Page 103 of Serpent & Saviors

“I would be happy to, Sir. I’d like to propose my plan family meeting style. To put it up for a vote. Andy said it’s the only way.”

She straightened her shoulders and met their eyes one by one. I smiled, feeling floored by her strength. She stood before us trembling, but her eyes were clear and full of determination. We’d talked extensively about her plan, and I knew what she was going to propose. I also knew where each member’s vote would land category wise.

This was her moment. She practiced it several times earlier in the bathroom mirror. I smiled, thinking how cute she was in nervousness. But aside from all that, this was a big moment.

“Very well. It’s officially a family meeting. Now what’s on your mind?” Alek asked, taking a sip of his drink.

“The entire family, please,” Victoria said, practically yelling it.

It was her cue. Kinsley and Isabella magically appeared in the doorway. Well, technically, Kinsley appeared. She was dragging Isabella, who was making it as impossible for her as she could. I had to bite the inside of my cheek to stifle the roar of laughter wanting to break free.

Seemed Bellaruso had either changed her mind or was reluctant on some level. She and I had talked at length during our recent sessions about coming clean and letting the entire family know the connection the girls had.

“Ms. Taylor, I suggest you let—” I started.

A grunt sounded from the doorway, and long brown hair whipped around as the little pixie grumbled, “Not going to happen. This is Death Squad business, and the Artist is joining us, come hell or high water.”

“The Artist?” Ivan burst out laughing.

“Yes, we have nicknames now, too. Isabella is dedicating next week to designing our tats. I swear, young lady.”

Kinsley continued to tug Bella into the room. Isabella had not only dug in her heels but had braced her hands on the doorjambs.

Alek stood abruptly; Victoria shimmed away. His hand snaked out, and he smacked Kinsley on the ass hard, getting her attention. She gave up her attempt to get Isabella through the doorway. He smacked her once more for good measure, and she gasped.

“Hey, what was that for? I didn’t even use the word fuck,” she lamented, rubbing her backside.

“No, but you’re being a bully. Leave Bellaruso alone. Clearly, she’s changed her mind about whatever it is the three of you have cooked up. To me, it looks as if you’ve coerced her and we don’t do that in this house. You know the rules.”

“I did no such thing.” Kinsley put her hands on her hips, unafraid. Victoria looked shocked at the display of defiance. Her little finger poked him in the chest. “I’ll have you know, old man, she was all on board. And she’s not changed her mind. She’s just being stubborn.”

He raised an eyebrow in her direction, and she immediately corrected her attitude, mumbling an apology. She moved to stand on the right side of Victoria, linking pinkies. Her left hand shot out, and she wiggled her other pinkie at Isabella, whose breathing hitched. I observed her for signs of panic, but she only displayed mild trepidation, at least for the moment.

“So if she’s the Artist, what are your nicknames?” Bash asked with a crooked grin. “Let me guess? The Mama and The Brat?”

“Ha. You’d be wrong." She whipped her head around and glared at Pasha. "So as to not be confused with the Dancer/Russian/Scarface or whatever you’re going by these days. I hate the scar just so you know. Not that you care what I think. You do know every time Izzy B does your ‘fake tattoo’, I wonder when the real one is coming.”

Anger radiated in waves from her. Looked like she still hadn’t worked out his being a crew member after all. Alek cleared his throat and gave her a warning look.

“Anyway, Torturer, the girls and I agreed to be known for what brought us together when we were little girls. I am the Swan, and this beauty is the Pianist.” Her gaze lovingly landed on Victoria. “Artist, I swear my pinkie is getting tired over here.” Victoria stifled her laughter, and Isabella huffed but stomped over.

Kinsley’s words hung in the air. But the moment she fell silent, I felt the room change. The slow, creeping understanding that something significant had just been dropped. From the look on the little shit’s face, she was clueless. I knew it was coming, had prepared for it, but watching it unfold in real time, with them—hit hard.

The room was dead silent. Alek’s posture was the first to shift, a slight straightening of his spine, his fingers curling against his biceps where his arms were crossed. Nik let out a long breath and grabbed his drink. His hand shook as he brought it up.

Ivan tilted his head, and his gaze darted between Kinsley, Isabella, and Tori. Pasha’s face filled with curiosity. Sebastian inhaled sharply through his nose, still staring in disbelief. All the color drained from his face as his gaze locked onto Bella, unblinking. His hands formed fists.

Fuck, this wasn’t going to end well.

His voice was quiet, but it carried. “Sissy?”

Isabella didn’t move. She stood stock still, her breathing controlled, her looped pinkie jerked Kinsley’s hand.

“Sissy,” Bash said again, a razor-thin edge slipping into his voice. It wasn’t a question. “Tell me you’re not saying what I think you’re saying.”

Isabella lifted her chin, but her throat worked as she swallowed. Then, in a voice barely above a whisper, she said, “I lied.”

The words hit like a hammer. He stood and swayed, his breath uneven. He shook his head as if that alone could make it untrue.