Chapter 5 Indi #2
“Shit.” I stared back at my reflection, shocked by how I looked.
The emerald gown Haze had left me fit like a glove as it clung to my body in all the right ways.
A single tulle strap sat perfectly along my right shoulder, matching the green material and accents.
The hem streamed down my back and pooled along the floor like a puddle of deep green, while the slit above my right thigh left my leg fully exposed.
I took a deep breath, worried that my breasts might be pushed a bit too high, wondering what the hell this was even for.
As I rotated my torso to examine the dress through the mirror, the handsewn accents and crystals sparkled in the evening light, matching the color of my eyes.
“Damn,” I exhaled, admiring my silhouette from the back.
“He’s got good taste, that’s for sure. No wonder he’s always preferred me in green.
” I spun around, watching all the tiny accents catch the light as I moved.
I hope he likes this on me as much as he did on the hanger.
I raised my arms, the matching lace gloves reaching my elbows as I perfected my hair.
It was slicked back and hung straight past my shoulders, revealing tiny hints of the green tinsel woven throughout.
My makeup was bold and glamorous, complementing the entire look without distracting from it.
I didn’t wear any jewelry as I felt it would just take away from the dress, which was a statement itself.
Kush wobbled into the room and climbed onto the bed.
I spun to look at him and motioned to my attire.
“Well? What do you think?” He meowed and purred.
“Really?” I looked back at the full-length mirror in the room and took one last look.
“I just hope he likes it too.” Haze knocked at the front door, and I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me.
Kush perked up and rushed from the bed and out of the room.
I followed him, my nerves trembling as we walked down the stairs and neared the front door.
“Fuck, okay. Deep breath.” I inhaled and adjusted my dress one last time. “It’s unlocked!”
The smell of weed flooded my nostrils as the front door opened. I carefully listened to the sound of Haze’s footsteps as they neared the living room, anxiously waiting to spot him. “You know, you should keep the door locked. Anyone could—” He walked into the living room and froze. “Indi.”
Haze was dressed in an all-black suit, wearing a black turtleneck and leather gloves. His hair was slicked back and styled in a way I’d never seen before. He looked so classy and elegant, and I began to doubt my own dress, wondering if it was too much.
“Well?” I nervously asked. He just stood there, staring at me while Kush rubbed up against his leg. He didn’t say anything, just stared right at me. I picked at the lace gloves. “Fuck. Is it too much? It’s too much, isn’t it?”
Haze shook his head. “No.” His lips raised and formed his usual smirk. “Not at all. Indi, you look fucking perfect.” I instantly eased. “You ready?”
I shrugged, feeling more relaxed. “I mean, I guess. I still have no idea what we’re even doing.” I laughed nervously.
Haze offered his hand out to me. “There’s no reason to be nervous.” I stared down at his gloved palm, still a little uneasy. He noticed my hesitation. “What’s wrong, little sis? Don’t you trust me?” His brow raised, and I noticed a twinkle in his eyes.
“I do.” I took his hand. “Which scares me.”
He licked his lips and pulled me closer. “Relax, Indi. You have nothing to fear.” His eyes wandered over my body, and my heart began to race. “Let’s just hope no one’s dumb enough to lay their eyes on you tonight. I would hate to ruin our evening over some fucker looking at what’s mine.”
Haze led me from the apartment to a strange car outside.
A driver, dressed in a formal chauffeur’s uniform, was waiting for us.
“Mr. Osvaldo,” he addressed Haze so formally and in a way I never expected to hear.
My brother nodded, and the old man opened the car door.
Haze carefully helped me inside, ensuring the train of my dress was perfectly placed.
He then closed the door and walked around to the other side, joining me in the back seat.
The chauffeur took his place behind the wheel and looked back at Haze through the rearview mirror. “Are we ready, Mr. Osvaldo?”
My brother nodded, and within seconds, the chauffeur was pulling away from the apartment. Haze remained quiet. He smoked his vape while keeping his eyes on me, which only made my stomach turn. I wasn’t sure where exactly we stood, and this whole surprise had it twisting into knots.
We drove in silence for at least an hour before I finally broke the silence and spoke up. “I’m sorry, but what the fuck is happening?” Haze choked on the weed as he tried to not laugh. “What?”
