Page 58 of Legacy
“Five,” I reply bitterly taking another swig of my drink.
Rafael sighs heavily.
“Well, if you want her, you can have her. Luciano is telling her tomorrow if you agree today, what’s it going to be?”
“Tell him it’s a deal,” I say before I can stop myself.
Rafael’s eyebrows lift. He places the velvet box between us like a challenge. Then stands.
“I’ll tell him.”
He leaves, the suite filling with quiet once again.
The blood ruby sits silently, a sparkling reminder of past mistakes and potential future ones.
I pick up the box; open it and take in the deep red jewel nestled inside.
My fingers run over it’s smooth surface.
I should feel relief. But all I feel is the weight of her name pressing down on me like a promise I don’t deserve to make.
Scarlet.
It all comes back to her.
Chapter 13
Adriana
“Shots, shots, shots!”
My friends chant as I down another shot.
The club pulses with bass-heavy music, strobes flashing red and violet across a packed dance floor. Bodies sway under dim lights, glittering with sweat and laughter. My heels stick slightly to the floor—spilled drinks and confetti remnants from the night before, but I don’t care.
Tonight, I’m a legend.
Graduated law school at twenty-three.
About to take the bar.
Family business going well.
Things are looking Adriana!
The pulsating beat of the music thrums in my veins, matching the rhythm of the alcohol coursing through me. The world around me is a blur of vibrant colors and flashing lights. Laughter bubbles up inside me, unrestrained.
Free.
My friends cheer as I set the empty shot glass down with a triumphant grin.
“Another!” someone demands, and a fresh glass is thrust into my hand.
There’s an intoxicating sense of power in surrendering to recklessness, ignoring the nagging voice at the back of my head. Impossibilities melt away under the warm glow of tequila.
I lovethisfeeling.
Me.
