Zade’s text still made me rage. His heinous comment was more aggravating than when he threatened to break my neck. What’s with the sudden flirt?

Again, I had disrespected him by flatly ignoring his text, and he comes on with that? Well, of course, he did mention he gave me chances. Since when?

I could only think back to the day I attended my classes instead of being at the cathedral for our wedding. He had done nothing after that except hold Jacob captive and supposedly let him go.

I ruined my wedding dress and used the scissors against him, and then a knife. Oh, don’t forget, I tossed a shoe at him.

And what happened after that? What did the Serpent of Hightower do?

He’s obviously entertained. Probably welcoming my attitude just so he could get a kick outta it. I don’t want him to be entertained or to relish my distress.

He was a fucking murderer and a snake, and I won’t give him any more chances to toy with me.

I walked up to the mirror in my closet. My hair was styled up with a yellow ribbon. I wore a matching fitted off-shoulder dress that hugged my body, with a gentle drape and a high slit on the side.

Around my neck was a scarf, the same fabric as my dress. It added a delicate touch, or better yet, a perfect coverage for the hickey.

Wear my mark... my ass. He’s not gonna parade me around like that.

I had light makeup done, with a peachy nude gloss on my lips. I opened my jewelry case and took out a thin bracelet with blue stones. Jacob gave this to me a year ago for my birthday.

Father had a huge debt and couldn’t afford to throw me a lavish party like he always did. He thought money was everything. I wouldn’t blame him, though. I have always been materialistic, and I’m not afraid to accept that.

However, his presence would have mattered too. It wasn’t just my birthday, it was Annabeth’s. I was born on her day, and since then, we have shared that special moment. It wasn’t the same without her.

I smiled as I wore the bracelet, and it clung to my wrist, sparkling with the light. I don’t wear it during classes. Aside from that, I never take it off. Never.

I really wish to see you right now, Jacob. I really do.

I need to find a way to reach him; he could be trying right now. The more reason I must try harder.

My best plan was to do this after the sham honeymoon. There would be a window of opportunity. I’ll make sure of it.

I wore my strappy heels, grabbed my purse, and walked out of my room. It didn’t take too long before I reached the entrance of the manor, but I slowed down when I heard voices, quieting my steps.

I placed my hand on the wall and peeked. The first person I saw was Zade, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, sharp through his broad shoulders, giving that loud menace. Underneath was a crisp white shirt with a few buttons undone.

No matter how refined he tried to looked, he always screamed danger.

My eyes veered to Elliot and then the twins. Great, a full house. Were they attending the function too? I got the answer to my question when I observed how well polished they were from head to toe.

Such good looks are wasted on this family. Except that reptile, though. Once a snake, always a snake, no matter the skin they shed.

I narrowed my eyes when I caught something unusual. The twins had dread in their eyes as they looked at Zade, and all he did was speak.

Something’s up. But I don’t know what.

Dante swallowed thickly, hands fidgeting as he looked to his twin brother Luca, who scratched the back of his head.

Luca went stiff when Zade stepped forward to adjust his tie, but instead of ease, he went still, probably sweating.

Such loving brothers.

Suddenly, I heard loud footsteps; they belonged to Lisa. She really outdid herself with her attire and no... I’m not gonna detail any of it. It’s not worth my mental time.

Lisa smirked, brushing her hand on Zade’s shoulder as if to take off an invisible dust. She said something to him before looking at the twins.

I wonder how long she has been Zade’s secretary. They looked fairly comfortable with each other, and her handsy habit was far too natural. They must have some history, not that it’s any of my business; I just didn’t like the insult her presence brought.

I sighed, resting my back against the wall, closing my eyes briefly. I don’t know how this night was gonna go or whatever function we were attending. I just have to do what I’ve always done.

Savage elegance.

I pushed off the wall and emerged. Their attention was pulled instantly as I came into view, but I didn’t falter or get nervous.

In fact, I was more confident than I have ever been, my steps getting more audacious as I swayed my hips.

I noticed how Lisa wore a frown on her clownish face, eyeing me with contempt, but I don’t give a shit about that.

I came to a stop, maintaining a good distance to stand my ground.

"What?" I questioned when their stare got far too extreme.

Elliot looked a bit awestruck, eyes dragging up and down my frame. Luca was smirking while Dante glowered like I was his worst enemy.

Well, get in line, gold watch.

My eyes flickered to Zade, and my chest tightened. I was caught off guard because I have always seen him wear that smug smirk of his, but now he was straight off blank, and I couldn’t get a read on him.

Have I ever gotten a read on him, though?

For some reason, we held each other’s gaze for far too long, not until Elliot cleared his throat to break the ice.

"We should get going..." He nudged his head at the twins, and they complied.

Lisa lingered, using those split seconds to curse me with her glare.

"Don..." she said sweetly, moving close to Zade. "We can’t keep them waiting. How about we head to the car together?"

"Leave. I’d like a moment alone with my wife."