheeks. “Oh good, I felt like I looked like a bumbling fool. My face kept burning, and I was sweating like crazy.” She gawks at Mason. “But to see your mother’s face when I said what I said will forever be one of the top greatest moments of my life.” She blows out a breath and steals Landon’s drink. “I’ve never felt so powerful before.”
“You can feel like that whenever you want if you just break away a little more,” Mason encourages.
“Ugh, I don’t think I can handle it. I’d be unstoppable.”
“Can I have my drink back, please?” Landon pouts.
“No.” Nicole drains it. “Ew yuck, I hate bourbon.”
Landon scoffs. “Then why’d you drink it?”
“Because tonight’s the night, asshole. I’m feeling defiant and wild.” Nicole stands and smooths her dress down. “Oh, and just so you know, Jackson is pissed. He’s going around saying you’re a camgirl.” Nicole laughs like that’s crazy. “He’s so pathetic. I mean, come on. A camgirl? Mason would never.”
When no one laughs with her, she sobers up. “Oh my god. Are you serious?”
I’m so uncomfortable I try to get off Mason’s lap, but he pins me down. “Stay where you are, Princess.”