“You’re killing me here. What did he say?” I practically beg.
“He told me if I exterminate my father from existence, he will personally hand deliver you to me at the end of the aisle.” This causes me to squeal like a child and Ghost to groan while covering his ears.
“Siren, I love to hear you scream but my god woman.” He laughs. I join him in laughter until we both slow to a giggle.
“We are really doing this.” I say more as a question than a statement.
“We are really doing this.” He confirms.
“What will our mafias think?” My question is laced with laughter.
“They will not have seen a more powerful unity in nearly a century. Everly, we will hold power in nearly half the world. Even if they were not happy about it, they would not be so stupid to say so. They would always be on the winning side.” The conviction in his tone gives me the confidence to nod in approval.
Taking his hand, I lead him towards the outdoor pool. The weight of my new jewelry is evident around my neck as it bumps against my chest with each step. I can’t help but smile like a schoolgirl. Myfiancé. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that word. It feels surreal and tangible all at once. Like wet sand between your toes at the water's edge. Solid under your feet but like quick sand, it pulls you deeper. Like if I blink, he will slip away and the darkness will drag me off in the current. We have faced so much in such a short time, the idea of losing it all is unfathomable. A life without this man would be one not worth living. We are eternal the way the sun is always chasing the moon. Except Ghost is my moon. His gravity pulls me towards a predetermined destiny and like the sun, I rise everyday waiting to chase my moon across time.
Ghost’s POV:
She pulls me along so delicately, a stark difference to the chaotic rhythm of my heart. She said yes. Sheactuallyagreed to spend the rest of her life with me. I have loved this woman since I was sixteen. If you had told me then that she would later be my future wife, I might have popped a boner right there. The fact that I am not freaking out is beyond me. My desire for her has never died. This desire has only deepened. It’s become complex and like wildfire, spreads faster thanmy mind can comprehend. Everyday I fall deeper into her hypnosis, a willing victim to her spell. We find ourselves at the edge of the outdoor pool. She doesn't hesitate to guide me down the stairs and into the warm water. Finally, she lets go of my hand to swim a few lengths before turning over to float on her back. I could watch her like this for hours but I'll settle for the seconds she has graced me with. Myfiancé. My mind races as my heart matches its pace. I think of our future, the possibilities being endless. I picture her with a swollen belly. I imagine holidays and celebrations. Thoughts of gray hairs, tired bones, and the tranquility in knowing our physical time on earth soon comes to a close but our souls will continue their dance with each other. The absolution in binding our beings in every possible way. The resolution to a journey spent full of laughter and many tears. All that I cannot wait to see. Soon, we find ourselves in each other's arms. Not a single word needs to be said while we gaze at the stars. We both telepathically share a similar feeling of contentment. Before long, we find our naked bodies laid against each other free falling into slumber. Dreams willed with a bright future.
Everly’s POV:
The rest of our trip floats by in a blink. Fourteen blissful days spent wrapped up in each other coming to an end all too quickly. What awaits us on our return is both liberating and unknown. One thing is for certain, Ghost’s father is going to die. Maybe not tomorrow or the day after, but very soon that man’s blood will run and he will stand to face justice. An unbeatable engagement gift, if you ask me. We pack our items, board the boat, and sail into our new life. One that will make monsters cower and angels cry.
Chapter Thirty Two
Really? Right In Front Of My Enchiladas?
Stepping out of the black car, we stride towards my parents home. I texted my family, once we were on dry land, that we were coming over. This led to my mother calling me in tears. I felt horrible telling her to wait two hours until our arrival but I couldn’t stomach listening to her sobs. She thought her only daughter died and that was the first time since my “death” that she heard my voice. With hesitant strides, we near the large oak doors. I falter long enough that Ghost stops in his tracks to turn towards me.
“Hey, if this is too much we can always do this on another day.” He softly smiles at me while stroking each of my arms tenderly with his hands.
Shaking my head, I look him in the eyes and say, “No. I’m okay. It’s just nerves.” Such a weird concept for me, this knot in my stomach. I don’t get anxious, ever. It’snot in my nature. Though when it comes to something so monumental like Ghost, I lose all sense of myself.
He offers me an outstretched hand. Intertwining our fingers, we walk hand in hand until we make it to the doors. Before I can knock, the door swings open to reveal Lucas. Behind him are James and Ryon. The first thing I notice is that all of them are apparently thinner than they were before I “died”. The second is the tears pooling into Lucas’s eyes. His lip trembles and his stature starts to sway. Rushing up, I wrap my arms around his neck and hold onto him like my life depends on it. A cry breaks free from him as he shakes with sobs into my neck. His arms snake around my midsection. I can’t help but cry too. In sadness for him. For his fear. For all of the pain they have felt in such a short period of time.
Slowly, he releases me before wiping his eyes on his shirt sleeves. I turn toward James and Ryon with open arms. Without hesitation they lurch forward and scoop me up, causing me to giggle in happiness. I didn’t know I could feel so incomplete without them until this moment. Pulling back, I place a hand on each of their cheeks and take a moment to look at them. Memorizing the details of their faces for safe keeping, like carvings on a cave wall.
The sound of a clearing throat has us separating. Standing feet away are my father, mother, and brothers. Smiling, I walk towards them hugging my brothers first. Next, I turn to my mother. She cries convulsively until finally she pulls away with a smile. Finally, I turn to my father. We stand staring at one another for a while. Neither moving nor giving away any emotion. Before I have a chance to say something, he rushes towards me. Pulling me into his chest, he kisses the top of my head. For a moment, we are back to when I was six. My kneecut from falling and him comforting me in a warm hug. Pushing me to arms length, he looks me over before nodding once.
Stepping away, I look back to Ghost. He stands just behind me offering a supportive smile. My father encourages us to follow him into the den where we all end up sitting in various places.
“So? Is it done?” My father is the first to break the silence. Confusion paints my expression at his question. Is he asking about our engagement? I turn towards Ghost in a silent question.
“Not yet. We are waiting for the right opportunity.” Ghost says from next to me on the couch.
“I see. So then why does my daughter have a ring on her finger?” I whip my head to my father who sits staring at my left hand. Instinctively, I adjust the ring with my thumb.
“Didn’t see a reason to wait. My father will be dead soon enough.” Ghost states in a matter of fact way while leaning back against the plush couch with his arms resting high behind his head.
“That was not what we agreed upon.” My father’s tone rises enough that it causes the hair on the back of my neck to rise.
A low chuckle comes from next to me. Turning to its source, Ghost’s eyes now lack all emotion. Like a psychopath, he continues to chuckle until it turns into a laugh. Slowly, he readjusts until his elbows rest on his knees. Looking my father in the face, with those dead eyes, he stops laughing. The silence is more striking than moments ago when the room was filled with the sound of Ghost’s hysterics.
“With all due disrespect,Sir, you are not my Don. You are nothing more than a possible obstacle in my way to marrying Everly. Do not mistake me being agreeable as a white flag. The only reason you are getting away with raising your voice at me right now is that you sired the love of my life. So, as I said, I see no reason to wait. My father will die. That is for certain. We have a common enemy and I don’t miss my marks. My reputation and aim are perfect.”
“Until me.” I say, barely above a whisper. Finally, Ghost looks at me.
“Nothing is without intention, Little Siren.” The use of my pet name instantly has me cooing. I bump him with my shoulder before smiling. His expression relaxes for a singular moment before the steel walls are back in place. He turns towards my father once more.
