55. Chapter 52
T hat kiss felt like a promise of so many things. I couldn’t say I loved him back, though, not yet. Not until this is settled, and I can say it without fear of someone overhearing. Until I know for certain that he didn’t just say it because of the adrenaline.
Everyone else is waiting by the cars because we’re all going to enter as a family, and we’re all going to leave as a family. The house is enormous, which isn’t a shock considering they were a wealthy family before they became incorporated into the mob life.
Garland wraps around all of the columns, and lights twinkle in and out. It’s a gorgeous home, with tall ceilings painted in murals of scenes from the bible. They creep me out a little if I’m being honest, and so does the energy that flows inside the house.
There are so many people here already, milling around on the first floor, talking in whispered tones. Tall cocktail tables dot the space with lights illuminating them a soft blue under white tablecloths.
Charlie looks beautiful in a gold sequined dress that flatters her in more ways than one. Any guy would be lucky to have her, just not my guy. Banks breaks away from the family to hug her with one arm and kisses her cheek.
She nods and comes over to the rest of us.
“Welcome to our home,” she says, swinging her arm around like a good hostess. When I find her father watching, I understand the show and follow when we introduce ourselves. I guess Charlie didn’t tell him that we all knew each other.
“You must be Henry,” Charlie says, holding out her glove covered hand. Taking it, I bring it to my lips and give her knuckles a brush of my lips. When her back is fully to her father, she winks and whispers. “You look so hot. I’m surprised he hasn’t tried jumping into your pants.”
I try not to laugh, considering her father’s stare is firmly on us, and I’m sure he’s looking for anything he can to… do whatever it is he does.
“Refreshments will circulate, if you need anything, please don’t hesitate to come find me,” her voice is different, perky.
Creed nods and breaks off with Fern latched onto his arm. She holds her head high to her credit despite everything this man has done to her family. Mack and Lori take off, along with Talon and Cin. We all pair off with no one going anywhere alone. Toby and I are partners for tonight. Gemma’s been back home all break, and Toby’s been a little less… Toby.
“I guess it’s just us now,” I whisper.
He nods, eyes surveying the people. Moving through the crowd I take in the glamor, women are wearing so many jewels I have to blink a few times when they hit the light. I wonder how uncomfortable most of their dresses are. Everyone seems so stiff.
A man wearing all black approaches us with a champagne glass in his hand.
“You must be part of the Hemlock heirs,” his voice sounds almost bored, but his blue eyes are lasered in on us.
“Toby Rossi,” Toby introduces himself before pointing to me. “Henry Forbes, and you are?”
The guy chuckles, a dry sound that doesn’t fit him. “I’m Charlotte’s oldest brother, Roman Romero.”
Charlie’s real name is Charlotte? That’s a surprise, but also not. I can’t see her going by such a regal name Charlie fits her personality, which she must have gotten a double dose of because her brother missed that train.
“I hope you’ll find your evening enjoyable,” he nods, eyes locking on someone else among the crowd.
“He was strange, wasn’t he?” I ask Toby, only to find him staring at something over my shoulder. Twisting my head around, I look in the same direction and see Salem. She’s changed since the last time I saw her, but there’s no mistaking her.
“We have a plan–” I start, grabbing his elbow and attempting to pull him back, but he easily evades me and disappears into the crowd. Cursing under my breath I look for anyone else in the family.
But I’m alone.