Page 77 of Cursed Sight
Ethan wrapped a hand around her upper arm, holding her back before she could run.“Everything okay? Please don’t lie to me.”
Her heart clenched at his worried and pleading eyes.
“It will be okay,”she said, hoping it was not a lie.
He nodded and released his light hold. Needing to reassure him, she lifted to her toes and kissed his soft lips.
“I’ll be right back!” she said with a smile that did not quite reach her eyes.
It seemed ever since Aja had tricked her and locked her up, she could not stand being startled. The biggest problem was she retaliated with her powers, so if a regular human did it, she wouldn’t be able to explain where a massive gust of wind had come from.
Serena smiled politely at a server she passed on her way into the house. Stopping just inside, she scanned the large open room and spotted Junior and Ryan chatting. Debbie walked up in a navy-blue Greek-style dress with an open back. The chiffon material flowed behind her until she paused next to her husband.
Ryan met Serena’s eyes, and she moved across the room to the small group. “Hey, everything look good for your altar?”
“I added a couple things I wanted to surprise her with. You look very handsome. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen you this dressed up,” she told him, noting his navy-blue three-piece suit.
He shrugged. “Thanks, Brandy picked it out.”
Serena smirked. “Whatever your bride wants?”
He chuckled. “She will certainly get.”
“Speaking of which, is there anything either of you need from me before we do this?”
Ryan shrugged. “Honestly? I have no idea. You may want to ask her yourself.”
“Come on, I’ll take you to her and you can help me bring this up,” Debbie said with a nod at the kettle on the counter and the tray filled with teacups.
She followed Debbie out of the room and down a long hall to a staircase. They carefully ascended without dropping anything or tripping on their long dresses. On their way up, they complimented each other and made small talk.
“Knock, knock!” Debbie called, and Andrea and Brandy turned toward them. “Look who I suckered into helping me bring up the tea.”
“Serena! Damn, that dress is perfect on you!” Brandy told her as she stood from the stool she sat on.
“You did pick it out.” Serena laughed as she set the kettle next to the tray. She noted Brandy was relaxing in a zip-up hoodie and leggings that read Bride. “You look uber comfy.”
“I am! I didn’t want to ruin the dress when I drank my tea. How are things downstairs? Did Ryan set up your area and altar? Is there anything else you need?”
Serena set a hand on her forearm. “Breathe. And another one.” When Brandy finished, Serena continued. “Everything looks great. I actually came to see if you needed anything else from me.”
“Don’t get kidnapped?” Brandy joked, and Serena’s stomach clenched. “I’m kidding! Too soon, I’m sorry. But seriously.” She looked at all the women in the room. “No getting abducted or attacked today, ladies.”
“How are you holding up?” Andrea asked.
Serena wrung her hands and found herself in an oddly comfortable place with the women around her. She barely knew two of them, but they had welcomed her into their family with open arms.
“You know… Ryan was kind of jumpy after everything. It took a few weeks to adjust,” Brandy whispered.
Serena raised a brow in surprise. “It’s been a few weeks since…”
“Everyone’s different. No sense in healing faster than your body and mind are capable,” Debbie said.
“Did you guys know Serena and Ryan used to… you know?” Brandy asked teasingly, effectively switching from one uncomfortable topic to another.
Serena covered her face, feeling her cheeks warm. “Oh God, don’t tell them that!”
“I knew!” Andrea said proudly.
