“Aren’t they always?” I mutter.
“It’s different this time.” She puffs thoughtfully. “The rumor is that Vincent is sick.”
“Finally?” I met him once after the fire that nearly killed me. He was built like a thousand-year-old oak, thick and powerful. I marveled at how he could end up creating somebody as delicate-looking as my mother.
“His last wish is to see you and your brothers. By that, he means have you join the family fold.” I can heardream onfrom her tone. “He allegedly said whoever could bring you and your brothers into the family would be his heir. Your mother has always wanted to prove herself to her father, and she won’t pass up this opportunity. Harvey hates her, but most importantly, he knows what’ll happen to him if she wins, so he’ll do everything in his power to ensurehewins. And then…” Aunt Jeremiah pulls a finger across her neck.
That explains why he allied with Soledad and drugged me. He prefers to be more refined in his methods, believing himself to be a man of great sophistication.
“Soledad is a bitch, and she’ll pay for what she’s done,” she continues coolly. “But I’d be careful about your wife, too. Her story is unfortunate, but your due diligence isn’t finished yet. She’s from Nesovia. Who knows what kind of connection she might have with the Dunkels? The country has a clean and proper Chamber of Commerce image, but underneath it’s corrupt as hell. A lot of their industries and politicians have mob connections. And your mother is from one of the most prominent mob families.” She pats my hand, which is a shock. For her it’s practically a hug and vow of unconditional love. She does loyalty well—it’s the first half of the family motto—but love isn’t part of her repertoire. “If you need me, you know where to find me.”
Chapter Fourteen
Lareina
I blink, coming awake slowly. Every shade between white and black seems present in the room. Even the cool, silky sheet underneath me is a dove gray.
I’m still in the dress Doris got me. And from the way the sheets have the same smell as Ares, I’m in his bed.
Just what happened yesterday?I was so hungry after we got home, and I didn’t want to deal with that aunt of his, who seemed so suspicious of me. She obviously thinks I’m after his money—he probably didn’t tell her I agreed to the additional marriage vow of not taking his shit. Or maybe she’s too lawyerly to accept that.
When Ares got distracted, I took his water and plate—subtly, of course, and naturally, like I mistook his for mine—then found a small reading room and ate.
Once my belly was full, all the tension slowly seeped out. After all, I wasn’t just married, but actuallyaway from Doris and her family’s power. It would take time to find me, and even if they did, I was certain they couldn’t just barge into Ares’s home and try to steal me away. And they couldn’t force Ares to give me up to them.
I’m safe. The two words rang in my head as I looked up at the snarling wolves over PIETAS ET UNITAS. Exhaustion overwhelmed me, and I gave in to it, truly relaxing for the firsttime. I probably fell asleep and didn’t notice anything when Ares brought me to his bedroom.
What time is it?
I check the clock by the night stand. It reads twelve past ten a.m. I overslept.
Where’s Ares?
I get up and listen for a moment. The mansion is eerily silent. Part of me wants to snoop. It’s a habit I developed early, to scout my surroundings just in case I needed to make a quick escape.
But that would be rude here. And unnecessary. I’m sure I can ask Ares to show me around later.
Since I’m itching to get out of the uncomfortable wedding gown, I step into the walk-in closet, hoping to find something to put on. A light comes on, and in the ivory center island is a gorgeous glass case with bright spotlights over it. I step closer, curious what’s inside. Jewels? A collection of fancy watches?
Nope. Over the soft crimson velvet lies a long cane.Pietas et unitasis etched in fancy silver filigree. A silver wolf’s head sits on the top, where you’d wrap your hand. The nameAres Joseph Huxleyis engraved on the latch of the case. Must be some significant family item, on par with an irreplaceable heirloom. Ares must prize it, too, for it to take such a prominent place.
I look at it for a while, my heart beating a little too fast and funny, my mouth bone dry. The wolf’s head faces me, its eyes and fangs furious, as though it’d bite my neck. I shake my head. Probably just thirst making me feel off. My throat is parched.
I tear my gaze from the cane and look around. Suits, suits, dress shirts, shiny men’s shoes and…some expensive-looking watches. I don’t think there’s anything I can wear, even temporarily.
I head to the kitchen, hoping there’s more of the bottled water. After water, I’ll get a lawyer. No, actually, fresh sets of clothes and shoes first,thena lawyer.
On the kitchen counter is a bottle of water and a small, sealed package of cereal. I pour it into my mouth dry, then read a yellow sticky note on the granite. Ares’s handwriting is surprisingly neat. I thought a lawyer would have crappy handwriting because he’d have a secretary to write his memos and so on.
Left you some food. Hope it’s suitable. It’s in a sealed package. I noticed you seem okay with food and drinks that are factory sealed.
I blink, surprised and touched that Ares noticedandcared enough to leave me something I can eat. I was planning on either not eating anything until he came home or going to a restaurant and asking the server to taste my food for me first.
The rest of the note reads:
A newly activated phone, since you don’t seem to have one. (If I’m wrong, just ignore it.) Your passport is in the upper drawer of the nightstand on your side of the bed. Clothes and shoes in the living room. Try them on, keep what you like and set aside what you don’t. The personal shopper will come collect what you don’t want next weekend. Take the credit card and buy us new wedding rings, since my family will want to meet you soon. At work now. If you need anything, text me. My number’s already in your phone.
Huh, so he noticed I’m phoneless. Thanks to Doris, I’ve gone without for over fifteen years.
