Damaged Kingdom (Gilded Empire Book 2), page 23
Now that Dominic was back in the game, my wildest fantasies could come true. I just had to get the others on board too. I doubted they’d mind, though. We all wanted Mari to be happy. What better way than to give her all the pleasure she could want?
As the picture formed in my head, I knew that it was perfect. We were all going to have a memorable night.
My smirk was the first thing Cameron saw when he flung open the door. Jerking back, he narrowed his eyes at me. “Who’s dying today?”
“No one, if we can help it.”
“Then what’s with the creepy-ass smile?”
My grin got wider as I stepped past him and hung my garment bag in the closet. “Just came up with a good plan, that’s all. Happy wedding day, by the way.”
“Thanks,” he said skeptically. “Do I want to know about this plan?”
“Considering it’s about us fucking your cousin—”
He held his hands up. “Nope, nope. We’re not doing that.”
“Hence why I didn’t tell you.”
“Right. I’m going to take a shower while you three do whatever it is you’re doing.” He was already in the bathroom, shower running, by the time Dominic and Nate stepped in and closed the door to the suite behind them.
“So, what’s this plan?” Nate inquired.
“I think we’ve been going easy on Mari.”
Dominic snorted, dropping onto the couch in that lazy sprawl he preferred. “I think she’s got enough going on without us making problems.”
“Not problems. Solutions.”
“Are you planning on killing Cash while she sleeps? ’Cause I’d be down for that,” Nate said.
“I’m not talking about Cash. I’m talking about this relationship she’s got with all of us.”
Dominic’s eyes narrowed. “She’s not worried about the three of us.”
“Not now that you’ve sorted things out—kudos for that, by the way—but we also haven’t shown her just how good it can be between us. No date nights out, no play, no romance.”
“There’s been no time.”
“It’s been all about survival,” I agreed. “That’s why I think we should make time.”
Nate, who had taken his seat in one of the chairs across the room, leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “What exactly are we thinking?”
“How do you feel about a special after party?”
When they grinned too, I knew I had the right idea.
Tonight was the start of something new for all of us.
The wedding went off without a hitch. Aislynn’s dress was perfect, not just for her, but for the mansion venue Mari secured as a last-minute gift to the couple. Even Cameron had trouble taking his eyes off Ash as she walked up the aisle to their future.
I wasn’t sure if it was just me, but it looked like he watched her like she was his everything. Did he love her? I hoped so. Or at least, I hoped for his sake that they found even an inkling of the kind of love Mari and I had. One that would transcend lifetimes, even if it was built in friendship.
As the two said their vows pledging themselves to the other forever, I kept one eye on Mari and not only because we were surrounded by allies and potential enemies. Despite how quickly we’d pushed the wedding, everyone important had shown up. Public figures, police chiefs, judges, and lawyers all sat in awe of the couple of the day. Clients and the other leaders of the city stayed silent as they watched history being made. All watched, not just the alliance between the two families, but the Marcosa queen herself.
She had to be perfect, and she was. She didn’t show an ounce of uncertainty, not a single tear—though she dabbed her eye like there was.
But I knew her better than almost anyone.
Longing filled her eyes as she watched Aislynn and Cameron slip rings on each other’s fingers. She wanted something like that. Not an arranged marriage, but the commitment between two people. The echo of her needs so soon after I’d come to terms with my own made my heart race.
One day, I’ll give you the world, reina.
When the wedding was over and sealed with a kiss, Mari stood to congratulate them both at the altar, and I took that moment to lean over toward Dominic and Nate, whispering the truest thing I’d ever said. “I’m going to marry that woman.”
Nate laughed under his breath, while Dominic narrowed his eyes in irritation. Though, I wasn’t sure if he was irritated at me or himself. We both knew he could have had her as his wife if he’d made different choices.
