Page 3 of Wicked Lord

Tate’s cheeks were so red they matched her flaming hair. “So nice to meet you, Brock,” she purred.

I took a long gulp of the champagne, finishing it off in one go, then reached for Brock’s flute. If he expected me to suck him off in the men’s bathroom, I needed to at least be tipsy.

“Are you quite ready?” he hissed, that look of disapproval reminding me way too much of my father’s.

I downed the rest of the champagne and shot him a cheeky grin. “Yup.”

Brock laced his arm through mine, jerking me into his side a little more roughly than was necessary, if you asked me. As he drew me away from Tate without so much as a goodbye, I whirled back around and waggled my fingers at my friend.

She tossed me an envious smile, and I convinced myself this would all be worth it. I would be the great Mrs. Haversham, and I’d be wealthy beyond my wildest dreams. Everything would be fine. It had to be.

When we reached the ladies’ bathroom, Brock’s head swung up and down the quiet corridor. Once he was convinced it was clear, he dragged me inside and locked the door. My heart hammered against my ribs at the cruel gleam in his eye as he stalked toward me.

I staggered back a step and hit the vanity.

“Now, turn around and bend over, so I can fuck that naughty streak right out of you, Lorelei. You need to understand how this relationship will work from day one…”

CHAPTER 2

ONE STUPID MISTAKE

Axel

Screams echoed off the bluffs, cutting through the classical music and chatter from Copper Cove’s high society. Of course, no one else heard the wailing.

No one else was haunted.

They continued sipping their overpriced cocktails inside the mansion and out on the patio, delicate lanterns and tea lights creating a soft glow against the harsh darkness.

A nightmare didn’t greet them when they looked over the edge into the churning waters below. Only me.

But I deserved it, didn’t I?

The cool summer breeze drifting from the sea tossed my dark blond hair and seeped through the layers of finery I’d love to rip off. I pulled at the bow tie as it strangled me. Or were those the hands of a furious phantom come to take his revenge?

That night never left me. It always skulked in the back of my mind, hidden with laughter and jokes. One day, I’d have to face the consequences.

One stupid mistake—a careless decision—nearly cost me everything.

“You’re not one to usually hide at these events, Vanderhart.” Gage appeared beside me, passing over a glass of scotch while keeping one for himself. “Are you planning an escape? If so, I want in.”

Gage Van Horn hated everything about high society but, like most of us, he was born into it and couldn’t escape. Not even the piercings, tattoos, and purple hair got him off the hook.

“Just taking a break from charming all the widows.” I winked and lifted the glass to my lips to take a deep sip, the alcohol burning my throat.

His dark gaze drilled into me, seeing past all my bullshit, just like he always did. “Don’t let it eat at you, man.”

I sighed and turned toward the ocean again. If it weren’t for Gage, Slate, and Killian, this shit would have destroyed me. They kept me from self-destructing that year. And the brotherhood kept me out of prison.

The spark of a lighter echoed moments before smoke floated toward the bluff. “Didn’t we talk about this, Van Horn? I thought you were quitting.”

A cigarette hung from Gage’s pierced lip as he glared. “What are you, my mother? Let me slowly kill myself in peace.”

“What kind of a mother would I be if I let you do that?” The bastards all ragged on me for the overabundance of love and care I rained down on them. But I knew how much they truly needed and appreciated it.

Gage rolled his eyes, took one more drag, and flicked the cherry out. “Happy?”

“For now.” I grinned and ruffled his purple hair, screwing up his fauxhawk. “I’d be even happier if you found a hot chick to take home. Maybe she’d wipe that constant frown off your face.”