Chapter 18: King of Deception: Chapter 18

I pull my car out of the garage, the setting Vegas sun shining into my eyes as I pull on my sunglasses. Traffic is heavy, and I ought to pay attention, but my thoughts are filled with how I spent my afternoon.

I heard what Gris said about trusting him.

I’ve got to be honest. I want to believe him. But also… I really understand I shouldn’t. Mason is my brother, and I love him, and he loves me too. Even knowing that, I also understand that his plans can and have backfired on all of us.

But Gris, he’s built exactly like Mason. He is a planner, a manipulator. Only he isn’t my brother. If Mason sometimes forgets to factor in my feelings, if his ambitions get in the way, what might Gris do? Even if he really cares, I might end up crushed by Gris’s schemes and strength.

And if he doesn’t care about me…

Well, then I am for sure in for a world of hurt. I can’t even resist an afternoon tryst with him. I can’t deny him anything.

I shiver again, sliding the air conditioning vent to point away from me. I said I was going to do some scheming of my own, and I have.

I invited both Mason and Luke out to dinner tonight.

They have no idea that they’re both attending. I would like to pursue things with Gris, but first I need to right things with my family. It’s the only way I can move forward, knowing that what I’ve got going on with Gris isn’t going to come back on them.

Mason picked the restaurant, which happens to be inside our luxury hotel, Chateau Blanc. The restaurant, which features French cuisine is called Cheval Blanc, and it’s normally my favorite place to eat. I’ve been avoiding it because Preston currently stays on this property. Mason offered him an apartment, but I think he’s enjoying the perks of being in a hotel attached to our family.

I pull up the car and hand the keys to the valet. Tonight, I’m in a strapless pale pink dress that falls just below my knees and strappy sandals.

The bit of sun I got today has kissed my skin and I curled my hair the way a warrior might add war paint.

Okay, maybe it’s a bit different.

But I wanted to look as feminine as possible. Remind my brothers that I am their beloved sister, not the rope in a game of tug of war.

I enter the lobby of the hotel to find that both Mason and Luke have already arrived.

They stand facing each other, matching glares, each with their arms crossed. I sigh. But also… it’s good to see them together.

“Hello,” I call out with a wave.

They both swing their gazes to me. It’s hard to know which one looks more pissed. “You set a trap?” Mason rumbles.

“Since when are family dinners traps?” I ask back as I approach and kiss Mason’s cheek. Then I kiss Luke’s.

“You know damn well Mason and I aren’t talking,” Luke says by way of greeting.

“That’s all right. I’ve got a lot to say. You can both sit quietly and listen. But I am famished, and I love Cheval Blanc, so let’s get a table. Shall we?”

Begrudgingly, they both follow. The hostess takes one look at us and with hissed words at the waiter next to her, shows us to a private room.

“We have a fourth joining us,” Mason says to the hostess. “Show Preston Wingate in when he arrives.”

My hackles rise, but I don’t need to say a word, Luke is spitting them all for me. “Why the fuck is that fucking prick joining us?”

“He would like a chance to speak with Bella,” Mason replies, taking a seat.

I huff out a breath. “You’re a dirty rat, you know that, Mason? This is why people don’t like you. I was completely clear this afternoon. I’m not marrying him, and I don’t want to speak to him.”

That other plan I had, where I just get on a plane, is sounding even better.

“I’m not the only one who used the play, ‘invite unexpected guest,’ am I?” he replies. “Why don’t you tell us what we’re here to discuss?” Mason asks like he’s legitimately perplexed. Which can’t be true. He must know… Mason is smart like that.

“After the food arrives,” I say, just trying to gain back a bit of control.

Luke helps me into my chair, and I make a show of opening my menu like I’m actually considering. I know the menu backward and forward.

“So what are we discussing until then?” Luke grumps, also opening his menu.

“How are wedding plans coming with you and Kate?” I ask, setting my menu down again.

Luke gives the smallest smile. “Haven’t planned much. I think we’re going to have the ceremony in Colorado.”

Mason nods. “Best place for a wedding. You can really think when surrounded by the scent of pine.”

I hide my smile, remembering Mrs. Wingate’s comment. But also, it’s nice to hear them exchange even a single pleasantry.

“We’re not having it at a resort,” Luke retorts. “We’re thinking her stepfather’s cabin would be best.”