For now, there was no world in which Mari accepted a proposal from him anytime soon. I had a bet with Cameron that it would be at least a year before she even considered discussing it with him. The other one, however… I was pretty sure Mari would throw the rule book out for Nate.
He was her Achilles’ heel.
“You don’t have a problem with that?” I turned to Nate, finding his eyes glued to Mari’s ass. To be fair, she was in a jumpsuit that molded to it perfectly, so I couldn’t fault him for looking, but we were in public. I slipped my hand behind him, casually smacking him upside the head. He started but turned to me with an unrepentant grin.
“We aren’t there yet,” he said simply, though he didn’t sound sure. “I’m fine as boyfriend for now.”
“Boy toy,” Dominic corrected.
“Nah, we’re past that. I’m aiming higher.” We didn’t say anything else, not only because Mari came back, guiding us out of the room just after the happy couple.
As she shook hands in the receiving line, I stayed right behind her. I watched everyone who passed, eyeing them as if I could see beneath their clothes to any weapons they could be holding. All the while waiting for a lull to lean in and whisper in her ear.
Finally, I got it.
“We’re going to have this one day,” I told her. “The party, the celebration, the love. Maybe it’ll just be us. Maybe it’ll be the other two idiots too. But we’re going to have this. I promise you.”
Mari said nothing, but the corner of her mouth tipped up in something close to a smile, though it was gone before it could really manifest. I wasn’t worried, however.
I had no clue what our future held, but I did know that I’d be at Mari’s side, no matter what. Where I belonged. Where I’d always belonged.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Mari
“You can’t glare at him all night,” I warned, sitting down beside the irritated groom. The reception had been going for two hours, and he’d been glaring at his father the entire time.
“He’s a shady fuck,” Cameron spat, downing his glass of whiskey and slamming it down next to three others. Discreetly, I glanced at Greyson, who counted the glasses with a wince.
We both knew a drunk Cameron was a combative one.
Knowing Aislynn was already worried about her father starting a fight at the reception, I decided to poke at my cousin’s protective instincts. Subtlety worked well with Cameron, but in certain situations, the best option was to beat him with the right choice.
“Lots of shady fucks here tonight,” I said innocently. “Who will protect your bride if you get too drunk?”
Cameron twisted, glaring at me, and I fought my smile. “I’m not drunk. I’m numbing myself. Unless you want me to kill him tonight.”
Though my life would’ve been easier without Joaquin, I declined. We’d managed to make it through the wedding and dinner without a fight. I was hoping to continue the streak. “That would be one hell of a way to celebrate, but I’d prefer to end the day without bloody clothes.”
“Hence the drink.”
“What if it’s not what Aislynn needs, though?” My cousin’s face lightened at the mention of his wife, and I pushed forward, hoping to get him to listen. And if I embellished a little, I knew Ash would forgive me. “She needs you now more than ever. She needs you to guard her and protect her from her family, and she needs you to make sure she’s taken care of. That’s your only goal for tonight. Take care of the bride.”
“But he—”
“Is tomorrow’s problem,” I interrupted. “Focus on your bride, Cameron. She’s all that matters.”
He didn’t like it, but he didn’t have to. Everything I said was the truth. This was his wedding too. The last thing he needed to worry about was Marcosa drama.
He lifted his hand, motioning for another drink, and I slammed it down. The server took one look at me and bolted into the crowd.
“What the hell?”
Oh, goodie. He was glaring at me now. “I think you’ve had enough.”
Another glare and a slight snarl. I carefully slid over my untouched glass of water with a single finger. “Take this and go to Aislynn. Try to enjoy the rest of your night. This time tomorrow, you’ll be alone in paradise.”
It was very obviously a command, one he took. Thankfully.
Cameron didn’t look back as he snatched the glass and found his way to his bride. Ash looked relieved that he’d come for her, blushing under her makeup when he wrapped a hand around her waist.
They look perfect. I just hoped they were happy.
I wasn’t alone for long before someone else took my cousin’s place.
