Chapter Fifty-Seven #2
“Let go of me!” Avia shouts.
“Put her down,” Ivory commands.
Security looks confused, but they do as he says, setting my sister down on her feet. She’s glaring at all of them, but at least they’ve confiscated her knife.
“Leave us. This is a family matter,” Ivory tells them. “No need to worry.”
The guards march away, reminding me of his cartel soldiers, likely from the same general pool of associates.
“Avianna, please let me explain.” I force her to look at me and not him.
“Angelito, he’s manipulated you!” She exclaims. “He killed mom and dad, and had me—”
“There’s a lot you don’t know,” I cut her off. “But he didn’t take you, Avia. Someone from Papa’s business did. And he didn’t take me… I grew up with Tía Cristal.” Her brow furrows. “I only just ran into him a few years ago, in New York.”
Avianna appears baffled, head shaking back and forth.
“I was hellbent on revenge for most of my life,” I tell her.
“Consumed with finding you and killing him. But I… couldn’t kill him.
I can’t—I mean, I don’t want to.” I take her hands in mine.
“But I never stopped hoping I’d find you someday.
You were always the most important part of it all.
” She blinks more tears down her cheeks.
“I only just found out you were dead two weeks ago…”
She shakes her head solemnly. “I’ve been through it, hermano. But I’m good now. Better than good, actually…” Her lips quirk. But then she peeks at Ivory and falls away.
“This is a heavy conversation,” Ivory says in one of his soothing tones. “Why don’t we go back to the house so you two can talk?”
“The house?” She hisses.
“Our house,” I hum. “Avia, we live together. He’s m-my…” I cower under her eyes, whispering, almost sorrowfully, “I love him.”
Avia rubs her eyes. “Jesus, Angelito…”
“Come on.” I take her by the arm, yanking her toward the stairs. “I’ll explain everything, I promise.”
“Oh, mi hermano,” she sighs. “You’d better.”
Now…
We’re back in New York for the first time since we moved to Vegas, and honestly, it feels like I never left.
I love Vegas, I do. The West Coast is a vibe. But New York City will always have my heart as the first place I ever lived on my own.
Eighteen months ago, I was reunited with my twin sister, whom I’d thought was dead. Turns out, she was very much alive and living healthily and happily in Vegas. She’d faked her death as a means to stay hidden, and sure, it worked as it needed to.
But I found her. Finally, I found her.
There’s no other way to put it… This was a sign.
That our first time going out in Vegas, we ran into my sister I’ve been searching nearly two decades for… That is some serious cosmic activity.
Things with Avianna weren’t all sunshine and rainbows at first. We had some hurdles to overcome—like her complete and utter disdain for my soulmate.
Avianna was where I’d been five years earlier regarding The Ivory.
Minus the whole lifelong lustful obsession thing, of course.
She wanted to kill him, and she didn’t understand how I could feel differently.
It took some convincing, and even after that, it took some time for us to get to know each other. We never really had. We’d gone most of our lives apart.
But we worked it out. I got my sister back.
My twin and I have been reunited, and it’s all I could have ever hoped for. Well, that and living in a gorgeous mansion in Vegas with the love of my life.
And ever since, we’ve been growing together. All of us. It’s been perfect.
Nine months ago, Ivory flew Leah out so that she could see Avia again; so that the three of us could finally be together in the same room at the same time. It was amazing.
And now, here we are, in Manhattan. Myself, my sister, and my man, visiting everything and everyone it has to offer.
We’ve been invited to opening night of a play on Broadway called Stars to Sorrow. It’s being produced by a very well-known Broadway producer, but we were invited because the lead actor is none other than Michelangelo Russo.
Byron Kang’s ex, and son of the late Governor Antonio Russo.
Michelangelo was excited to invite Byron and Trevel, and offered them a box for whomever they wanted to bring along.
Naturally, that includes some of the Pen family who could make it, but they also extended an invitation our way.
I figured this would be the perfect time to introduce everyone to my sister.
Not only that, but Leah is coming, and my friends from Bed-Stuy—Liv, Josie, Will and Derek. It’s going to be a packed house tonight, and I just can’t wait for all my favorite people in the world to be together.
We’re dressed to the nines when we show up at the Shubert Theatre, Ivory looking dapper and delicious in his highly expensive tux, and myself in a corset bodysuit and heeled boots.
I’m really vibing with my outfit tonight, as well as the way my man’s tongue rolled out of his head when he saw me like a cartoon wolf.
