Page 12 of Crimson Fate
“Alright, so maybe we weren’t destined for musical greatness,” she concedes, laughing with me. “But it was fun, wasn’t it?”
“Definitely,” I agree, the weight on my shoulders feeling lighter as the laughter bubbles within me. “Even with how fucked-up things were with my family, we still managed to have some good times, didn’t we?”
“Absolutely.” Eva nods, her genuine and radiant smile warming me from the inside out. “It was hard to even think straight in my house growing up. There was never a moment of peace with all my siblings except when I was over at the Kings’ house.”
I chuckle, wondering how anyone could think the Kings’ home was a peaceful retreat. For now, though, I allow myself to get lost in the memory, holding on to the comfort it brings.
“Here’s to more unforgettable moments,” I say, raising an imaginary glass.
“Cheers to that,” Eva agrees, clinking her invisible goblet against mine. And for a bit longer, I let myself enjoy the warmth of her company, pushing the shadows of uncertainty to the back of my mind.
Eva pauses and leans back in her seat, looking me up and down.
“What?” I ask, curious what she might be thinking.
She smiles. “Nothing, I just can’t get over how well you clean up.”
I look down at my suit before glancing back at her. “Thanks, but this is nothing compared to you, Eva. You look absolutely stunning tonight.”
Her cheeks flush a beautiful shade of pink, and I think how lucky any man would be to have someone like her by his side. Maybe one day, I’ll find someone who can offer support when I need it most.
“Alright, don’t get too carried away with the compliments,” Eva jokes, playfully rolling her eyes.
The car slows to a stop outside of Alexei’s building. I take a moment to survey the exterior, my protective instincts kicking in. “Seriously?” I scoff. “Alexei couldn’t find a safer place for Amelia to live? This is just begging for trouble.”
Eva laughs, shaking her head. “Are you kidding me? This is one of the most expensive areas in the city, and this building is amazing.”
“But there’s no security,” I argue.
She sighs, giving me a side-eyed glance. “Not everyone wants to live in a fortress like you do.”
“I’m just saying, you’d think he would want to do everything in his power to keep his wife safe,” I point out.
Eva smiles at me before she adds, “Amelia seems to be perfectly safe here. The important thing is she’s happy, right?”
“I suppose,” I grumble, knowing that deep down, Eva has a valid point—as much as it pains me to admit it. I’ve always wanted my little sister to find happiness. I never imagined it would be in the arms of the enemy.
The cool night air wraps around us like a shroud as the building looms above us, its shadow swallowing the street below. As much as I want to trust Eva’s words, I can’t help but feel the gnawing apprehension tightening my chest. Unfortunately, every situation I find myself in since my father’s murder has felt like danger lurks just below the surface.
I instruct Nico to park and tell him he can wait outside Alexei’s flat, in case things go sideways.
“Oh my God, will you just come on,” Eva says, taking my hand and pulling me away from the car. “Can you try to enjoy the evening? I have been dying to catch up with Amelia. It feels like I never get more than ten minutes with her before she’s being pulled in some other direction.”
“What did I tell you? She already can’t find time for the people she supposedly cares for,” I say as we approach the lobby.
“Vincent, stop. I mean it. Everything will be fine if you’ll quit being such a sourpuss.”
I chuckle and glance at Eva, the light from the lobby casting a beautiful glow on her bronze skin. “Sourpuss?”
She huffs and, releasing my hand, wraps her arm around me, squeezing it tightly. “Just try to be on your best behavior in there for me. Okay?”
I give Eva a playful smile, appreciating her effort to lighten the mood. “Alright, for you,” I agree, squeezing her arm in return. “But only because you asked so nicely.”
When we enter the lobby of Alexei’s building, it’s nothing like the luxury of the building we grew up in. In our building, a grand chandelier hangs from the ceiling, casting a soft glow on the marble floors of our lobby. Here, though, everything has a modern and minimalist feel to it. The wood tones are warm, but the feel is foreign to me.
Eva guides me toward the elevator. Her warm and reassuring touch grounds me, and for a moment, I allow myself to believe her—to hope that tonight might only be an ordinary dinner with family—even if I know better than to let my guard down completely.
When we enter the elevator, I looked around as Eva pulls a badge card out of her purse and swipes it. When the light on the box turns green, she presses the button to the twenty-first floor. I scoff at what I see.