Two-Bit had cleaned up for the occasion. Face shaved, hair slicked back; he’d even put on a nice suit. Everything about him spoke of someone’s first taste of having money, all flash and pomp, but it didn’t quite fit him right. I didn’t have an adequate way to describe it, but I got the feeling he was used to more. Like maybe he was comfortable with the finer things in life already.
But how did that happen to a kid who supposedly grew up in the worst parts of the city? The nagging sensation that Two-Bit wasn’t what he seemed poked at me.
“Congratulations on the union,” he said, shaking me out of my thoughts.
“Thanks for coming.” I sipped from the glass Greyson had quietly slipped me before heading back into the crowd, grateful when I discovered it was water. I had no problem letting loose, but an event with every potential enemy besides Cash in the room wasn’t the place for it.
Two-Bit snorted. “Like I’d miss history in the making. Never thought I’d see the day O’Bannon and Marcosa would unite.”
“You’re new. Besides, times change,” I said, wondering what he wanted.
He let the silence stretch, glancing at me before looking across the room. “Yes, they do.”
When his eyes fixed on a certain point, I had to force myself not to react.
Rafael stood next to Cameron and Aislynn, obviously congratulating the couple. He was all smiles, all kindness. It made me very leery. Family or not, I didn’t know my uncle well enough to predict whether he was here as friend or foe.
Nate and Dominic watched him with something like alarm in their eyes, but I didn’t know what the best course of action was.
I hadn’t invited the Osorios. I certainly hadn’t invited Rafael, who had been slinking through Seattle for the last few weeks. He touched base here and there, but in general, he kept his own space, and that was irritating enough.
He had information to give us, and he hadn’t delivered. The longer he dragged it out, the more I wondered if he was playing me. And if he was, what the fuck was he doing in my city?
“Seems like you have more than enough allies now. I hope it doesn’t bite you in the ass.”
That prickling sensation at the back of my neck intensified, and I remembered just how much Two-Bit knew.
My mother. The Osorios.
Was he a plant? How did he have information that nobody should have known?
My paranoia was getting worse every day, but it didn’t feel out of place. Two-Bit was a master at hiding things. Peering at him from the corner of my eye, I leaned back, playing casual. “You’re a very smart man. Too smart to let random information slip when you shouldn’t. Is there something I need to know?”
“Not necessarily,” he said, copying my posture with a lazy sip of his drink. I could smell the whiskey. Top-shelf, but a brand I hadn’t included in the bar. Which meant he’d brought it himself.
Who the fuck was this guy?
“And yet your not necessarily comes from knowing information that has been practically burned from the history books. Who’s your resource for that?”
His smile reminded me of secrets whispered in the dark and never repeated. “Do you really think I’m going to give you that?”
Of course he wouldn’t. Nobody would give up their intel source without a fight, especially one who obviously had access to more than they should.
The fact was, there were only a few ways he could know about the hidden parts of my life, and none of them were good. Lucky for him, I didn’t want to wage another war when I had at least one on the horizon, but I no longer believed that Two-Bit could be ignored. Greyson had to look into him again. Soon.
Knowing that, I glanced back into the crowd. “Keep your source close. I don’t like people knowing too much about me.”
The threat was clear, but Two-Bit didn’t seem concerned. He dipped his head, though I saw the little smile that spoke heavily of I know something you don’t know. “Whatever you say, Mari. You’re the queen.”
“I hope you remember that. I’d hate for our future conversations to get messy.”
“I assure you, I’ll never forget.” He knocked his knuckles against the table once before leaving me, only for Shara to take his place.
The chair was turning into a fucking merry-go-round.
“Isn’t she gorgeous?” Shara gushed; eyes glazed from too much booze.
I peered over to find Ash smiling and laughing on my cousin’s arm, and she really did look incredible. Like every other bride. Happy, hopeful, in love. “She’s beautiful. Her team did a great job. Even Gretchen.”