He rolled the rear window down an inch or so while waving the smoke out of the car.
“I was just wondering how long it would be before you said something.” I crossed my arms while he took another hit and blew the smoke outside.
“Cheer up, little sis. Don’t you trust me?
” He rolled the window back up. “I’m only doing what you wanted. ”
“I don’t remember asking to play dress up, Mr. Osvaldo.” I made a face as I tried not to gag. “Fuck. Saying that reminds me of—”
“Don’t say it.” Haze stared at me. “That man’s the last thing either of us needs to think about. And no, we’re not playing dress up. Though, having you try on outfits of my choice doesn’t sound like a bad idea.” He grinned. “No, I planned something extra special for tonight.”
In spite of the restrictions of my dress, I leaned over and plucked the vape from my brother’s fingers. “Well, if we’re not playing dress up—” I took a hit and blew the smoke across his face. “Then tell me, big brother. What are we doing?”
His jaw tightened as he adjusted himself. “We’re going out, Indi. Together.”
My eyes widened in surprise. “W–what?”
Haze grinned and leaned forward. “You heard me.” He took the vape from my hand and raised it to his lips before inhaling.
He then squeezed my face and forced my mouth open as he blew the smoke into it.
I breathed in the smoke as it filled my lungs, nearly causing me to cough.
He smiled as he repeated his statement. “We’re.
Going. Out.” His eyes sparkled in the dark car as I tried to find my voice.
“What’s wrong, little sis? Cat got your tongue? Or are you that surprised?”
I nodded. “Haze,” I breathed his name along his face and moved my hand up his thigh. “I was so scared…I thought—” My eyes began to water.
His face softened as he pulled me closer. His hand gently touched my face and stroked my cheek. “Indi, don’t.”
“I’m sorry,” I whispered.
His jaw tightened as he stared at me. “You have nothing to apologize for, Indigo.” I nearly gasped as he spoke my name. “If only you knew.”
I gazed into his eyes. “Knew what?” I asked.
Haze groaned. “There’s so much I want to tell you.
So much I want to say.” His hand touched my bare knee.
“That’s why I’m taking you out. To give you everything you want.
” His hand glided along my skin, and I found myself buzzing for his touch.
“No more secrets. No more hiding in the dark.” His mouth met mine.
“I just need you to trust me,” he breathed into me.
“I trust you,” I exhaled through kisses. “Just tell me.”
The car slowly came to a stop as the driver cleared his throat. “Mr. Osvaldo.”
Haze pulled away with a heavy sigh. “Yes, one moment.” His eyes raised to mine, and he offered me a gentle smile. “Come on, little sis. It’s time to step into the light. Together.”
My heart fluttered.
The driver opened the door. Green light immediately flooded the dark car as Haze stepped out.
He turned to look at me, standing in that green light, and for a moment, he took my breath away.
“Indi.” He smiled and offered his hand out to me.
I hesitated before placing my hand in his. “Welcome to The Green Goddess.”
As I stepped out from the car, I gazed up at the most beautiful, nineteenth century, French-style facade building.
The exterior was lit up with numerous green spotlights, reflecting the name perfectly.
It was a timeless piece of beauty, hidden in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by nothing but trees and nature, a staple of elegance tucked away from the rest of the world.
“Haze,” I exhaled. “What is this place?”
The driver stepped aside as we walked past a giant, golden and ivory fountain.
It was like the ones you’d find in old Europe, hand-carved and resembling Grecian muses of another time.
I looked past the fountain at the clusters of other people.
They were all dressed in similar attire as we were, walking past without even so much as a gawking look.
There was no judgement, no fear, and no care as to who we were. And it was exactly what I wanted.
I looked back at my brother. He wore the biggest grin and beamed with such pride.
“Come on.” He took my hand and guided me to a black velvet carpet which led to the building's grand entrance. The doors were enormous, reaching at least ten feet high and surrounded by hand-carved ivory details and completed with the most colorful stained-glass windows.
A nearby attendee offered us a smile as he opened the double doors for us. “Welcome to The Green Goddess.” He offered a gentle bow and ushered us inside. “Do enjoy your stay.”