Page 38 of The Diávolos: Part One
After a moment, he smiles and extends his hand to me. “Let’s eat.”
“A Scout is never taken by surprise; he knows exactly what to do when anything unexpected happens.”
—Robert Baden-Powell
It’s 7:15 pm on Sunday. Angelica should be leaving for the gala any minute. As I lift my eyes from my watch, she opens her front door.Right on time.
She looks gorgeous in the black, sparkly gown I watched her buy. It hugs her in all the right places, gripping her so well it’s sinful. Her curly black hair is half up with two strands framing her face on each side. I can see her lips glistening from here, and I want to…
The sound of a car approaching interrupts my thoughts. A black-on-black Phantom pulls into her driveway. I crease my brows to get a look at who is in the car, but I don’t recognize the person through the tinted windows. A man in an expensive-looking suit steps out and walks around to the passenger side.What the fuck?I didn’t expect her to be going to the ball with adate.
She gives him a coy smile from her porch and walks over to him, placing her hand in his palm so he can lead her to the car. He places a kiss on her knuckles and his lips linger on her skin longer than necessary before he opens her door. She effortlessly slips into the seat, and he helps gather her dress before going back around to get in. There is too long of a pause before they drive off.Fucking tinted windows. If he is touching her…I feel the blood boiling under my skin. Their encounter looks a bit too comfortable. Who the fuck is that guy and why is she taking him to the gala?
I look to my side and stare at the full-face mask I bought just in case I decided to follow her. I brought my tuxedo for this reason, too. Fuck it. It’s too risky, but Angelica ismine.
My plans have changed. I’m going to the fucking charity ball.
PARTII
THE REVEAL
“Who said that the thrill of the chase should only be felt by the hunter?” –H.A. Kotys
Ifelt nervous as I waited for Niko to pick me up. I asked him to be my date for tonight’s charity event. I haven’t seen him since I left Cebrene. Mybabaalways had me attend these types of functions on his behalf even as a teenager. Now that I’m back in town, he didn’t hesitate to throw me back to the wolves. He loves to show off and pretend he cares about the welfare of others. Donating to a big charity every year is the perfect way to showcase he’s just as successful as his rich counterparts.
I only agree to attend these events because I’m a huge believer in charity work and I love helping others, especially children. Even though I know it's all for show, the money still goes to disadvantaged families and that’s all that matters.
Although I dread having to socialize and put on a fake smile all night, I’m going to take the opportunity to find information on whatever is happening with my father. People of that social standing are tight-lipped most of the time, but with a few drinks, they might loosen up enough to let some information slip. I need to know who this new Godfather is that my father was referring to.
I was forced to come back to Cebrene because of mybaba’s ventures. I deserve to know what brought me back, get rid of it, and go back to Antium City. I miss the freedom, my life, my friends, my grandparents. But I can’t leave until the threat toward me has been extinguished.
I stepped out earlier today to find a mask for the ball but came back empty-handed. Finding the perfect one this last minute is almost impossible, so I decided to borrow one from Aria. She’s been to masquerade parties before and has an enormous selection.
When I got back, there was a note and a small, black jewelry box wrapped with a red satin bow waiting for me on my bed. My heart fluttered with excitement. He knows I’m going to a masquerade party. Does this mean he’ll be there too?
For days, I had anticipated when and where I’d find my next gift from him. Under the letter was a beautiful, stark white, lace mask, with the most intricate detailing, shaped like angel wings. The little tokens my guardian leaves me are what keeps me going. They are a reminder that he’s watching me, keeping me safe. Mostly from the things that hurt me on the inside.
It’s the smallest things that take up the most room in your heart.
When I unfolded the note, I found a poem written inside.
I want to be the sun,
The first thing you see when you rise.
The glow that touches your skin.
The sparkle in your eye.
And when you are lost,
I want to be the light that guides you.
Even within my darkness.
I’d unwrapped the gift and inside the velvet box sat a pair of diamond teardrop earrings. I had gasped at how beautiful they were. In the sunlight, the sparkle had reflected rainbows around me like a prism. They must have cost a fortune. Why would he spend so much money on me when we are still strangers?
We are nothing to each other, but it’s the kind of nothing that means everything.
