Page 108 of Delirium
“Casimir Lacroix,” he answered, grinning from ear to ear as he stopped in front of us. “It is nice to meet you, Ophelia.”
“I would say the pleasure is all mine, but I don’t think it will be.” I stepped next to Atlas and looked at him. “Who is he?”
“This is the man you guys know as Lars,” Atlas grumbled. “He’s Skylar’s—”
“Brother,” Casimir added. “I think you will be pleased with me when I give you a little gift of mine.”
“Which is?” I glared at him. I didn’t like him. I didn’t like his energy, or the fact that he seemed so full of himself.
It was in the way he held himself, the way he spoke, the way he observed us as if we were nothing more than pawns in his little game. Nikolai behaved in the same way, and I fucking hated it from the bottom of my soul.
“Reinforcements,” he added, just as an entire squadron of men dressed as a SWAT team ran toward us, heading straight for the hill. “You didn’t think you were the only ones going to this place?”
“No.” I shook my head. “But since I have no idea what your intentions are, I will hold on to the gratitude and elation. You must understand that.”
“Cut it, Cas,” Ash murmured as he came to stand next to me, glaring at the other man. “We already talked about this, man.”
“What?” Casimir grinned. “It’s funny seeing her assert herself like this. I like you, Ophelia,” he murmured. “I think we will be great friends.”
“I highly doubt so,” I responded, my eyes following the tactical team as they went up the hill. “I already have friends,” I told him, my gaze moving to him. “And to be one, you gotta deserve it first.”
“I think I’ll deserve it tonight after I save your lover boy from demise. You have no idea what you walked into.”
“Let me guess, you do?”
“I know more,” he said, proud of himself. “I know that Belladonna isn’t there right now, and neither is Judah. I also know that they knew you were coming, thanks to the little informant who keeps lingering around your house back in Santa Monica. But don’t worry,” he purred. “I took care of that as well.”
“Ivan?” I asked. “How did you—”
“I told you already,” he murmured, taking a step closer to me. “I know everything, darling. I also know your father would cut out my liver and feed it to me if I ever dared to do anything to you, so don’t worry,” he rumbled. “You’re safe.”
“Jeez, thanks?”
“Phee,” Atlas started. “Storm is calling for you.” I swiveled around as he mentioned Storm’s name. Completely ignoring the rest of the people, I took the radio from Atlas, turning on the button on the side to speak to Storm.
“Stormy,” I breathed out. “Are you okay?”
“Sunshine.” He chuckled. “I didn’t know we were getting reinforcements. Kinda late if you ask me, but helpful.”
“What happened?” I asked, leaning against the car. Fatigue was slowly taking over, but I’d be damned if I let it keel me over.
“I’ll tell you once I get down there, but, Sunshine,” he grumbled. “They aren’t here. Other things are… some of their plans, but they expected us to come. The guards were placed around the warehouse and they knew we were going to be here.”
“I figured as much,” I murmured. “I’m just glad you’re safe.”
“Me too.” He chuckled. “I’ll see you shortly. Stay there until I come to you. Don’t come here yet.”
“Okay,” I whispered, and let go of the button, staring down at the radio.
“Are they okay?” Cillian asked, coming closer to me. I looked over his shoulder at Casimir who wouldn’t stop looking at me.
“I don’t like that guy,” I mumbled, looking straight at Casimir. “There’s something off about him.”
“You’re going to like him even less when I tell you who he really is,” Cillian added, leaning on the car right next to me.
“Do tell,” I said. “Because I have a feeling that it isn’t anything pretty, even for my standards.”
“No, it’s not,” Cillian breathed out. “Casimir was the first son Skylar’s father had, but his family forced him to put the baby up for an adoption. Unfortunately for all of them, the real Order found Casimir.”
