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So, what happened in that span of time?
He took a few steps toward the desk, but Ace stepped over, blocking him from getting any closer.
“Ace,” he smiled warmly, even though there was clearly no love in his voice. “How you doin’, buddy? You’re still stuck under Caius’ thumb around here? Does he at least pay you well?”
Ace placed a palm on Amadeus’ chest, adding pressure and making him stumble.
“Dey, you need to step back,” Ace warned, and Amadeus brushed off his request.
“Remember when we used to sneak out back?” Amadeus asked Ace, still staring at him. “You know, go out to the edge of the property, behind the Mason Mausoleum and get so shit-faced that we would pass out until fucking noon the next day? We would wake up drenched from the rain—and, I don’t know—it sobered us, don’t you think?”
“Why are you here?” Caius interrupted, and Amadeus turned back to him.
“Because, brother,” he sneered, “I’m done letting this shitty place sit in my conscience.” He lifted his hand, revealing a shiny object glinting in the light, reflecting a white beam.
It was a knife.
The same knife he had at the party, the one he used to open the bottle of champagne.
He must’ve grabbed it from the kitchen before coming to the office.
I took a sharp inhale at the sight, and I could feel Caius’ hand snake around my hip, gripping me. But even though I knew he was trying to protect me, to shield me, a part of me didn’t want it.
Or maybe I felt as if I didn’t need it because I understood Amadeus.
I understood the feeling of disbelief. Hesitancy. Skepticism. I was there for so long.
My hand found Caius’, and I gave him a soft squeeze before forcing his hand off my hip. We both looked at each other, his concerned, confused stare meeting my hopeful one.
“I get it,” I began, turning to face Amadeus. “I felt the same way, too.”
All three men turned to look at me as I stepped out from behind the desk. I walked slowly toward Amadeus, who was still situated behind Ace.
“When I first figured out whatthiswas—all of this—I didn’t believe it. Even though I saw it with my own eyes, I still didn’t believe it. And then, when I accepted it for what it really was, I didn’t agree with it, just like you.”
The look in Amadeus’ eyes softened, so I took another step forward.
“Just like your parents, my uncle is here, and I had a very hard time accepting the fact that he wanted this. From what I know, he was such a good man, and the thought of him wanting this made my stomach turn. I thought he deserved better.”
I glanced over my shoulder to Caius, who looked ready to jump over the desk and grab me. He wanted to save me, I could tell, but right now, I needed him to stay put.
“But, Dey,” I looked back at him. “Can I call you that? Dey?”
He gave no response, so I continued.
“There is so much more to it than I could’ve imagined. There’s life here every single night. There’s thought in each decision. There’s confidence and hope in each agreement. This isn’t just an easy way out. These are people’s lives we are dealing with here. This is their eternal soul in the balance.”
Amadeus’ face remained neutral as I took one final step toward him. Ace shifted to the side, and I could feel him watching us, waiting to react at the jump if necessary.
“Death is inevitable, Dey. We all know that. But you know what’s avoidable? Fearing death because of the unknowns of the afterlife. There’s no reason to be scared when you know peace is waiting for you on the other side.”
Right as the last word left my lips, Amadeus grabbed my arm and pulled me into him. In a swift movement, he spun me around so my back was against his heated chest, then brought the knife up to my throat.
Both Ace and Caius made moves to come for me, but Amadeus hissed from over my shoulder.
“Don’t you fucking dare come any closer, or I’ll slice her throat open.”
Ace held his hands up in surrender. My eyes met Caius’, who looked absolutely fucking terrified. But then his eyes moved to Amadeus’, and suddenly, the fear was gone. His gaze turned to stone as he watched his own brother hold a knife to my neck.