Mason’s lips press together. My guess is Mason knows the place. “And how is Charlotte,” I ask, trying to move things along.

Mason runs a hand through his hair. A tell that he’s nervous. “She’s good.”

My brows lift as I lean forward. “Really?”

“Did you talk with her?” Mason asks, leaning in too. “She says all the throwing up is normal, but I fucking hate it.”

I blink back my surprise. Oh my God…. “Charlotte’s pregnant?”

“She can barely keep food down,” he whispers roughly. “How can I keep her safe when her own body is attacking her?”

Luke’s menu is forgotten too. “Mason. It’s totally normal.”

He shakes his head, and I see deep worry in Mason’s eyes like I’ve never seen before. “The doctor prescribed some medication but…”

I see Luke’s eyes slide closed. “I can ask Kate…”

“Would you please?” Mason sounds pained. “I should have been more careful. I don’t need to have kids. I’d be happy just me and her. I just want her to be safe. I…” He closes his mouth, likely realizing how much he’s given away.

The waiter enters and I order a glass of Chardonnay along with a delicate seafood dish that is true French delicacy.

I look over at Luke and I can see the waiver in his eyes. “I know what happened between the two of you. Leo told me.”

“Fucking Leo,” they say in unison.

“He’s going to be a better dad than me,” Mason tosses in after. “Never thought I’d see the day when he beat me out at something that wasn’t weightlifting.”

One side of my mouth quirks up. “Mason, you’re going to be a great dad. Hell, you’re the closest thing to a father I’ve ever had. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

“That’s your bar for great. He’s trying to get you to marry a total twat.”

“Hey,” Mason barks. “She said yes before I’d ever even met Preston.”

“But you put all that pressure on her with my shares,” Luke fires back.

“Because you’re quitting just like that.”

“Not like that, you tried to ruin Kate’s career. No. Worse. You tried to make me do it.”

I sigh and hold up my hands. “We need to find a solution that doesn’t involve Preston.”

Both glare at me. “I’m not making up with Mason just because you want me to, Bug.”

I pinch my nose. “We are a family. If I’m about to have nieces and nephews, we’re all having Christmas together. I’ve lost too many people, you’ve lost too many people⁠—”

“Some things aren’t meant to go back together.” Luke’s jaw could cut glass.

Blessedly, my wine arrives, and I take a long sip. Then I turn to Luke. “Did you think about my last question to you?”

“What was that?” Mason asks.

But I know Luke remembers by the way he grimaces. I asked him how he was better than Mason. Time to drive home the point. Sending Gris really messed with my life. Granted, I’ve been enjoying the mess, but it might have gone the other way. “You want to sell, that’s one thing. You want to hurt Mason, you’re hurting all of us.” I point a finger at Luke.

“You’re taking his side?” Luke’s nostrils flare with irritation.

Good point. “I’m not marrying Preston. He’s a complete prick.” I turn to Mason. “And since you’ve given him all the power, and you did, you can tell him that you support my decision.”

Mason’s mouth opens and closes.

But I think I might be done with this dinner. I stand. “And as for you, Luke Kincaid. You want out, you can wait until Mason can clear the debt. Because you care about your family and are not a selfish man, correct? And you don’t do things to screw them over. You’re that much better than Mason.” My brows lift and I see him cringe.

He’s reading me loud and clear.

I toss my napkin on the table and then take another long swallow of my wine. I’ll have to have that seafood dish another time.

“You two eat. And talk. And work something out that honors both your needs and Kincaid Enterprises, and the rest of the family too. And stop acting like a couple of spoiled babies.”

“Spoiled babies,” Mason rumbles.

“Bella,” Luke stands too. “What the fuck has gotten into you…”

I point my finger right in his face. “Unlike you, I’m the forgiving type. Which is why I’m forgiving you.”

“What’s she talking about?”

I look back at Mason. “Be nice and I’ll tell you.”

“What the hell happened to my baby sister?” Mason’s eyes wide with shock.

“I grew up.” Picking up my clutch, I make my way to the door. Before I leave, I look back over my shoulder. “Be nice. Both of you. If you’re not, I’m calling both your wives into the next family dinner, and they will make certain you behave.”

And then I make my way out to the lobby. I’m smiling because I think I might have actually done it.

I might just be a Kincaid after all.

But as my gaze swings over to the elevators, I stop, my feet like cement. I can’t believe my eyes…