“Yeah, where we could find love. No risk to their life. No complications. No limits.” My thoughts drift to a masked man and the alliance with Blake. Is that all it is between us? Partners having some fun or could it be more? Is this all that will ever be between Ghost and I?
”Is this about Blake? Ryon told me you guys seemed attached at the hip last night.” He questions with a smirk.
“A bit. Things are just too complicated in this lifetime. Love is a weakness or it comes with strings attached. I wouldn’t even get a choice in a husband if my father was more traditional. At some point I will have to marry and produce children. I am the heir and will need to leave behind a legacy. It’s my duty but sometimes it feels suffocating.” I breathe out. Tears threatened to leak from my eyes but they would never fall. I don't cry, ever.
“Hey, let's make a deal. If we don't find love in the next ten years, we will get married.” He wraps an arm around my shoulders and gives a gentle squeeze.
“Deal, now let's get our cider.” We enter the small coffee house , waiting in line before ordering our drinks. We pay and start hurriedly towards the rink. Minutes into us next to the ice, we watch a middle aged gentleman skate with shaking limbs. Children pass him with ease. We give each other a knowing look and set our sights on this gentleman. It doesn’t take long for him to start flailing his limbs and wiping out. Laughing hysterically, we tap cups before taking a sip. This goes on for a while before a security guard approaches and asks us to leave. This only causes us to laugh harder but we oblige anyways.
“I missed this.” Lucas says from beside me as we make our way back to the car.
“Me too. I'm sorry I’ve been so absent. There’s so much going on in the background. My head has been a mess this year. I guess it's just been taking its toll on me.” I reach out and take his hand in mine. We continue to walk while holding hands.
“I get it. It’s been a crazy year for all of us.” He responds while shifting our hands.
“I actually want to go check out a property. Want to come with? No reason to end such a good afternoon early.” I offer with a beaming smile. He nods happily and we continue our journey.
Twenty minutes later, we find ourselves in the middle of the woods down a long uninhabited road. Woods stretching for miles leaves nothing but the sound of trees and birds to fill the air. It offers a serene type of energy. The car slows and we turn onto a cobble road that disappears into more woods. Lanterns on trees light the path as tree branches cast back and forth creating a tunnel of green. Slowly, the path gives way and opens up. Lavish landscaping traces various areas of grass surrounding the estate. The cobblestone driveway continues into a horseshoe shape wrapping around a large black fountain and leading off into another section of woods. My attention pulls to the fountain as I notice mermaid style figures placed on the edges, spitting water from their mouths. How fitting, a pool of sirens. We leave the car and turn around to face the house. Before us, stands a gothic style Victorian home covered in cathedral windows and delicate woodwork. On the upper stories, multiple railed patios can be found. On each point of the home they hold an elegantly designed rod of iron. This house is a dream. I’m already swooning.
We enter the twelve foot tall, glass French doors and are stopped at the entryway. It’s a massive open floor plan. As I look up, I take notice of the staircases that hug each wall leading to a walkway that wraps entirely around the room. A door to my left offers an archway that peaks my interest. Walking through it, it opens up to a lounge showcasing a massive stone fireplace and a twisted staircase leading to a perched area of bookshelves. I'm starstruck. The realtor is found standing in the main space with a welcoming smile. She beckons us towards the kitchen and before I can take in the modern Tuscan style kitchen, my attention is pulled to the patio doors. Beyond them is a massive garden, pond, indoor pool, horse stables, and a lounge area. I push open the doors and walk towards the edge of the railing. Looking around, I absorb my surroundings. Something draws my eyes down towards the ground below me. I see a suited man standing on the lawn looking at the same view that held my attention moments ago.
“Excuse me? Can I help you?” I shout towards him. This draws the attention of Lucas and the realtor as they join me on the balcony. His head whips around and we come eye to eye.
“Everly?” Blake asks, standing there looking as shocked as I am.
“What are you doing here?” I push.
“House hunting, you?” He offers a playboy smirk that almost makes me smile back.
“Same.” I say, as he nods in understanding.
“Stay there. I’ll join you.” He says while almost jogging to a door below us.
Soon we find each other and look through the rest of the house. Apparently, we share similar taste in homes. As we go room toroom I tell him and Lucas, in fine detail, how I would decorate each. By the fifth room, Lucas is practically groaning from my rambling. Meanwhile, Blake watches me with great interest . He hangs on to each of my words, occasionally adding suggestions or asking for clarification on my meaning of the ideas. He tentatively follows me through to the dining hall. We must think of the same thing, as our sights cast to each other with memories of our first dance. He extends his hand out to me. Placing my hand in his we spin around the room in a formal but light style dance. This carries on for a couple of minutes until we are both out of breath from dancing and laughing.
I look to find Lucas perched against the wall with a knowing smirk. It’s just as obvious to him as it should be to me. There is something between Blake and I. We aren’t just partners. It feels natural being with him. Everything is so carefree. He doesn’t just listen to me, he hears me. He doesn’t just look at me, he sees me. He doesn’t just know me, he gets me. It’s as easy as breathing, but why do I feel a tinge of guilt? Ghost won't have me, he’s never said as much but actions speak louder than words. He only shows up to mess with my head, fuck me, and leave. I never know when he will show up again. I need to let Ghost go. I need to allow myself something real and tangible.
A phone ringing in the distance drags my attention from my thoughts back to the scene in front of me. Blake stands nearby still watching me with those honey colored eyes. His phone buzzes before he drags his sight to the device situated in his pants pocket.
”Ev, there’s a job.” Lucas says, in a deadly serious tone, from across the room.
“Yeah. Looks like we have our first assignment.” Blake pipes in while adding emphasis to the “we”.
“What’s the mission?” I question them.
“Break up a sex ring at the fourth street docks and collect the leader, Jose Leroza, for questioning.” Lucas states matter of factly.
“Will you guys be there?” I ask in his direction.
“Of course.” He says sweetly. I smile in response and take the lead in walking out of my future house.
Forty minutes later, after being briefed and dressed in our gear, we arrive at our destination. To say Blake is hot in his gear would be an understatement. Dressed in black from head to toe, he stands before me looking entirely edible.
“Everly, if you want a taste so badly you should just ask. It’s rude to salivate that way.” I quite literally choke. I impulsively drop my gaze to his crotch.
“Eyes up, pretty girl. We have a mission to complete.” Blake chuckles in a throaty way that makes me quiver. I regain my nerve and put on a straight face.
“Yes, sir.” I salute in an overly fake seriousness. He closes the distance between us and boxes me in with his arm against a cargo container.
