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His hand rubs my back. “Is there anything you would change if you could?” he grunts.
Ash sounds vulnerable, though sated. I kiss his neck, thinking. I don’t care that we’re sticky with our releases, I want to make sure I tell him the truth.
“I wish I didn’t have to kill my father for The Society,” I murmur, feeling as if I’m telling a secret better left for confession. “It feels so final, and as if I’m betraying any good memories we had.”
Ash is quiet as he rests his head against mine. “Maybe, but you’ll do anything to keep Jules safe. Think about that when the light leaves his eyes. She deserves a future filled with good things. We protect the people we love, and if I’m allowed to go with you, I’ll help. I swear it.”
Ash’s heartbeat pounds so hard, I can hear it, reminding me of heralding drums. I know he’s serious, but I also don’t want to taint him with my burden.
So instead, I wrap my arms around him tighter, showing him I hear his promise.
CHASTITY
Jonas leaves the reception as I talk to Bast and Tempest. Someone sneaks up behind me, grabbing my waist. The scent of amber and incense has me melting into my husband, and I laugh as he kisses my neck. His stubble rubs across my flesh, simultaneously turning me on and tickling me.
Tempest groans at our PDA and I roll my eyes, then stick my tongue out at her. She's been in a good mood today, for the most part, but I'm still worried about her. She has a sadness behind her blue eyes. I’m hoping now that I’ll be moving back into the Academy, that we can spend some more time together. I have a feeling she’s going to need me.
The spa day was just what we needed. I have missed her so much. I just hope she doesn’t disappear on me again. I’m a little concerned about what she needs to tell me. Though, I have a sneaking suspicion I already know, but I’ll wait until she confirms it.
I won't rush her. I know how hard it is to open up to someone.
“I'm about ready to ditch all these people and have my wife for dessert,” Levi mumbles into my ear and I shiver.
Bast overhears and laughs. “I'm on board with that, but you need to cut the cake.”
Someone clears their throat, surprising me, and we all look over to my brother. I place a hand to my chest as Levi lets me go. I am still a little on edge after everything. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. I was hoping maybe to dance with my sister?” he says, looking directly at me and I nod.
Tempest mentions how hot Jacob is, and I snort as I take his hand. I haven’t told anyone that he’s gay, and I won’t. It’s not my secret to tell, and I actually like Otto, so I won’t do anything to jeopardize their relationship.
“You look beautiful, Chas,” Jacob mutters as he leads me to the middle of the courtyard. People are watching, so I smile.
“Thank you. It’s still a little surreal that this is happening, but I’m happy. Which is something new for me,” I say and Jacob sighs.
“I will never be able to apologize enough for everything, but I am going to work for the rest of my life on gaining your forgiveness. I think I may actually have some news that will make you happy,” he grumbles, then stops dancing. Pulling out his phone, I watch as he unlocks it, using our mother's birthday as the code.
A pain in my chest aches at the remembrance that she’s not here. She’s been gone for a long time, but I still miss her.
Scrolling through some messages, he shows me a photo that stops my breath. My daughter is on a playground, surrounded by toddlers her age. It seems to be at the local park where I used to ride my bike.
She seems happy. “I have someone keeping an eye on her, and from what has been reported back, the woman she’s staying with is very attentive, and treats her like a princess. The man who ass—” He chokes on the word, and I close my eyes. “He hasn’t been around. He stops in from time to time, but seems to be busy in the city. I know you want her here with you, but until we can make that happen… I hope this brings you some peace. Angel is loved and well-cared for.” He stops talking and I open my eyes.
A tear runs down my cheek, and he gently brushes it away. “I love you, Baby Sister. I know you have Levi now, and if anyone can keep you safe, it will be him and the other guys. But just know that I am always here too. I will never abandon you again.”
The music stops, and Jacob presses a soft kiss onto my cheek before stepping away. Levi meets me and takes my hand, pulling me into a hug while pressing a kiss to my neck.
“Cake, and then I have a surprise for you,” he says and I nod, glancing around looking for my grandmother. I spot her arguing with David.
“What is with your father and my grandmother?” I ask Levi, as I wave my hand in their direction. “I swear they’ve been sniping at each other all day. She wasn’t very happy he gave me away.”
Levi shrugs, frowning. “I have no idea. Your grandmother doesn’t really like anyone, but Dad has always tried to give her a wide berth,” he murmurs, kissing my neck one last time. “Let’s go find out what the commotion is before everyone else notices.”
Personally, I think that ship has sailed, but I take the hand he offers and walk across the room. The high, vaulted ceilings in this room are beautiful, and the doors to the garden are open. I can smell the jasmine as we get nearer, and I take a deep, cleansing breath.
“David, I don’t want you near my granddaughter. I didn’t like you when you corrupted my daughter, and I can’t stand you now. Chastity is pure and sweet, and doesn’t need your depravity,” my grandmother yells. Her volume is getting even louder.
Cringing, I continue to listen to their fight. David is turning red, but I don’t think it’s from embarrassment.
“Agatha, you old bag of bones, you have no idea what you’re talking about! I loved Charity, and you were against our relationship the entire time,” David hisses.
