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The gate slides open, the annoying sound reverberating through the space, and the driver starts the car again, driving onto the narrow asphalt road while my heartbeat speeds up, and I wipe my wet palm on my knees, the chaos erupting inside me.
The reason I called Giselle is that someone has to calm me down before I enter or otherwise I’ll make a fool of myself again.
This might be my full-time job in Chicago, but I’m also terrified and determined because of the Church Killer who promised to provide me with a new clue.
“Well, I couldn’t pass it up.”
“Isla, do you have some kind of a new kink you forgot to share with me?” I roll my eyes when she continues. “You get off on public humiliation or something?”
“Is this judgment I’m hearing?”
“Concern. Nothing wrong in wanting what you want, but maybe try getting it away from Octavius.”
A heavy weight settles on my chest at the reminder of the complicated and handsome man.
It’s been twenty-four hours since our encounter, and in these hours, I got nothing.
No message. Phone call. Or a visit.
Rationally, I understand it was a one-night stand and all, but the irrational part of me is so deeply hurt without even having a right to be so, and doesn’t this just show once again how forgettable I am?
Remi freaking married Penelope last night. Whatever happened between them must have been life-changing. I tried calling her, but it went to voicemail, so she’s either in marital bliss or simply hates my guts.
“I don’t have any kinks. And I don’t plan to interact with Octavius.” My ego won’t survive another public rejection. “In and out.”
“But why?”
Despite needing this phone call to calm me down, it does anything but because I can’t disclose any details. If the Church Killer is watching over me, I want Giselle to be far away from all this mess and not get on his radar. “I can’t have all of the dark four hating me. Being nice to Florian might prove a great connection.”
“Even toddlers come up with better lies than you.”
“Not sure if I should be flattered or offended.”
“The word we are using here is concerned.”
“I’m hanging up now.”
“Don’t you dare, Isla!”
“I love you, Giselle! I already feel better, so you’re the best!”
As the car drives farther, I gasp in shock, plastering closer to the window and studying the gorgeous Price mansion. I’ve never seen anything more magnificent, and all the pictures on the internet and in magazines give it little justice, toning down the stunning sight that should be illegal for how surreal it is.
Emerald-green grass covers the enormous property, so smooth and neatly cut that it brings attention to the massive marble statues depicting Greek goddesses from Aphrodite to Athena spread throughout the land, each more beautiful than the other. The art pieces are extremely detailed. The goddesses’ dresses give the impression of movement, while their stubborn expressions are perfectly carved, showing their fury.
A fountain stands in the middle of them all, a man holding an arrow as he points it at someone in the distance, and the water falls from his mouth, giving it a rather dangerous and irking vibe, making me want to stop looking at it or he might actually come alive and send his deadly weapon my way.
His clothes are scarce, being a character from a myth, and I rack my brain over some information I’ve read online on the mansion.
Paris.
The Trojan prince killed Achilles, the bravest Greek warrior, by piercing an arrow through his heel. The warrior’s one weakness by which his mother held him when she was dipping him in the river to give protection from any wounds. It was quite a tragic death for such a brave man. Then again, he preferred to die in glory, and I guess he achieved his life goal.
Apparently, it was enough for Atlas Price to admire Paris, although why is beyond me.
The dude cost war with his selfish actions, he stole a whole-ass wife from someone, and then his entire family paid for his mistake!
The driver whistles in awe as he drives farther inside, where a mesmerizing garden consisting of various bushes and heavy trees greets us, the flowers blooming and giving the whole place a colorful and magical vibe contrasting with the earlier statues.