We step out of the car and over to the VIP entrance, waiting for the rest of our party. Ideal time for el diablo to taunt me with an otherworldly tone of desire.
“Your ass looks fucking mouthwatering right now,” he growls into my ear, and I shiver.
“Oh, does it?” I play coy.
“Uh-huh.” He nods, hand slipping from my waist, down… “Muy deliciosa, chiquita mala. I want to lick you until you’re dripping like an ice cream cone.”
“Fuck me…” I whisper, leaning into him.
His right hand comes to rest on my chest, finger tracing the black diamond necklace he bought me for our anniversary, draped around my collarbone. Aunt Ivory’s pendant hangs below it, as usual. I never take it off.
“Not just yet, my sweet baby,” Manuel hums. “But soon… if you behave.”
“Well then, I’m shit outta luck.” I smirk wickedly at him, and he laughs.
“Could you two possibly stop pawing at each other for five minutes?” Avia rolls her eyes, though her teasing grin intact.
Ivory shakes his head, kissing behind my ear.
“Someone’s jealous,” I sneer at my sister. “Don’t worry, your date will be here soon.”
“It’s not a date,” she huffs.
But we all know it is. And clearly, it’s important to her.
She gets especially cranky when she’s nervous, I’ve come to learn. She’d never admit it, but she shares many qualities with our parents’ killer.
“I’m here! Sorry I’m late,” Leah rushes over, frowning. “Oh… I guess I’m not.” She grins while we chuckle. “Where is everyone?”
“Late,” Ivory grumbles.
“No matter. The important people are here.” I grin over her head at my sister.
Leah smiles at Avia. “You look beautiful.”
My sister’s shoulders lose visible tension and she grins. “So do you.”
She takes Leah’s hand and presses a kiss on top of it. I’m bouncing, but she shoots me a look that I can hear.
Stop it.
I press my lips together. Sorry.
I’m just excited. My sister’s apparently been crushing on Leah for quite some time, and Leah is just enchanted by Avianna.
If it weren’t for the distance, I’m sure they’d be madly in love and inseparable like the rest of us.
“Hi, beautiful people!” Warren Xavier croons, striding up the sidewalk, followed by Lexington Deon, and Dascha Kemper, all looking like gorgeous rockstars. Standard.
“My God!” Lex dives on Leah, and the two of them hug forever, spinning each other around and around. “I can’t believe I get to squeeze you IRL now!”
“Shut up, dumbass! You’re gonna make me cry off my mascara,” Leah sniffs.
Luthor found out a while back that my sister and I also know Leah, which blew his mind open. This is still only their second time meeting face to face.
“Fuck, man…” Leah sighs when they finally stop, and we all chuckle.
Ren checks his watch. “Twenty seconds less than last time. Impressive.”
We give them all hugs as I introduce them to my sister.
“I totally see the resemblance!” Ren croons. “You’re a lil hottie, just like pajarito over here.”
Avia grins. I can tell she wants to hold Leah’s hand, because she’s possessive and jealous… Again, like someone else I know.
“So… big day coming up!” Leah squeals to Luthor and Ren. “Excited?”
My sister relaxes, and I shake my head.
So transparent.
“I’m excited to just get to the day,” Luthor lets out a breath of laughter. “All this planning has been excessive as fuck.”
“Well, I can’t wait to come out to your neck of the woods,” Leah smiles.
“Are you coming out to stay with us before the wedding?” I clap. “And after? Why don’t you just move in.”
She laughs. “I’ll come stay. But you know New York is a tough bitch to break up with. She doesn’t take no for an answer.”
“At least stay for a couple of weeks.“ Ivory winks subtly at my sister.
“Oh, if you insist,” Leah laughs.
My friends text that they’re around the corner just as Yari is also showing up, and the next thing I know, I’m being rushed by an overdramatic, squealing group of hysterical weirdos that I just missed so goddamn much.
“We missed you!” Liv whimpers the same sentiment.
“So much.” Derek wipes his eyes.
“Too much.” Will feigns passing out and Josie catches him.
“You really need to stop trust-falling on the sidewalk,” she gripes. “One of these times, I’m not gonna be paying attention.”
“Fuck, I love you guys.” I jump on them again.
Laughing and chatting, more introductions are given. And naturally, the ones who live closest are the last to arrive. They must be on a New York schedule.
“We’re here,” Byron breathes, dragging Trevel along behind him. “Sorry we’re late.”
