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All this time it’s been clear to me that I would die in order for Zade to rise in power. I’ll never get to see him lead, never get to see him actually claim what he worked so hard to achieve. Maybe that’s a bit morbid of me, but there’s no denying Zade is just the kind of man who belongs at the top.
Ahhh, fuck it. Who am I kidding? I only get a thrill in watching him because he’s dressed in a goddamn five-piece suit and looks like a fucking snack. I mean, damnnnn. I know Zade and I haven’t crossed over to a sexual relationship, but what I wouldn’t give for that man to bend me over and spank my ass.
We drive for another ten minutes, and I watch out the window, staring at the scenery because it’s better than trying to hold any kind of conversation in this awkward silence. We arrive at an old, run-down church, and as I step out of the Escalade and straighten my gown, I stare up at the incredible building. It’s clear this place used to be the star of the city back in its prime. All it needs is a little elbow grease, and I’m sure it’ll sparkle.
Cara steps out of the Escalade behind me with apprehension in her eyes. Her gaze briefly flickers to mine as we meet each other’s stare and hastily look away, more than ready to pretend that didn’t just happen.
Dalton sits back on his bike, waiting for us to get closer before finally stepping off and making my mouth water. Hell, just remembering the way I rode him on that thing the other night has me ready to demand the guys hold guns on me so I can do it all over again and recreate the thrill and adrenaline that pulsed through my veins.
As we stride closer to the church, a strange nervousness settles into my chest. I don’t think doing Empire-related things, especially things that call for The Circle and the hundreds of members to be in attendance, is really in my best interests. They’re so unforgiving, relentless, and unpredictable. By this stage, I know the boys will protect me no matter what, but I hate walking into a room and not knowing what I will be met with.
“You’ll be fine,” Easton murmurs, sensing my fear as Dalton moves in closer to Cara, placing his hand on the small of her back. To anyone walking by, it would look as innocent as escorting a date into an event, but we all know he’s there to ensure she doesn’t make a break for it.
I give Easton a small smile before focusing back on the path ahead, and soon enough, we’re making our way up the grand stairs of one of the most architecturally pleasing buildings I’ve ever stepped into. There’s something a little gothic about it, and it sends a thrill shooting wildly through my veins.
There are a few people lingering throughout the church, some I recognize from Nikolai’s trial, but I zone them out, focusing on the high ceilings and beautiful stained-glass windows. I can’t say I’m the type who’s ever enjoyed being in a church. I always thought they would have burned down the moment I stepped foot inside, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t appreciate the beauty.
Easton leads me right to the top of the aisle before pushing me along to the very end of the first pew, the very easiest position to bail out of if need be. Not to mention, from here, the rest of today’s guests will only see the back of my head and have absolutely no idea who I am.
Zade stands in the front with a few of The Circle members, talking privately as people fill the church, and when Sawyer’s mother walks in wearing an extravagant black gown with dark glasses, all eyes fall on her. She’s fucking stunning, like a slightly older version of Cara, and as she makes her way right down the aisle to sit front and center to watch her son’s big day, both Cara and Sawyer stand. They shuffle along the pew and sit down beside her, and I don’t miss the way Cara clutches her mother’s hand. It fucking kills me. I’ve never seen such a haunted family.
Minutes tick by, and as I’m left alone with nothing but my own thoughts, I can’t help but wonder how it’s all going to go down for me. It won’t be a grand occasion like this. I won’t get the fancy church and expansive crowd. I’ll be the dark stain on Empire’s reputation.
There are only ten days until Zade’s hand will plunge into my chest, and the very thought has tears springing to my eyes. Mostly I’ve been doing okay, but as the days continue to count down, it gets harder to make it through. Today, in particular, I’ve been a mess.
