“Like a phoenix rising from the ash…” I say more to myself than to her. This earns me a smile and nod from the red dress beauty herself. I don’t bother questioning her new haircut. Sometimes just changing your appearance can be empowering.
Wordlessly, we walk out to the garage and pile into our respective vehicles. The drive there is silent. The edge of my words on the tip of my tongue. They threaten to say all and too much. I choose to remain quiet. This night cannot go wrong. This will be a historical event in the mafia world. It will be the representation of peace and justice. It will show that above all else, we have honor. I refuse to be the cause of that imploding.
A short time later, we pull up to the event, lights dancing in beams as red carpets lay neatly on the ground. The flashes of paparazzi cameras are nearly blinding as we climb from our vehicle. Behind us, Scarlett and the guys appear. Like a protective cocoon they surround her. We follow the path that leads us to large open doors. Stepping inside, the loudness almost immediately stops. There is marble, chic metal, and drapery from floor to ceiling. Soft music can be heard from down the hall.
Ghost takes me by the hand, leading the rest of the way. As we enter the main room I’m in awe. It’s dark and almost seductive. Tables covered in black and red cloth. Centerpieces of white roses and greenery. There are crystal vases filled with more greenery, water, and floating candles to light the space. It’s elegant and enchanting. Hypnotic, even. Small accents of each of our family’s crests adorn the tables. It’sthe perfect blend of us. The room is already filled with members from each of our mafias. They almost seem to be naturally segregated to their own sides of the room, sparing the occasional grouping and our own of course.
On instinct, I drop Ghost’s hand. As I have been told some of my family is aware that we claimed the other, but for the vast majority it is still a secret. Tonight will be a tell all and I would rather not poke that bear before we are ready to fight it. I look at him and he nods, wordlessly understanding my actions. That’s the thing about him. Healwaysunderstands me without even trying. This is why I am still so confused about his words. He behaves like nothing I could ever do would make him love me less and then he tells the guys he has doubts.
The tickling of anger brushes its claws at the surface just as he says, “Please, excuse me. I need to speak to a few people before we start. I’ll come find you soon.” I nod at him, giving nothing away.
Without hesitation, I nearly stomp off towards the bar. I ask for a whiskey and just as I’m finishing it off, Lucas appears next to me. I hardly acknowledge him as I order another.
“Is the plan to get drunk tonight?” He laughs.
“Ha-ha. Very funny.” The misplaced annoyance evident in my tone.
“Oh. I wasn’t joking. I just needed to know if we are all acting like fools tonight or not.” He leans against the bar with a smirk and wiggling eyebrows. Against my will, a strained smirk breaks across my lips.
“It’s just- it’s nothing.” I breathe out in frustration. Just as the words leave my mouth Ryon and James appear beside me.
“What’s going on? You’ve been off all night.” James says, holding onto my arm gently.
Hesitating to answer, I look over his features. I don’t want to ruin tonight. I’d rather just stew than make tonight about me and my issues. My eyes cast over to Ryon and that’s when my strength begins to waver. He sports a stern look with his arms crossed. It’s comical in the way it contrasts his usual goofy temperament.
I breathe out a long breath before responding, “Fine, fine. I heard what Ghost said back at home. About what his traditional family would think of him marrying someone who’s been altered.” They stare back at me in confusion.
“What are you talking about?” James says.
“OH! Ev, he was talking about Scarlett. He’s worried about what his family will think if they find out what happened to her. They can be very judgmental, even if it wasn’t her fault.” Lucas states. I stare back at him in shock. My head turns, searching for her in the crowd until she’s spotted. She stands there talking to her mother with a brighter smile than expected. I turn back towards them before speaking.
“But- but what if he has a point? What if my past causes issues with his family? It’s his responsibility to choose the family over all.” My voice lacks its usual robustness. I hate being a human with insecurities.
“Everly, trust me when I say that man will always choose you.” James laughs matter of factly.
“You didn’t see him when he thought you were dead. The man was a wreck. He didn’t shower or eat for days. He just laid in your bed, staring at a wall, holding onto your- well, thought itwas your- urn. And Spain?” Ryon says. They all groan in unison. I give them a look of confusion that pushes him to continue.
“He burnt down a third of Spain, in your name. He was searching for whoever was behind the plane crash. Any building that we knew harbored members of their mafia was locked, with people inside, and burnt to the ground. He gunned down anyone who tried running or fighting back. Ghost wasn’t himself. There was a disconnect behind his eyes I’ve never seen. It was almost predatory.” He finishes. I stare in horror. The idea of him causing so much destruction is unfathomable. I've never seen him so unrestrained. I’ve heard stories, but I thought they were just that. Stories. Without having to try, my eyes immediately find him amongst the crowd chatting with an older man in a tailored suit.
“He loves you more than I’ve ever seen someone love another person, Ev.” Lucas says softly.
“Yeah, I guess he does.” I say warmly, still not taking my eyes off of him.
“So when are you guys going to tell her that you love her?” I finally turn back to them, dancing my eyes over each of their faces with a playful smirk.
“That’s… complicated.” Ryon states hesitantly.
“It doesn’t have to be. You all love her in your own way, right?” I ask rhetorically.
“So what’s so complicated about that? It’s not the old days. Polyamory is much more accepted than it used to be. Have you asked her what she wants?” They don’t give me a response so I take it as a no.
“Then have that talk. You won’t be at ease until you know. Don’t possibly withhold yourself from what could be an epic love story.” I push.
“Oh, I think you and Ghost have that covered.” James chuckles softly.
“There’s enough room for love in this world, if you let it. You don’t need permission to be loved or give it. You just need to open yourself up for it.” My words are soft and hopeful. In a way I say it to myself more than them. Knowing I also need to hear the message behind them.
Turning back to Ghost’s direction, I find his previous location replaced with new people. My eyes scan the crowd dancing from face to face. The occasional look of disgust is not lost on me. Understandably so, Iamthe enemy. I take off into the sea of people, searching for him. I only make it ten paces before the warmth of strong arms wrap their way around me. His smell encapsulates me just as his head comes down to plant a kiss in the space between my shoulder and neck, instantly leaving goosebumps in its place.
