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Because without any kind of love, our life has no meaning.
That’s our true tragedy.
As love can only be freely given.”
Isla
Isla
“The view is stunning.” Sighing, I lift my teacup to my mouth as I gaze at the magnificent garden in front of me lit by thousands of stars with the moonlight streaming so brightly, it showcases every little detail about it.
From neatly cut grass to blooming roses and orchids and various statues that have the ability to awe you but also hunt you in your nightmares for their rather scary expressions.
Ever since the girl brought me to the terrace with a gazebo, all I did was stare at the nature around me, doing my best to ignore the drama from Remi and Penelope darting somewhere with the rest of the dark four following after them.
Whatever happened, though, took the heat away from me, and I didn’t even have the chance to talk to Florian or Octavius.
In fact, I haven’t seen him all this time, and I touch my neck again, a raspy breath escaping me while I drink my tea, welcoming the hot liquid sliding down my throat.
Despite the slight discomfort, I love how it wipes away thoughts of the confusing man, and I check my phone one more time for any notification but find none.
I’ve been sitting in this gazebo for around twenty minutes now, and while the girls try to be nice and speak about anything, even the weather, all I can think about is the Church Killer and finding another lead.
Or, rather, a token in his game.
“Yes. The Price family loves beauty, one of the reasons they incorporate into their business so well. They have the eye for it,” Jimena says, picking up a date and biting on it. “Grandpa Atlas considers it the biggest gift humankind received from God.” I’m yet to meet the family patriarch or any of their relatives, but seriously? “That’s why he values natural beauty.”
“He sounds shallow,” I tell her honestly, and Briseis chuckles but quickly gulps her tea when Jimena glares at her. “No offense.”
The Cortez and Price families have been tight for decades, generations after generations of friendships built on trust and loyalty that makes even the best of people jealous. Lucian, Santiago and Jimena’s father, and Jacob, Florian’s father, even made each other the godfathers of their kids.
Jimena is the only girl born in either of the dynasties in the last hundred years, so she’s been loved and spoiled rotten by both families, and rumor has it, Atlas Price even mentioned her in his will because, according to him, she’s the granddaughter he never had.
“He has a heart of gold.” She finishes her date and puts the seed on her saucer before lifting her own teacup. She surprised the staff earlier when she requested tea instead of the coffee they had prepared for her. “It tastes like shit,” she informs Briseis and frowns at her cup. “I don’t understand how you like it.” She motions with her head toward her. “This girl has a whole collection at home. My brother made it his mission to gather teas for her from all over the world so she can try something new every day.”
A dreamy expression settles on Briseis’s face, and she grins, her eyes lighting up and the colors in them becoming richer. “Yes. He’s amazing, isn’t he?” As I look at her now, it’s hard to believe he forced her into marriage, so maybe it was a love union after all? No woman who hates her man reacts this way, and he practically swallowed her whole in his embrace before going with the guys. “But enough about us. Let’s talk about you and Octavius.”
Jimena nods. “Yes! What’s going on between you two?”
I place the cup back on the saucer, quickly thinking of a good explanation that won’t paint me as a crazy stalker and spill my secrets to them. Santiago would have my head if I got them involved in my troubles. “I’m researching a case for one of my clients. I’m a private investigator.” They blink at this. “I just need his help to solve a puzzle. A missing piece to lead me to the criminal, so to speak.” Somehow the energy around us changes after these words. They grow tense and exchange a long look.
Why the hell did this unsettle them so much? Maybe they’re worried about the dark four? “It has nothing to do with the guys. Just something I need to solve, and Octavius has some key information for me. I’ve been a bit too insistent.” A nervous laugh slips past my lips as Briseis continues to sip her tea while Jimena just stares at me, a calculated and guarded look settling over her face, and for the first time, I see the striking resemblance between the Cortez siblings. “But I’m done now. You can’t force the unwilling, right?”
Jimena cocks her head to the side. “How did you get past the security?”
Okay, she clearly thinks I’m a psycho. “Florian gave me an invitation. I just forgot it in the cab, and Penelope came to the rescue.” At the sound of that, Jimena’s eyes flash in pain, but it’s quickly replaced with earlier guardedness, making me think I imagined it. “He thinks I have the hots for his best friend and probably tried playing Cupid.” I have no idea why I add the last part, but for whatever reason, her pain unsettles me. The last thing I need is anyone thinking something is going on between Florian and me.
Maybe the girl just feels territorial about the guy who can be considered her brother in everything but blood?
Briseis reaches out, patting her knee, and finally, Jimena’s lips stretch in a smile that’s so forced, I wince inwardly. For whatever reason, the whole invitation thing rubbed some old wounds. “Four Dark Horsemen, that’s what everyone calls them.” I still at the abrupt change of subject. Okay then. “Women always throw themselves at them, charmed by their power, status, and money. They dream about carrying their heirs because it would mean they'd be set for life.” My fingers curl on my knees while my hold on the phone tightens, hating hearing this, and by how Briseis puts her cup on the table, she isn’t thrilled either. “Octavius wasn't an exception even though he got way less attention than everyone else. But the allure of the Reeds’ wealth was too strong for some to resist. They considered him an option if things wouldn’t work out with the other three.” Now anger swirls through me for an entirely different reason. Why the hell did they think him not worthy of attention on his own? The man is smoking hot, the hottest if you ask me! “There has never been a woman as insistent as you when it comes to him.” Her smile widens, and some warmth returns in her gaze. “I think part of him likes it, but don’t tell him that because he’ll deny it.”
“It’s about the case. It has nothing to do…with us.” I clear my throat. “In fact, there is no us.” I can’t allow my delusions to grow in their company and believe there is something more.
Come for me, kitten.
I wish to cover my ears from his raspy voice echoing in my head and goose bumps breaking on my skin just from the memories alone, where he took my body as if it was his most prized possession and made me believe for a moment in time this obsession of mine was mutual.
Madness and desire wrapped in one create a burning inferno designed to drive me insane and find solace only in his arms.
