Chapter Thirty Six
T.G.I.F.
Four days have passed since the death of Dominic and the unmeasurable destruction of Scarlett’s life.
Life has looked a little different at my house with everyone, Scarlett included, bunking up with me.
The guys have been attached to her at the hip while Ghost has been busying himself with his own changes.
With his father dead, he is now the Don.
The entire empire lays in limbo, awaiting his first announcement as their new leader.
Tonight is planned to have a meeting with most of its members and officials in attendance.
He has requested the presence of my own family, assuming to be given the opportunity in denouncing our fifty year long rivalry.
This alone warms my heart beyond measure.
With this impending event, I start looking through my wardrobe for a dress.
Wall to wall, countless dresses sit hung and waiting.
I realize that all in attendance will be looking at my family tonight.
I need a dress that claims power and demands respect.
I haven't even thought to ask Ghost if his mafia knows about us. Fuck. If they do, that’s all the more reason to dress the part.
My hand skates over various fabrics until one on the end catches my eye.
It’s wrapped in a cover of black vinyl. Hidden beneath, I know all too well, holds the perfect gown.
Pulling it from its place before pulling down the zipper, I’m met with the black corset.
I remove it from the bag and lay it out to admire.
The mid section is a sheer black corset decorated in black lace.
It is strapless and hangs low with connecting laced sleeves.
The cups of the breasts are underplayed with a deep red satin.
Running from midline down to the skirt are red roses accompanied by the same black lace.
The skirt is my favorite part. It’s a pattern of black and red ombré that flows up and down, all variously covered in the same roses that can be found on the corset and sleeves.
It is designed like a ball gown, flowing out and just touching the floor if I were to be wearing heels.
The satin laps open to create a subtle opening in the front.
I never wore this one as I always felt it was far too pretty to be seen but tonight is the perfect excuse to raise it from its slumber.
Next step is my jewelry and hair, before makeup.
Heading to my jewelry stand, I pull open drawers, adorned in black velvet, until I find what I am looking for.
There sits a heavy necklace, covered in large black diamonds.
Sitting in the center is a pendant. The moment we returned, I called the jeweler to have it custom made.
Ghost will lose his shit when he sees it.
I smile as it's fitted around my neck. Like it was always meant to be there. Next step is hair, so I throw it up in an elegant mess of waves ensuring my necklace will be on full display tonight. Finalizing my look, I sit at the large mahogany vanity inside the bedroom to apply my makeup. I settle for a dark eye look, like always. Lips are painted a dark red to match my dress. By the time I am ready, it is nearly five o’clock.
I give myself a once-over before sliding into matching heels and heading downstairs.
As if we are magnets, I don't need to call for Ghost to know where he is.
My body has this ethereal draw to his. Like our souls are two ends of the same being.
My legs carry me towards the lounge in strides.
Arriving at the door, I observe two things quickly.
The first is the door being slightly ajar and the second is the conversation that carries from it. Their voices speak in hushed tones.
I lean forward to gather their discussion just as James’s voice comes through clearly, “I don't see what there is to be concerned about.”
“You don't see what there is to be concerned about?” Ghost dryly laughs.
There’s a pause before he speaks again, “What will my family think? In their eyes, she’s been altered by someone that isn’t her husband. You don't understand. My family is very traditional.”
“Fuck traditions. You and Everly have broken many of those. Including ending the feud between families.” Lucas states but I can hardly focus as rage wells up within me.
I always worried that I was ruined after my attack and this just confirms it.
Ghost is concerned about how his family will react to the news of our engagement.