Page 102 of Graveyards & Greed

Ezra closed his eyes and hung his head. “I’m sorry to say this, but I’m glad he’s gone, and I hope he suffered. He’s been a black specter in both you and your mother’s lives for years, and the only thing I can feel is relief.”

His face showed lines of worry and regret. We both tried to keep ourselves busy this time every year, but we carried a wound that never completely healed. Then I thought about Drakos and my cousins looking out for us and trying to keep us all safe and sheltered. My life was surrounded by people who loved me, unlike my father who died alone in a prison cell.

I leaned over and wrapped my arms around him. “Then I’ll be burning in hell right along with you because it’s a relief for me too. Let’s crack open that expensive bottle of Glenfiddich whiskey you keep tucked away and celebrate.”

Declan smiled. “It’s nine in the morning. Don’t you think it’s a little early?”

Ezra smiled and hugged me back. “Not today, it isn’t.”

Chapter 39

Drakos

When I walked into the office that morning, Luna stood at the receptionist’s desk talking with Misty. Today, Misty wore a bright pink, sparkly dress, and her hair now sported pink streaks to match. I mentally sighed at her exuberant outfit, but I didn’t say a word.

When she’d started several months ago, I thought her bubbly personality and loud outfits would clash with some of our more austere, straight-laced clients. Instead, Misty quickly endeared herself to everyone, and I’d even heard her giving strip club etiquette tips and relationship advice.

“How's Sylvie today?” Misty’s voice held a tinge of concern.

Luna nodded. “I haven’t talked to her yet. How was she this morning?”

“She was very warm and quite delicious.”

Misty giggled and Luna shook her head. “Thank you for oversharing. Seriously, have you talked to her?”

My smile died, and I folded my arms and studied them. “I think I’m missing something here. Why are you asking me if Sylvie’s alright?”

Misty tilted her head, regarding me with soft eyes. "Luna said that today's the anniversary of her mom's death.”

My stomach dropped. “Shit. How did I missed that? Thank you for telling me.”

Luna patted my arm. “Let us know if you want to come over for dinner and maybe a swim tonight to help get her mind off it. Hazel is hard on the furniture, but she’s wonderful therapy.” Luna had given Roman a chocolate brown lab the day they renewed their wedding vows. The slobbery, excitable puppy adored Roman, much to everyone’s surprise.

“I’ll tell her. How does she usually mark this day?”

“Her mother is buried in their cemetery. Sylvie straightens up the gravesite and puts a bouquet of sunflowers on her grave. They were her mother’s favorite. Don’t tell her I told you, but she usually comes home with red eyes. Sylvie rarely cries—except this one time every year.” Luna leaned in. “She thinks we don’t know, so don’t mention it, okay?”

Although my world had been built on revenge and pain, and I was drenched in shadows, Sylvie deserved all the sunlight and warmth I could give her. As I walked into my office lost in thought, a text came in.

Fennick: The asshole hung himself early this morning. Is Sylvie with you?

Drakos: No. She’s at the mortuary. I just found out today is the anniversary of her mother’s death

Fennick: Well, shit. I guess the vindictive little fucker wanted to get one more swipe in. Are you going to the mortuary?

Drakos: Yes. I have one phone call to make first

Closing my office door, I speed-dialed a woman who probably knew more about my dark tastes than anyone. Aida, The Firm’s personal shopper and my toughest critic, answered on the third ring.

“Hello, Mr. Creed. What can I assist you with today?” she asked in a faintly humorous, wry voice. I usually enjoyed trading insults and jabs with Aida, but today I was on a mission.

“Listen, I've got a strange request.”

She paused. “You must’ve forgotten some of the purchases I’ve made for you in the past. What do you need?”

Besides clothing for myself and an occasional gift, I’d directed Aida to buy extreme adult toys for my time spent at The Emporium, bondage gear, cupless and crotchless lingerie from Bordelle or La Perla, and so many other unmentionable things.

I turned to stare at the view outside my office window. “Sunflowers. I want a veritable shit-ton of sunflowers.”

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