Tarnished Crown (Gravestone Elite #2) by Caitlyn Dare (books like beach read TXT) 📕

Hadley was right when she compared this to a life sentence. But much like a life sentence, I'm starting to wonder if none of us—even Channing—will ever be able to get out of it.

We come to a stop at the water's edge and he glances over at me. "You noticed that, huh?"

His entire body sags in defeat before he drops to the ground, pulling his knees up to his chest and wrapping his arms around them. "Brandon and I have been friends forever. I used to think she was this annoying little brat that would never leave us alone. But…" He sighs. "She grew on me. Brandon and I went to summer camp one year, and when we came back and she…" He chuckles to himself as he remembers. "She was beautiful. She ran to Brandon and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, and I wanted it to be me. But all she did was tilt her chin in greeting, turn her back on me and usher him into the house. She ruined me from that moment on."

"How old were you?"

"Fourteen."

I nod in understanding. I was about the same age when I first looked at Remi like that. When I suddenly realized she wasn't just my annoying best friend who'd make me brush her hair and play with her doll, but she was turning into a beautiful young woman.

"None of it matters. We can't be together."

"What does Sasha say about all this?"

"If we lived different lives, things would be different. But we don't, so what's the point in even dreaming?"

"But if Cade lets you out…"

He scoffs. "That's not going to happen. You heard him. He's on his own little mission, and apparently that requires both me and Alex."

"What's his game?"

"Fuck if I know. I don't even think Ashton is aware of the workings of Cade Kingsley's mind. We're all just along for the ride in this unknown game he's playing.

"It's not meant to be like this. Sure, Q has always been a little corrupt. With any group of men with more power and money than sense, things are bound to get a little out of control. But times were changing. The archaic traditions were being forgotten in favor of more modern ideas, but I don't think Cade wants that. I think in his mind it means losing control. He wants the heritage, the traditions, the power. The shit he pulled with you and Alex. Fuck, none of us had it that bad."

"You didn't do the vault?"

He laughs. "Oh yeah, we did that. And Caedes. But it wasn't like what you went through. Q set out tasks, not Cade."

"You really going to bring this up at tomorrow's meeting?"

"Yeah."

"Do you think they'll overrule Cade?"

"They might. It’s got to be worth a try, right?"

I think of Mia and all the things I'd be willing to do to protect her, to be able to make her mine. "Yeah, it is. And for what it's worth, I've got your back, man."

He looks at me, a silent agreement passing between us before he nods and looks back out at the lake. "That shit Cade pulled on you two the other night was bullshit," he eventually says after the long, silent minutes.

"So, it was him?"

"You thought it was someone else?” He cocks a brow at me. "When I tell you to watch your back, Bex, I really fucking mean it. He's gunning for you. The best way for both you and Mia to get through this is to do what you're told. He'll hang himself eventually."

"And if he doesn't?"

"Let's just assume he will. I'm not sure I like the alternative."

The second I descend the stairs the next morning, all eyes are on me.

Cade and his minions, and even Alex, are standing at the bottom of the stairs, dressed in head to toe black ready for our meeting with Quinctus, whereas I've just rocked up in jeans and a white shirt.

"Someone didn't get the memo about the dress code," Ashton remarks around an amused smirk.

"Like you actually have an invite to this bullshit," I retort, knowing full well he doesn't.

"Fuck you, Easton."

"Get changed. We need to leave."

My eyes find Cade standing front and center, exactly where he likes to be. "No."

His eyes widen in shock before his lips twist in anger. It must be weird, not having me immediately fall at his feet.

"I go like this, or I don't go." Lifting my hand, I brush my hair from my eyes and walk around them, out to the cars.

I can't help but laugh when I hear footfalls behind me. I have no idea if he's given approval or someone has decided that they can't be dealing with Cade's toddler tantrum right now.

Shooting a look over my shoulder, I find Alex and Channing following me with smirks playing on their lips. "You two want a ride?"

"Sure thing."

Alex pulls open my passenger door and drops down before Channing does the same to the backdoor.

"Yo, Kingsley. Might want to move. You don't want to be late." Before he responds, I climb into my car and jam my key in the ignition.

Revving the engine, I gun it out of the driveway, ensuring I shoot gravel out behind me in the hope it might hit him as he emerges from the house.

"Okay, that was fucking epic," Alex laughs in the passenger seat.

Ignoring him, I look in the mirror at Channing. "You ready for this?"

He cracks his neck as if he's about to step into the ring with Cade. "They can only say no, right?"

"What's going on?" Alex asks.

"You'll find out." I wink at him, knowing it'll drive him crazy.

The monthly Q meetings are held in the old church where we were brought the night our initiation started. Only, the meeting rooms are around the back of the building.

As predicted, we arrive before Cade, and I have no interest in waiting for the motherfucker. Hopping from the car, I waste no time in walking inside and allowing Channing to direct us to