In spite of the restrictions of my dress, I leaned over and plucked the vape from my brother’s fingers. “Well, if we’re not playing dress up—” I took a hit and blew the smoke across his face. “Then tell me, big brother. What are we doing?”
His jaw tightened as he adjusted himself. “We’re going out, Indi. Together.”
My eyes widened in surprise. “W–what?”
Haze grinned and leaned forward. “You heard me.” He took the vape from my hand and raised it to his lips before inhaling. He then squeezed my face and forced my mouth open as he blew the smoke into it. I breathed in the smoke as it filled my lungs, nearly causing me to cough. He smiled as he repeated his statement. “We’re. Going. Out.” His eyes sparkled in the dark car as I tried to find my voice. “What’s wrong, little sis? Cat got your tongue? Or are you that surprised?”
I nodded. “Haze,” I breathed his name along his face and moved my hand up his thigh. “I was so scared…I thought—” My eyes began to water.
His face softened as he pulled me closer. His hand gently touched my face and stroked my cheek. “Indi, don’t.”
“I’m sorry,” I whispered.
His jaw tightened as he stared at me. “You have nothing to apologize for, Indigo.” I nearly gasped as he spoke my name. “If only you knew.”
I gazed into his eyes. “Knew what?” I asked.
Haze groaned. “There’s so much I want to tell you. So much I want to say.” His hand touched my bare knee. “That’s why I’m taking you out. To give you everything you want.” His hand glided along my skin, and I found myself buzzing for his touch. “No more secrets. No more hiding in the dark.” His mouth met mine. “I just need you to trust me,” he breathed into me.
“I trust you,” I exhaled through kisses. “Just tell me.”
The car slowly came to a stop as the driver cleared his throat. “Mr. Osvaldo.”
Haze pulled away with a heavy sigh. “Yes, one moment.” His eyes raised to mine, and he offered me a gentle smile. “Come on, little sis. It’s time to step into the light. Together.”
My heart fluttered.
The driver opened the door. Green light immediately flooded the dark car as Haze stepped out. He turned to look at me, standing in that green light, and for a moment, he took my breath away. “Indi.” He smiled and offered his hand out to me. I hesitated before placing my hand in his. “Welcome to The Green Goddess.”
As I stepped out from the car, I gazed up at the most beautiful, nineteenth century, French-style facade building. The exterior was lit up with numerous green spotlights, reflecting the name perfectly. It was a timeless piece of beauty, hidden in themiddle of nowhere, surrounded by nothing but trees and nature, a staple of elegance tucked away from the rest of the world. “Haze,” I exhaled. “What is this place?”
The driver stepped aside as we walked past a giant, golden and ivory fountain. It was like the ones you’d find in old Europe, hand-carved and resembling Grecian muses of another time. I looked past the fountain at the clusters of other people. They were all dressed in similar attire as we were, walking past without even so much as a gawking look. There was no judgement, no fear, and no care as to who we were. And it was exactly what I wanted.
I looked back at my brother. He wore the biggest grin and beamed with such pride.
“Come on.” He took my hand and guided me to a black velvet carpet which led to the building's grand entrance. The doors were enormous, reaching at least ten feet high and surrounded by hand-carved ivory details and completed with the most colorful stained-glass windows.
A nearby attendee offered us a smile as he opened the double doors for us. “Welcome to The Green Goddess.” He offered a gentle bow and ushered us inside. “Do enjoy your stay.”
I gasped at the grand interior, which only surpassed the building’s exterior. It was as if we had stepped into the past, perfectly preserved, every inch of the interior resembling what you’d find in a period piece. The high ceilings were covered in hand-painted masterpieces, complemented by the ivory and marbled molding, coated in gold. Golden, opulent scones and chandeliers hung all around, mimicking the styled furniture and paintings which pulled the entire atmosphere together, completed with real marbled floors. It felt so unreal and was absolutely breathtaking.
“I–I don’t understand.” I spun around, admiring all the architecture before stopping in front of my brother. “What is thisplace?” It almost resembled a high-scale hotel, but there seemed to be so much more to it.
A second attendee approached Haze. “Mr. Osvaldo?” He nodded to the attendee. “A pleasure. Your table is ready per your request. Right this way, please.” My brother took my arm as we followed the man through the main room, down a winding hall, and into a separate section of The Green Goddess. One that resembled a five-star restaurant, seeping with nothing but immaculate taste and smells.
I admired every inch of the restaurant as we followed behind the attendee past numerous tables of lively guests and people. “So, is this place a hotel? Or a restaurant?” I asked quietly. “Or both?” I giggled to myself, excited about this little adventure.
Haze smirked. “Let’s just say, The Green Goddess has a little bit of everything.” We passed a live band, dressed in matching white suits as they played soft jazz. I struggled to look away, stunned by the overwhelming opulence. It felt otherworldly.
The attendee led us to a set of stained-glass double doors. “Your private table.” The attendee opened the doors which led to a private balcony. The balcony was surrounded by golden sconces and burning candles in all directions, completed with a vase of fresh flowers in the center of the formal table. The ivory balcony looked as though it had been carved from the building itself and looked over the entire countryside. It nearly took my breath away to see such an elegant setting. “I shall return with your meal shortly. Sir. Madame.” The attendee offered a gentle bow as he left, closing the doors behind him.
I stepped closer to the hand-carved ivory balcony edge and gasped at the view. It was stunning. Trees and nature surrounded the building as far as the eye could see. It felt so surreal. “How the fuck did you find this place?” I asked. I turned to look back at my brother.
Haze picked up a glass of champagne from the table. He then walked over to my side and took a sip while his free hand rested along my lower back. “Would you believe me if I said Felix?”
My head snapped. “Felix?”
He nodded and took a second sip. “Well, and Aiden.” He stared off into the distance. “Yup. It seems our big brother has some deep connections.” His eyes lowered and I knew there was something else.
