Page 1 of Raziel
Chapter One- Maya
“Slow down on the drinks,” Miyori warned, her voice filled with that big-sister tone she couldn’t seem to let go of, no matter how grown we both were now.
“You keep drinking like this and you’ll be in rehab again."
Raising my hand, I waved her off. “Relax, I’m good.”
She shot me a glare—the kind that said, You ain’t good. We’ve been here before. It was filled with judgment, aggravation, and a love so tough it had literally saved my life. And she wasn’t wrong. Miyori had spent years cleaning up my messes, playing my guardian when she needed one herself. Her anger was the price of admission for my past, and I would pay it every time without complaint. If anyone had the authority to call me out, it was her.
I’d promised her I was done with that version of myself, the reckless, self-destructive ghost of my past.
But promises were easier made than kept. I wasn’t going back to drugs, but damn, can’t I have a drink on a special occasion? Alcohol had never been my poison of choice.
I reached out and grabbed her hand. “You look beautiful today, Miyori.” My sister loved compliments. One would get her off my nerves for at least a few minutes.
“Don’t try that sweet-talk mess with me, Maya,” she said, but the edge in her voice had dulled. She crossed her arms,though it looked more like she was hugging herself now. “You can’t charm your way out of everything.”
“It’s not sweet talk. If Momma ain’t do nothing else, she made some pretty daughters. Look at you, sis. I’m the ugly one between us and I damn sure ain’t ugly.”
She tried to fight it—I could see her trying—but a tiny smile tugged at the corner of her mouth.
I was laying it on thick, but I was telling the truth—she did look beautiful. Her dress was expensive— an off-white silk mermaid that hugged her body exactly like it should because it had been made for her alone. Her veil floated behind her like smoke trailing from a flame. It was simple. Classic. But sexy. Her skin glowed against the cream. She had her hair pinned up in a bun with just enough of her curls falling to frame her face.
The venue was exactly what you’d expect when you’ve got a rich husband who dotes on you. There were real gold accents everywhere, floor-to-ceiling glass looking out over water that shimmered like money. Crystal chandeliers hung like falling stars. White roses drowned every surface.
I ignored the slight envy that crept into my bloodstream watching the way her husband’s arm curled tighter around her waist like she needed guarding. With his fake ass...
Priest was a big fucking pretender. But only for Miyori. And Miyori knew. She knew he lied to her.
But she loved him like she didn’t. Like she hadn’t bled because of him. Like he hadn’t almost ruined her life. Love had made her a fool—but I loved that for her. Miyori had spent her life protecting everybody. She needed a protector.
She earned this. This dress. This venue. This life where she got to be soft and spoiled. Priest gave her whatever she wanted, and without objection.
The only thing Priest loved more than power and control was Miyori. Second was Ezra’s little bad ass. He was definitely his father’s son.
After Priest’s wife and her family were dead, he spent two years letting Miyori mold him into her perfect man—for her, at least he pretended to let her. He was still crazy and possessive—that didn’t change. Miyori learned how to work around it.
She looked happy.
I envied her.
I wanted a man who would devour the world for me. Who’d kill for me. Bleed for me. Protect me like I was something sacred.
But I didn’t deserve that.
I’d done too much fucked-up shit chasing a high—ruined too many good things, burned too many bridges with my own hands and felt nothing about walking through the ashes.
Love like that? It wasn’t meant for girls like me.
Girls like me only got touched in the dark.
Used.
Forgotten.
Miyori sighed, the sound heavy. “Just… slow down. For me. Please.”
“I will,” I said, and I almost meant it this time. “Now go enjoy your party.”
