Page 58 of Hiding In the Dark (The Righteous 4)
“Well, come on in. Some are in the kitchen, others are still getting ready, but we should still be on time for dinner.” Trev stepped out of the way for the three to make their way into the hallway.
“It smells amazing in here,” Ashley said, then gave Kes a sharp poke with her elbow.
Kes rolled his eyes but cleared his throat. “Yes, it really does. Thank you for inviting us to dinner.”
“Hmm, you’re still a terrible liar, but at least you brought two enjoyable guests,” Trev said, giving Zumi a wink as she snickered.
J.J. and Simone ran toward the kitchen as Sally called out that the hors d’oeuvres were served. J.J.’s feet skidded to a halt, and Simone almost collided with him as he looked Zumi up and down. She crossed her arms and stared back like she dared him to make a rude remark.
The corner of Trev’s mouth turned up as J.J. smoothed the front of his shirt and fixed the Christmas suspenders he was sporting before he raised his chin and held out his hand. “Hi, I’m J.J., do you want some or-herves?” J.J. asked, and Zumi smiled.
“I think you mean hors d'oeuvres,” she answered as she shook his hand.
“Meh, my word is better,” he said, and then he yanked on her arm as he took off running. He was practically dragging Zumi behind him.
“I’ll be a monkey’s uncle,” Arek said as he sauntered down the hallway. ‘This should be interesting,’ he thought as Arek opened his mouth again. “Well, if it isn’t Bird Boy.”
“Don’t call me that, Arek,” Kes warned, his voice low and threatening as the two stared one another up and down like two prizefighters might.
Trev cupped Ashley’s elbow and very gently pulled her away from Kes’s side. Confusion crossed her face as she looked up at him, but he didn’t offer an explanation. She’d find out soon enough. Arek and Kes had always had a special relationship. It was much akin to a powder keg and a match.
“You’re just as crusty as ever, I see.” Arek rolled his eyes as he struggled to get the button done up on his sleeve. “I’d say you need to get laid, but it looks like that’s not helping improve your sunny disposition either. Then again, maybe she’s smart enough to hold out. I mean, I don’t know anyone that would willingly want to touch your snake-bitten ass.” Arek crossed his arms and gave Ashley a flirtatious wink. Trev knew he was doing it solely to get under Kes’s skin, and it definitely had the effect he was gunning for.
Kes practically growled as he took a step in Arek’s direction. “And you have just as big of a mouth as ever, you arrogant dick.”
“At least I have one. Has yours rotted off yet from living on the streets like a rat?” Arek matched the aggressive step toward Kes.
“Has anyone sacrificed their life for you recently?” Kes bit out, taking another step closer, and Arek’s nostrils flared with rage.
“I don’t know. Have you crashed and left anyone to die lately? How are you sleeping at night?”
“About as well as you, I’m sure.”
“Ringo screaming your name still dancing in your mind?”
Arek balled his fists, and Trev could feel the breaking pointing coming. The tension was thick in the air.
“You would bring that up, you son of a bitch,” Kes roared and leaped at Arek.
The two men rolled backward into the living room like a pair of bears, their fists flying.
“Oh my god,” Ashley gasped and covered her mouth as Arek cracked Kes across the face with a right hook, only to be flipped onto his back and receive the same treatment.
“Come, Ashley. I’ll take you to meet the others and show you around while they sort this out.” Trev gave her a gentle tug to guide her from the hallway, her expression one of wide-eyed alarm.
“But, will they be okay?”
Trev glanced at the two as they tumbled across the room and smashed into the living room table, sending everything crashing to the floor with a wild, animal yell.
“Yes, this is foreplay for them.”
“Oh, okay,” Ashley said as he led her into the kitchen.
“Can we go watch, Uncle Trev?” J.J. asked a little too enthusiastically as more crashing and yelling could be heard.
Trev sighed as he shook his head. No, he should’ve known there wasn’t any point in telling Arek to behave himself. That always backfired. Who was he kidding? They were always going to do this, no matter what.
Kes winced as he took a sip of his wine and the split in his lip screamed. Fucking Arek and his big fucking mouth.
