Köhler Lies and Deception Book 11 of The Köhler Series

Behind Them

Xerxes wasn't interested in meeting two different people in one day. He knew Phoenix had just landed, and Mathilda was on her way over with his son, Elias, Barkley, and Ziggy. She claimed to have information on Val, which he was scared to hear. No matter what, the man was family, and he hoped it was something that didn't require him to take his head. "I always loved it when you looked stressed. You get those little lines on your forehead and your eyes... damn your eyes."

"I thought you were getting another fitting in before this weekend."

"I was, but now it seems like my soon-to-be husband needs a stress reliever—"

"You can suck his dick later tonight. Trust me, I don't want to see that shit." Lucas spoke, which made Riley's head whip in his direction. She didn't know he was in the room with him, and it was funny to watch how the two glared at each other until Ri covered her face. "Aw, don't be ashamed, Riley Bear. It's not the worst I have heard come from your mouth. Or what I have seen. We all have our freaky side."

"You mean you and Gen have your freaky sides... on second thought, I don't want to talk about that. What's got you stressed, Adriel?"

"This fucking job— let me quit lying. I love both my jobs, but right now, too much is going on at one time. Mathilda Baader wants to join us. So does Phoenix Lane. However, we learn Bassel Mohammed is still alive, and he's out for revenge." Riley hummed as she took a seat beside Lucas, giving him the opportunity to aggravate her more, which she didn't mind. Still, Xerxes' mind wondered if Bassel knew his wife was cheating while he was away and how he had forgotten what they had done to start a war between them.

"Let me go to Egypt—"

"That's out of the question, Luke. I can't see myself sending my brother into danger. Bassel is reckless and is willing to do anything for revenge. I would rather have him come to us. We are stronger together, but for right now, let's focus on the problems in front of us. Mel and the man she killed. Also, the shit Mathilda has to tell us and Phoenix because I don't know how this is going to work. I wanted to avoid taking on more mafias. Shit, the one we have is big enough, but I also cannot leave this boy to the wolves because they will skin him alive."

"Sure, whatever you say, but we know Mathilda, and she could be lying to get in. She always had her eye on, you know who." Xerxes laughed, knowing that wouldn't be a problem. His son wasn't interested in Mathilda and would kill her if she tried anything. "Xavier has no interest in Mathilda, and I'm sure if he doesn't kill her. Shanice will." He laughed while Riley shook her head, and a few moments later, his son and his crew walked in with the woman of the hour.

"Riley, you are so beautiful today."

"And you are aggravating as always, Mathilda." Both laughed as the rest stared at each other. X didn't know the two knew each other, but it could have been a good thing. It was also good to see Riley getting along with others without thinking he wanted them. "You said you had something on Valentino. Talk or leave because I'm telling you now there will be nothing between you and me."

"Oh, I know sweetie. I like getting under your skin. You're sexy as hell when you're upset, and Shanice should be grateful to have a man like you. I know Val is your brother-in-law or something because I don't know what to call him after Melody has risen from the grave, but... but he and I have something going on."

"You came all this way to tell my fucking Unk that you were fucking Valentino. BITCH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD US THAT! What the fuck is wrong with your stupid ass?!" Elias had a point, but Xerxes also understood what she was doing. She didn't know what to expect since Mel was back, and she didn't want to start drama between their families.

"Unless he was doing some pillow talking. We don't fucking care. Melody has moved on, and so has Val. Can we talk about what you're looking for? I have other matters to attend to."