She smiled. “Yes, I am Alia Charming.”
The name clicked instantly. “Oh, you’re supposed to marry Dash.”
Alia nodded. “You can understand my reluctance, and my father is more than happy to switch sides. I was sent here to propose marriage to you instead.”
Snoe laughed so hard he fell forward. Hilde was probably going to shit bricks once she found out about this.
“Was that funny?” Alia asked. Her face was impassive, not showing any outward emotion.
She was a beautiful woman, Snoe could see that, but he had no interest in women in that way.
“No offense, but I don’t get the feeling you want to marry me,” Snoe said.
Alia, to her credit, barely showed any reaction. Her eyebrow slightly lifted up.
Snoe waved his hands in front of him. “Not saying I’m considering marrying you. You’re not exactly my cup of tea,” he said.
Her light blue eyes traveled up and behind Snoe to where all seven of his men stood. The smile that graced her face that time was genuine.
“If I can be honest?” Alia asked.
Snoe waved his hand, giving her permission.
“I much prefer women, so we are in the same boat,” Alia said.
Snoe crossed his arms. “Then why offer yourself to me?”
Alia shrugged. “My father has made it his mission to make me into the perfect jewel for trading.”
Snoe got it. He didn’t like it but understood it, nonetheless. “Why not break away from him?” He knew he was suggesting the impossible.
“I’ve tried and been dragged back many times. I have lost enough loved ones to know running isn’t worth it,” she said.
Snoe stared at Alia, and instead of seeing the perfectly pampered princess, he saw the little cracks and knicks in her persona. Her eyes looked dead, and instead of a soft voice, it just sounded tired.
“Then why don’t you take over?” Snoe asked.
A glimmer of life flashed in her light blue eyes. “Take over?”
Snoe nodded. “I can help. I much prefer you backing me than your father. He seems like the traitor type. Switching sides so easily, but still too afraid to come meet me himself.”
Alia giggled, and it seemed to take her by surprise as she covered her mouth as soon as the sound came out. She quickly got control of herself.
“You don’t understand, he would sell you out in a second. Especially if he knew you were Snoe, the son of Alister Blake,” Alia said.
Snoe smiled. “Then it’s decided. You will take over for your father. An unfortunate accident. I send my condolences.”
Alia’s eyes widened slightly, but she nodded her understanding.
“Thank you, I’m sure he would have loved to have met you. He lived a great and long life fulfilling so many achievements,” Alia said. The words that left her mouth were so believable that if Snoe didn’t know the truth, he would have thought she truly did think that way about her father.
Snoe wished he’d been able to fake such words at his own father’s funeral. “Dimitri will help you with taking care of any mishaps.” Snoe wanted to tell her she could be free of everything and go live her life, but he needed her assistance still. “I need you to go through with the wedding. You won’t actually marry Dash, but I need Hilde to think everything is okay. So even with your father’s death, you still plan to continue your union,” Snoe said.
Alia nodded. “Not a problem.”
“Good. That should distract her a little with the head of the family marrying Dash instead of just the daughter of the head of the family.”
His vengeance was finally in sight.
“Master, do we have to wear this?” Joker asked. His tie wasn’t done yet, but he looked fantastic in the fitted suit with his dark brown skin, short curly hair, charming smile, and green eyes that grabbed everyone’s attention. Snoe walked over to Joker.
“Squat down a little,” Snoe said.
All of them but Wolly were taller than Snoe’s five-nine height. He’d never felt so short until then. Joker squatted, but not before he stole a kiss. It brought a smile to Snoe’s face.
“You know, you look really good in this suit,” Snoe said.
Joker’s pupils dilated. “Good enough to take it off?”
Snoe laughed. “No, we have an important meeting to attend, and appearances are everything,” Snoe said.
He took a step back, looking over his men. Wolly’s purple hair was combed back, and he wore a fitted navy-blue suit that complemented his tan skin, thick lashes, and green and brown eyes. Snoe was surprised he didn’t have to fix the bow tie Wolly was wearing.
Nyght’s long and thick auburn hair was braided to the side, his dark eyes smoldering with want. The light dusting of freckles on his forehead and cheeks looked stunning, even more so as a light blush crept up his face. He wore a burgundy-colored blazer with black slacks.
Dox had his facial hair trimmed for the occasion, and he was looking as dependable as always. He filled out his black suit nicely with a white tie. His light green eyes were solely focused on Snoe, a smile on his face. He nodded to Snoe as if saying “you can do this.”
Gunner’s frown was perfectly in place as usual. His thick brows lowered, and the corners of his mouth turned down. His thick muscles were barely concealed by the emerald-green suit jacket; his blond hair was styled with the top just a little longer than the sides. He looked as if he’d rather do anything but go to the meeting. It was probably true, but since Gunner looked like that about everything, Snoe paid no attention to it.
Blade fixed his man bun, his dark hair slicked back. He wore an all-black fitted suit with no tie. It made him look even more dangerous than usual. Snoe tried to remember why they had to go to the meeting instead of staying back and stripping out of the suits. Joker’s request sounded more appealing as he took in the sight of his men.
When he made it to the end, Snoe sighed. “Smooth, get out here. We need to go.”
There was no reply. Snoe felt the dread like a rock in his stomach.
“Who was in charge of making sure Smooth got up?” Snoe asked.
Everyone looked to their resident goofball, and Wolly promptly looked the other way, avoiding everyone’s eyes.
“Whoever that guy is, he messed up big-time,” Wolly said.
Snoe walked around his men and made his way over to the bed where Smooth was curled up under the covers. Snoe yanked the cover off, and Smooth had the audacity to just flip over and continue to sleep.
“Smooth, get up, we’re going to be late,” Snoe said.
It was his meeting, and they could all wait for as long as he wanted them to, but Snoe was also excited about it.
“Smooth, you’re ruining this for Master,” Dox said.
Smooth finally lifted his head. His black hair lay flat against his forehead, his silver eyes still as stunning as ever, even when Snoe was annoyed with him.
Smooth scratched at his dark facial hair. “Is it time to go already?”
He looked around, noticing everyone was already dressed. Smooth stretched his arms over his head, showing off his toned body, and Snoe couldn’t help but look. All of his men slept naked, and Snoe thought he’d be used to it by now, but Snoe’s body still reacted to the sight.