Chapter 13
THIRTEEN
T he dress Sin chose—while ridiculous for a mere dinner at home—is exquisite in taste. Floor-length and flowing, a deep emerald color.
Bria helped with my hair, curling it with a large wand that made my long black hair have volume. It cascades in timeless waves over my shoulders. Now, she’s finishing up my makeup.
“How was shopping?” I ask her.
She pauses for a moment, spraying something fruity on my hair. “It was great! I got a new bag and shoes.”
I don’t want to judge her, at all. She’s been nothing but kind, but doesn’t she get bored shopping? Her room is full of shoes. I can’t imagine having access to just do anything I want, but if I did have endless money, I don’t even know what I would do with it.
Take trips?
Go shopping with Bria ?
Open a bookstore?
“All done!” she beams.
“Do you all do this often?” I wonder.
“Ridiculous dinners?” She laughs. “Every week that Sin is in town. It’s where we discuss family business."
Will I get to learn a little more about him tonight?
Hopefully I do before I begin my discussion.
Let’s hope he’s ready to talk.
The dining room has been utterly transformed.
Much is the same, like the stunning charcoal table that seats ten. The walls feature a combination of cream and exposed brick, resembling an artistic explosion; it’s such a beautiful room.
But I don’t miss the way everything is now draped in emerald instead of red, matching the dress he chose for me. The floral arrangements on the table, the curtains, even the plates are various shades of sage and olive.
The lit fireplace releases a comforting scent of burnt cedar that reminds me of autumn. The flames dance as I pass by. I try not to let the fluttering of my heart go to out of control when I see Sin.
Sitting at the head of the table looking like raw power and energy, he’s wearing a black suit, as per usual, but tonight his obsidian hair is slicked back.
Axel sits alert beside him, appearing less like the playful puppy he is with me and more like a protective guard dog. “Come sit," Sin beckons, extending his arm to gesture towards the chair next to him.
No one else has arrived, and my determination wavers under Sin's gaze.
“You look fascinating,” he says in a low growl.
I sit beside him and pat Axle’s head. “This is insane,” I laugh, trying to break the heavy tension in the room.
His head tilts in amusement, “What?” Sin fans his arms around the room. “This? It’s nothing. Family dinners are important to me.”
“Why am I invited?”
Sin gives me an incredulous look as Bria enters the room. “I’m here!” she sings. “Oh, it looks so good in here.” Her fingertips graze the fresh eucalyptus that wraps down the table.
“You’re a part of us now,” Sin finally says. “You need to be aware of things. Especially since my sister is trying to make you like her.”
Bria pops down into the chair beside me, still looking elegant while doing so. That’s what money will do for you; being raised like this gives you a different gait than the rest of the world. “What’s so wrong with being like me?” she asks, grabbing a slice of cheese from an appetizer plate.
“Everything,” he sighs dramatically, elbows on the table and hands stretched outright. “But most of all the way you parade around the city without your detail.”
She rolls her eyes. “I can protect myself,” she mutters.
“Mhmm. Sure.”
“Is Axle wearing teal? ”
I laugh, “It’s Tiffany.”
Sin shakes his head at us both, “It’s a masculine color, leave him alone.
Bria and I give each other a quick look before falling into a fit of giggles.
Sin stands up as Rollins walks in with a man I haven’t met yet.
Maxwell walks in behind him, standing in attention at the opening of the room. I shake my head. “Max. Come sit down,” I tell him.
All eyes shift to me in surprise.
"Even better," I say impulsively. “Rollins, you as well," I quickly add before he has a chance to exit the room.
“We need Maxwell standing guard—” Sin starts to speak, but he gets cut off.
“Who is this chick?” The stranger laughs as he plucks himself down at the other end of the table. He’s the exact opposite of Sin. Blond hair, blue eyes, pale skin. His hair is unkempt, and his clothes look like more of a harbor outfit. Not that I care about clothes really, but he looks extremely underdressed with all of us.
Bria scoffs, “This chick is Magnolia.” She turns her glare away from him and smiles at me. “Magnolia, this is Zeik; he’s like an annoying little brother.”
“I’m only a year younger than you.” He torts, plucking a grape in his mouth. I instantly don’t care for him, and I like everyone so that says something.
“Our families are friends. Bria’s right, he is annoying.” Sin smiles, waving Rollins and Max over. “It would be nice to have everyone at the table. Makes it easier for me to do our debriefing for the week with you both now instead of in the morning. Besides, we have other security on the property. In the unlikely event that anyone was to get past them, we have weapons here.” Sin pats the pocket of his suit.
“First matter of business,” Sin says, sitting straighter in his chair, “food.”
A group of butler’s sway into the room, trays in hand, placing small cardstock menus and appetizer plates in front of us, I suppress a chuckle.
Everyone is lost in random conversation, but Sin is focused on me. “What’s so funny?” he asks quietly. “You don’t like your appetizer?”
“No, this looks amazing.” I carefully scoop a stuffed mushroom with a small spoon and pop it into my mouth. Sin picks one up with his fingers, showing it's all right. “Mmm!” I exclaim, savoring the rich earthiness combined with creamy cheese and chives. “That’s delicious." I gesture to my plate. "What’s amusing is having a menu like we’re at a restaurant.” I tap the paper.
“How would the chef know what you would like to eat if you don’t place an order?” he asks, totally straight-faced.
“Oh.” I pull my lip between my teeth. “You’re serious? Where I grew up, you just ate whatever was put in front of you.”
“How... boring.”
I sweep my eyes over the menu. Salmon, Filet minion, Scallops, and a couple of vegan options. “What’s this?” I ask, pointing to the top of the paper, seeing it’s the same design I saw in the hallway.
“The Donati Coat of Arms,” he replies. “It’s our family lineage.”
My eyes pan down; there’s such a strong sense of family here. I want to be a part of it, to dive right into this chosen family, but Sin’s words keep reminding me that I shouldn’t trust him. I will ruin you.
A woman comes up, taking our orders. I opt for salmon, Sin leans into me as she gathers the others.
“Your necklace looks stunning.”
I touch the delicate gold, “I know.”
Sin turns his gaze from me to the table, gathering everyone’s attention with a single glare. “Now to discuss business.”
Zeik’s chair scrapes back. “Are you going to discuss those matters in front of her? Do you even know her?”
“What happens in and around my home is my business. If she weren’t meant to be here, why would I have her here?” Sin stands, walking around the table like some deadly form of duck-duck goose. “Maxwell, you’re one and only job is to be a bodyguard for Magnolia; I’ll call Lotty to watch over Bria.”
He nods, while Bria protests. “I don’t need a fucking guard, Sin. Especially not Lotty; that idiot couldn’t protect a goldfish.”
He swipes across the air with his hand, cutting her off and continuing his speech. “Rollins, you’re going to be Magnolia’s driver.”
“I’m okay, I can walk everywhere I need to go,” I say with a nervous chuckle. Sin looks back at me, with a slight hint of irritation in his eyes. “With Maxwell of course.” I’m not Bria; I have no idea what this family is into and who their enemies are. I will gladly welcome protection.
That is, if I decide not to leave tonight.
That solely depends on Sin, as my things are already packed and ready to go.
Just in case.