AllFreeNovel
Share Us
When the woman with the red hair passed me, I wanted to reach out and just take her by the arm, announcing I had chosen, so we could move on with the night. I could speed this entire process up if they allowed it… which I knew they wouldn’t allow, so I behaved as hard as it was.
I knew each belle came from a difficult situation. Which was a nice way of saying they were poor. They needed to be chosen almost as much as they needed to breathe. But the belle with the red hair and in a teal-colored dress appeared to not need anyone at all. She held her head high, her shoulders back, and she could have easily passed for the most sophisticated and groomed socialite in Darlington County.
I could easily see her on my arm at cocktail parties interacting with the rich and powerful and being able to hold her own. She clearly knew how to act the part.
“Beau Radcliffe,” the Elder boomed, breaking me from my thoughts. “It is time for you to choose the belle.”
The Elder who had been leading the procession of belles walked over to where I stood and opened his palm. I knew he held a black satin ribbon without even looking down.
Taking the ribbon, I was more than ready to get this party moving. My need to act more efficiently caused me to feel itchy and anxious. I clearly was not a man meant for ritual.
I then walked up to the line of women and began what was called “the touching of the pearls”. One by one, I approached each female and briefly touched the pearl necklace they all wore. I wanted to just go straight to the redhead, but she was toward the end, and I had to go through this unnecessary step.
I didn’t even bother to really look at each belle. Fast flicks of my fingertips on the pearls and on to the next belle. If anything, I should admire the craftsmanship of my family company, but I didn’t even want to do that.
And then finally I reached the belle with the red hair. Jesus Christ, she smelled good. Floral mixed with spice.
Being up close to her, I felt a sense of familiarity. Had I met this woman before? I scrutinized her face as if I had seen it—known it. I was fairly good with names and faces, so it was unlikely I would forget a face like hers. She was fucking hot, and I was pretty sure I wouldn’t ever forget a woman like her if I had actually met her before. But still…there was something about her rich green eyes, her pouty lips…
Her eyes made contact with mine as I caressed her pearls. It was a shame I was about to destroy a necklace that cost more than some of these women made all year, but it was the way of the Order. Breaking the necklace was an act to show just how easy it is for The Order of the Silver Ghost to give you riches only to take them away. They had the power to give you all your dreams, but they also had the same power to destroy you with ease.
With a snap of my wrist, I yanked the necklace from her creamy flesh and heard her tiny gasp as I did so. Not wanting to waste any time—since enough time already had gone by at an agonizingly slow pace—I replaced the pearls with the black ribbon.
I hoped she was ready to dance with fire.
And then I heard the words I had been waiting for all night. “Beau Radcliffe, have you chosen your belle for the Initiation?”
I took a step back from the belle who would be at my mercy for 109 days and said, “I have chosen my belle.”
3
Abilene
He picked me. Of course he did.
He had a thing for redheads, and I’d been the only one in the room.
Plus, this wasn’t the first time he’d picked me out of all the other girls in the room. No, Beau Radcliffe had a type, and I’d had the feeling he was the type of man who wouldn’t stray from it if it was offered up on a pretty, glittering platter.
I’d even put crystal jewels in my updo to highlight my fiery locks.
One night not so long ago, the man had counted the freckles on my face with his tongue. I wondered if I’d be in for a repeat tonight as he led me up the stairs by the small of my back.
A small thrill raced up my spine at the touch.
Ridiculous. Tina would have scoffed at me. No personal attachments. It was her number one rule.
As much as my confidence was returning now, it was really only as the pearls had pinged to the floor that I’d really allowed myself a breath of relief.
