“Rowaniel, I know I’m not the best father. Fuck, I’m not even an okay father. But understand that while I might be hard on you, it’s for a purpose. So, when I tell you to do this, it’s because I know that in the long run, it will be not only what’s best for you but best for all of you.”
For a solitary moment, I see the dad I remember before Karl was taken. The one who would spin the world on its axis to ensure my well-being. However, as quickly as the look appears, it vanishes.
“You need to do this,” he implores, with no hint of malice or anger in his plea. He adds, “It’s time, let’s get out there,” leaving me to unpack his orders.
Striding down the hall of the estate to meet the guys, my mind tries to run every possible scenario. But, no matter how many different ways I work it in my head, it all boils down to the same conclusion. We’re fucked.
EMMA
The room is silent. Each heir walks to the front of the room.
I still can’t believe Mr. Gra-Sebastian is an heir and August’s cousin no less.
Mr. Calloway begins, “The heirs of Calloway have taken a sacred vow. One that ensures the continuation of the original bloodlines,” pausing as he peers down the length of his nose, surveying the crowd and finding them wanting.
He returns his gaze to the four of us on stage and continues, “It is an honor of the highest regard. Unfortunately, we have lost another girl to the unscrupulous actions of a highly disturbed individual. One that will be dealt with, but the selection stops for no one. Tonight we will see the fifth and final choice made.”
The guys make their way up the stairs, halting next to Rowan’s dad.
“Each heir will announce their choice and bestow her with a pin, symbolizing their commitment to the cause.”
If I wasn’t told what to expect, I would’ve thought this whole ordeal was fucking ludicrous. Shit, I still find it crazy, but knowing that August is the one who picked me makes it an easier pill to swallow.
“Let us begin,” Mr. Calloway commands.
My palms begin to sweat. I know I said I could handle this, but it doesn’t stop my nerves from feeling frantic.
Liam steps up first and says, “I, Liamon Nathaniel Washington, select Summer Elizabeth Anderson.” Leaning down, he places the pin on her dress. She’s looking up at him with dreamy eyes, but he looks about as interested in the situation as an empty shoebox.
Karl steps forward.
“I, Karl Preston Grant, select Megan Anne Brewster.” I grit my teeth and rub at my wrist, to prevent the protest on my tongue. He pins her and then quickly steps out of her reach. Not enough to draw attention, but enough for her to recognize the slight and turn her frosty gaze on me.
Sebastian goes next, selecting Brittany Livingston, who latches onto his arm as if she’s afraid he’ll run.
August is next and my pulse kicks, galloping in my chest.
“I, August Alexander Grant, select Emma Elaine Bishop,” his voice filled with joy. He bends and whispers in my air as he pins me, “You’re officially mine now, Love.” He nips my earlobe before standing back to his full height.
I expire and feel revitalized simultaneously, remembering the week before in his bathroom.
I’m so lost in my lustful thoughts that I almost miss Rowan taking the stage.
Mr. Calloway nods in Rowan’s direction, and Rowan takes his place, announcing his pick.
“I, Rowaniel Benjamin Calloway, select Samantha Rose Davenport.”
What the fuck?
* * *
I can’t believe he chose her. I had to get some air. That room felt stuffy between all the dancing and the people full of hot air. I needed a minute.
Strolling down the bricked path, I stop and take off the ridiculous heels I’ve had to wear for the last three hours. I can see twinkling lights intricately woven throughout the black iron canopy of the Taj Mahal Markan white marble gazebo. White lilies line the walkway leading away from the pavilion to a man-made Koi fish pond.
Placing my shoes on one of the benches, I step off the path and onto the manicured lawn. I need to feel the grass on my toes.
Sucking in a lung full of air, I close my eyes and feel the light breeze caress my skin under the moonlit night. Lifting my head, I gaze up at the luminous sky and close my eyes.
I exhale all of the pressures weighing heavily against my chest. It’s been a whirlwind ever since we moved to this town. Never a moment to pause, never a moment to feel. Everything has moved at warp speed.
A tear trickles down my face, running the length of it, rolling under my chin before falling away. I’m not even sure why I’m crying. Tonight has been great for the most part. Even Samantha being selected hasn’t dampened my mood.
For the first time in months, I’ve allowed myself to feel everything, including all of my emotions at once. Everything that’s been building since we moved here. My father’s disappearance still unexplained, my mother’s disappearing acts and gall to sign us over like livestock, the constant harassment of Samantha and Rowan, and all of the fucking packages. I let the floodgates open and I just feel it all. It’s cathartic to release the constant pressure of holding it together.
I hear the distinct sound of dress shoes on the pavement. My eyes snap open. Turning, I expect to see a gloating Samantha.
Instead, I’m face-to-face with Liam.
“Couldn’t handle the pressure of seeing Karl choose someone else?” Cold calculating hazel-green eyes take me in, and zeroing in on the puffiness of my tear-stained face. He strolls closer, hands in the tuxedo pants pockets as he aims his next taunt like a gun, hoping to land a kill shot.
“How will you handle it when you’re not ultimately the one selected? You should bow out now and tuck tail and run. You’re in over your head on this one Princess.” He smirks, pleased with himself.
Arching my brow, my moment of peace ruined, I full belly laugh. “Is this where I’m supposed to cry or shout that August would never do that to me?” Shock registers, and I see his pupils dilate before his mask falls back in place. He was expecting me to fall apart at his words.
Stupid, silly boy.
Striding across the lawn until I’m feet away from him I declare, “I depend on one thing. Me.” I step into his bubble, crowding his space. My skin heats with rage at his audacity to interrupt my solace with his bullshit. “I’ve been left to take on the responsibilities no kid should have to shoulder. My father is missing. My mother disappeared and has signed away her children like chattel, leaving me to play some twisted bridal game.”
My anger at fever pitch, I push him and yell, “So fuck you and all your assumptions. I’m not going anywhere and if August or Karl decides this was all some elaborate game and I’m on my ass tomorrow, I’ll do what I’ve been doing this entire time. I’ll fucking survive.” He attempts to speak, but I’ve had enough of his shit. “Get the fuck out of here Liam. I’ve met my quota for your foot-in-mouth syndrome. Go find your other bitch-made friend Rowan and leave me the fuck alone.”
Sighing, he begins to walk away. Only stopping when he nears the middle of the walkway. Turning he whispers, barely loud enough for me to hear, “You should get out of here Emma. Nothing good will come of your staying here.” Then, he disappears back to the party.
Finally, alone with my thoughts, again, I try to process his words when I hear footsteps again.
“Didn’t I tell you to get lost Liam?” I spin and shout. Only when I turn it’s not him.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.