He leans forward, speaking into my ear, his lips brush the shell, "You know where my room is, and here is my spare key."He slides it into my cleavage and is gone before I can say anything else.
Holy shit!
"Maya, what're you doing out here?" Ana asks as she descends the stairs to where I'm standing. I casually smooth out my dress, making sure nothing is out of place.
"Just getting some fresh air. I think the jet lag is catching up with me," I try to explain. Of course, I can't tell her I was making out with her brother.
"Well, come on, I want a shot with my best friend." She laughs.
I'm reminded of how Jonathon controls her and how much she has changed.
"Okay, let's go, sister."
I follow behind her, hoping Duncan didn't leave too many marks on my neck. I smooth my skirt again and check the bodice, making sure my full breasts are still contained and his key card is hidden.
"So, what're we drinking to that we haven't already toasted? Also, please tell me this will be a drink I like?"
"Well, you're my best friend, my sister, and one of the few people I trust. What else would we do shots with?" Her words give me a slight pause. She sounds melancholy.
"What's the matter? You’re less than twenty-four hours away from marrying the man of your dreams.”
Ana stops and turns to me, her head slightly tipped to the side and down. Her lips form a small frown and I can see the sorrow on her.
"Maya, if anything ever happens to me, will you take care of Daddy and Duncan? They've nothing in common now exceptme. They barely talk. Since Duncan joined the Army they've only fought. Please, I need you."
"What're you talking about?" My brain reels. She's actually starting to scare me with the way she is talking.
"Maybe I'm feeling everything is going too well, that something is going to happen. I want to make sure that I never have unfinished business. I've also had too much to drink." She smiles with the last part, but I still feel like she isn't telling me something.
We both lost family at young ages, and we’re both serious about never leaving our future kids like what happened to us. Ana’s mom was killed in a car accident that Ana miraculously survived. Ana wasn’t even six months old at the time. I'm sure I'll never have children. Besides, I’d have to trust someone with my heart for that to happen, and that isn't going to happen anytime soon.
We make our way to the bar. "Two shots of any American whiskey, preferably Jack Daniels," I tell the bartender. He hands us each a shot glass filled with our drinks.
"Okay, to always being on top and best friends forever. Cheers," I say, and laugh as I throw back the shot. The bartender pours me another and sets a single red rose down next to my glass.
"For the lovely lady," he says, and I smile at him. He doesn't need to know I hate flowers.
"To friends forever and angels in dark places. Cheers," Ana says, and throws back hers. That's been her toast since we were nineteen. She's setting her glass on the bar when a manicured male hand grabs her wrist.
"Darling, I think it's time for Mia to take you to your room. You've imbibed too much." Jonathon mispronounces my name.
"Her name is Maya. And for your information, I'm alright." I watch her back straighten, and her petite frame appears to be taller than she is. She's actually going to stand up to him in front of everyone. It's about time my Ana started thinking for herself. Then I realize how many people are watching us. I know Ana wouldn't want to make a spectacle. But I'm proud of her for finally finding her voice.
"It's all good, Ana, we can take the bottle and head to your room." I signal the bartender to give me the bottle. I feel Duncan's key at my breast and know I'll not make it there. But I need to diffuse this before people get a show. I also know that Duncan is a bad idea. I reach for the bottle the bartender placed beside the rose.
For a moment, I wonder about the rose, it's the only red rose in the venue.
"Maya, Anabel is done drinking for the night." Jonathon’s hand releases hers and grabs my wrist, stopping my progress toward the bottle. His touch feels like ice water has been injected into my veins. His grip tightens, each of his fingers dig into my skin.
I'm going to kick this English prick’s ass. How dare he touch me?
"Let go of me, now," I whisper, staring him in the eye. He's going to remove his hand or I'm going to make him.
"Let her go. Now," the words are snarled from behind me as I feel Duncan's hand on my shoulder.
Ana slides over to her brother's side. I knew without lookingit was him. I felt the electricity between us. Jonathon looks over my head to Duncan, then to Ana.
"Anabel, don't cause a scene. Go to your room like a good girl. I'll see you tomorrow. Remember your promise to me." His voice is cold, his face pinched and eyes narrowed. He is looking at Ana like he wants to hurt her and is disgusted by her. He is not only treating her like a child, but like a child he hates.
