Page 59 of Hiding In the Dark (The Righteous 4)
Ashley laughed beside him, and he glanced over to see her fully engrossed in a story that Cody and Renee were telling her. He had no idea what it was about—he’d tuned out most of the conversation—but he simply couldn’t remain angry with her around. Besides, it had been delightful teasing his beautiful doll all evening. Stroking her thigh had earned him a heated glance that would’ve melted his fucking panties off if he wore any.
The two women laughed again and began fawning all over Arek’s tiny spawn. Kes couldn’t believe that fucker was a dedicated father. He wasn’t sure if it pissed him off more or less that Arek had gotten his shit together before he did.
“Can I?” Ashley asked, the joy in her voice infectious.
“Of course, here.” Renee handed over the bundled-up little boy in the camo blanky, and Kes couldn’t stop staring at Ashley’s elated expression as she made that baby talk that only women seemed to know how to do naturally. Well, at least in his experience. He hadn’t seen his father even once treat him like he was anything other than the chosen sperm to take over the family billions.
Kes glanced up at Arek, whose eyes were glazed as they remained glued on his son. The stupid little smile on the guy’s bruised face had him wondering what it might be like to be a dad. It was a ridiculous notion—there was no way in any hell he was cut out to be a father, and yet, as Ash rocked the tiny boy, his heart seized for a beat in his chest. He blinked and looked away as the bitterness reached up and grabbed him from the dark reaches of his soul. His hand had clenched in his lap when Ash’s fingers slid down his arm, and his body relaxed.
“You okay?” she mouthed silently.
He tucked a stray piece of hair from her delicate updo behind her ear and stared into the sweet blue eyes that could wash away all his pain with just a look and nodded. She looked stunning in her red dress—the shimmering material clung to every curve and had a low, sweeping neckline that was driving him wild.
A loud crash followed by laughter had everyone turning to see the life-size Jenga game scattered on the floor. Kes smiled widely as Zumi laughed with the other two children. This was something she never got to do—to simply be a child, to not worry about a meal, to dress up and feel more than fear or responsibility. Ashley had taken it upon herself to go shopping and buy Zumi an outfit for dinner. When Zumi had seen the dark green dress and black patent shoes, he thought she was going to cry. He’d never seen her so excited.
Ashley laughed at a story Cody was telling, and he couldn’t stop staring at her. She was incredibly sweet and caring person who put everyone else first, and on top of that, she put up with the likes of him. He couldn’t wrap his head around why she was the one that ended up with this debilitating disease. Why not himself? He’d been a fucking prick most of his life—if anyone deserved to have that happen, it was him. She didn’t, she didn’t deserve any of it.
As if sensing he was in the middle of another mental self-destruction episode, Ashley turned her body slightly and leaned into him so her back touched his chest. He sighed and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. He wanted nothing more than to find a corner and curl up with her.
Kes could feel Trev’s eyes on him, and he looked up to lock eyes with the man that he respected more than anyone else on the planet, regardless of how much he liked to pull his chain. For all his perfection and arrogance, there was a kindness to Trev that most never saw. Kes cleared his throat and had to look away from the intense stare of the man as he gave him a small nod. It was so slight no one else would’ve picked up on it, but Kes could feel the emotion clogging his throat. Even though they were the same age, it always felt like Trev was so much older—he had this way about him that made everyone feel safe, and that as long as he was in charge, they’d all make it out alive.
“Well, everyone, if you don’t mind moving into the sitting area for coffee and dessert, I do need to steal Arek, Cody, and Kes for a few moments, but we won’t be long.” Trev stood from the table, and everyone followed suit.
* * *
Kes chuckled to himself as he stood from the table and gave Ashley a kiss on the cheek. “Well, that all seemed very Godfather-like,” Kes said as the door closed on the office. “Let’s all go to the office to discuss matters of death and destruction.”
“Well, I hope it doesn’t come to that,” Trev said as he leaned against his desk. “Would anyone like a drink?”
“Do you even have to ask?” Arek jumped up from the loveseat to retrieve his drink alongside Cody, but Kes waved off the offer.
“Alright, I wanted to make sure we spoke briefly as I’ve been hearing grumblings that the verdict could come down next week.”
“How do you know that?” Kes asked.
Trev smirked as he sipped his drink. “I have my ways. It would be best for you to know as little as possible. The point is that I need to make sure we are all ready to do our parts.”
“I’m ready whenever. I’ve already scoped out the route and hidden my supplies nearby for go time,” Kes said.
“Always the go-getter,” Arek said.
Before he could snipe back, Trev spoke. “Enough, Arek. You and Kes can cock fight another time, I’ll even buy you spiked collars for your dicks for the occasion, but right now, we need to focus.” Kes was shocked when Arek listened, even though it looked like he had to bite his tongue off to do it.
“I’m ready as well,” Arek said, crossing his arms.
“Are you sure that I can’t do anything to help?” Cody asked.
“No, you will be in the courtroom with me, and it will seem suspicious if you are not there when you’ve been by my side the entire trial. We will make sure to stay and keep the news people on us with a perfectly-scripted rant about the injustices of the court system and how they are sending an innocent woman to jail.”
“Are you that certain the verdict is going to come back guilty? I mean, can’t you bribe one of the jurors or something?” Kes asked.
“I could, but considering that whoever is behind this has been one step ahead of me, I don’t dare do what would seem the most likely. It would be easy to prove that I paid someone off. Most individuals are weak enough to cave under questioning. No, it is better that we keep this as a bag-and-go. Morry will have to take care of the rest once Maeve gets back to her.”
“Is that it?” Kes asked, stretching as he stood.
“There is one more thing. Arek, what have you done with Spike? The man has been underground and completely silent for far too long to simply be hiding.”
Arek held his arms out, his face the perfect image of shock. “Why are you asking me?”