The old dragon glared at me from the other side of the room like she’d heard every word, and I gave her a cheeky finger wave. Movement had my eyes snapping over to find Rafael moving toward me.
Well, fuck.
Hastily, I turned to Shara, who hadn’t seen him yet. “Do you remember when I told you about my uncle? The new one.”
“The one who looks like Antoni.” She bobbed her head to the music, looking as carefree as Ash. I hated to ruin it for her.
“He’s here, and he’s coming over. If you’d like to leave now, no one will fault you for it.”
Hesitation crossed her features along with a longing so intense it made my own chest ache. Then she straightened her shoulders, her eyes clearer than before. “No, I’ll stay.”
I’d never been prouder of a person in my life. If given the chance to meet my dead beloved’s doppelgänger, I wasn’t sure I’d do it, but Shara wasn’t me. She was born to confront pain, to heal wounds.
Under the table, I gripped her hand, hoping it gave her strength.
“I’ll be here the whole time,” I promised as Rafael stopped on the other side of the table with a slight inclination of his head. The only indication that Shara saw him was the tight grip she had on my fingers.
“Mariana, you look beautiful.”
“Thank you, Uncle. This is Shara, Antoni’s fiancée.”
Rafael held out his hand, but Shara was frozen. I turned to look at her, and her face gutted me. All I saw was heartbreak, pain, and grief so acute it swam in her eyes. My chest squeezed just looking at her. “Shara?”
“Antoni,” she choked, tears falling down her cheeks.
Everything about Rafael softened. He leaned forward and gripped her other hand gently, bringing it to his mouth for the faintest kiss. “I’m so sorry for your loss. My nephew was a good man.”
Shara stared, taking in everything from the laugh lines around his mouth to the streak of white in his hair. Then he smiled, and all at once, she seemed to shake from her stupor. She flung my hand away and nearly toppled the chair in her haste to gain some distance. “I have to go.”
Before we could say anything, she disappeared into the crowd. Greyson caught my eye, motioning that he’d make sure she got home. Knowing Shara, she’d hole herself up inside her apartment until she was ready to come up for air.
I made a mental note to send a delivery of her favorite foods and movies to keep her company. “I didn’t mean to upset her,” Rafael said, staring after her with self-loathing.
I waved him off with a sad smile. “Antoni was the love of her life. Her soulmate. I don’t think she’ll ever be over the loss of him.”
“I doubt it,” Rafael agreed. “It’s funny, though. She’s exactly my son’s type. Must run in the family.”
For some reason, I’d never considered that Rafael had children. I wanted to know more about them, but we were still on unstable footing. I couldn’t give him something to hold over my head. The family tree would have to wait.
I pointed a sharp-tipped nail at him. My fingertips had healed enough for nail extensions until my own nails grew back. It wasn’t perfect, but I couldn’t wear the gloves forever. “You better not have ideas for Shara. She’s not for sale. Especially if your son looks anything like you.”
“I never said I did. I merely mentioned that she was exactly his type. As for his looks…” Shadows passed over Rafael’s face. “He takes after his mother.”
Grief was something I knew well, but I hadn’t recognized it on his face before. Maybe because he was older, more settled into his own pain, if that was a thing. Still, I saw it then. “I’m sorry for your loss, Uncle.”
His smile was more of a grimace, but he did his best. “It’s in the past. As much as I wish it was possible, nothing brings back the ones who’ve left.”
I could see his desperate need for a break, so I gave him one. “How is Grandfather?”
Had I not been watching, I wouldn’t have seen the slight wince. It made me nervous. Getting into a war with Cash was one thing. Pissing off the Wolf was another entirely.
“Angry,” Rafael finally admitted. “I knew he would be, but he’s making things difficult.”
“Hence why we haven’t gotten our information.” I’d known that was the case, but it still sucked. We were depending on Rafael’s intel. If he couldn’t get it… “Do we need to rethink our plan?”