“It was my fault.” Trevel winks. “We’re newly engaged. I can’t help myself.”
“Yes, we’re aware,” I chuckle. “Byron, Trevel, this is my sister, Avianna, and our friend, Leah.”
“Leah! Remember? My Fallout friend!” Luthor squeaks excitedly, shaking Leah around.
But then he frowns, because they’re both gawking. Byron only at Leah, but Trevel at them both.
“I know you,” Trevel whispers.
Leah and Avia stare at him for an extra moment before their eyes widen.
“Oh my God!” Leah gasps.
“Yes!” My sister beams. “You were Stitch’s friend! Holy shit…”
The three of them huddle in a group hug of some apparent reunion that none of us understand, while we just shrug to one another.
“We were on the street together,” Trevel explains, wiping his eyes. Then he gasps to me, “I knew I felt connected to you! Your sister was one of my mates back when I was… well, you know.”
“That’s so freaking wild,” Luthor shakes his head, clearly reeling from this bizarre cosmic correlation, as we all are. “I don’t even know what to say.”
Byron is still quietly staring, and when Leah is properly distracted with Trevel and my sister, he whispers to us, “I recognize Leah too. She was the first girl I ever followed.”
“Perdóneme??” I gasp a chuckle.
“You what now?!” Luthor barks, and Byron shushes us.
“It wasn’t weird, okay?? I just saw her one time, and she was crying so I followed her to make sure she was alright. I wasn’t like stalking her.”
“This is all very bizarre,” Ivory mumbles, and his assistant nods.
“If it was so casual, then how do you instantly recognize her?” Ren sneers, cocking a brow.
“Hey, she’s very recognizable,” Byron hums, and Luthor nods in agreement.
“Aww, I love that!” I chirp. “I love Leah. I’m so glad our family just keeps getting bigger.” I peer at my Diablo, who offers a soft smile, kissing my jaw.
“These two…” Dash grins, shaking his head. “Sickeningly in love.”
“You’re one to talk, Mr. Kemper,” Ivory croons, winking at Dash while he admires his wedding band.
I can tell he’s just excited to be back around them again. Baby steps.
“Hello hello!” The smooth voice of an actor graces our ears as Michelangelo Russo comes to greet us. He’s already in makeup and he looks fantastic. “So glad you all could make it! I’m a little nervous.” He exhales a jittery one, showing us his shaky hand.
“You’ll do great,” Dash beams while Michelangelo offers cheek-kisses.
“We’re so excited,” Byron says kindly.
“Okay, I have to run.” He squeezes Byron’s shoulder. “I just wanted to come say hi, but please wait for me after the show! We’ll go for a drink.”
“Sounds perfect.” Trevel grins.
“Break a leg!” We all shout after him.
“I can’t believe that’s your ex.” Ren’s lashes flutter.
“He’s gorgeous,” Yari swoons.
“But so not your type,” Ren chides Byron.
He chuckles awkwardly, “I think that was kind of the point.” He peeks up at Trevel, who appears content, dropping a kiss on Byron’s cheek.
They’re engaged now, so no need for the possessive jealousy, I suppose.
“Shall we head in?” Ivory rumbles, guiding me first.
But then he stops.
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
He’s staring at someone, and when the man turns, I recognize him as Zayn Mansur. The new Governor of New York. Being ushered from his car to the entrance.
He and Manuel lock eyes on his way past. Mansur’s lips quirk, and he gives Ivory a subtle nod.
And then he’s gone.
“He is so much hotter than Russo could ever be,” Ren swoons.
“It’s not difficult to be hotter than Russo,” Byron grumbles.
“Yea, but Mansur is fine,” Will joins. “We’re all obsessed with him.”
I feel my man stiffening at my side, so I slip my fingers between his and drop a kiss on the corner of his mouth.
“Te amo, Diablo,” I whisper.
And it loosens him up exponentially. I love that I’m able to do it.
That I’m the only one who gets him this way… That I was the one to bring El Diablo to his knees.
The villain is mine, and now we’re a real couple, out in the real world, doing real things. The real power is in living.
Of course, we’re not normal at all, and there will always be tension, being in love with the leader of the cartel. He’s the antihero, and a life will him comes with more drama than I could quantify. But I can finally admit that it’s what I’ve always wanted.
He was right; we’re not meant for normal. And I love it.
What’s the good without a little evil, anyway?
It turns out I got my revenge. Because this little bird reigns over The Ivory now.
And in our kingdom, we share the throne.
El Diablo and his pajarito.