Page 30 of Psycho Saints

"Which is?" I decided to ask.

"A new chapter in your life," he stated as his gaze rolled over me once more. "Now, let's get your hair done. Today is your day, then we'll head to dinner."

I pursed my lips and followed after him, remaining in the dress which the cashier was kind enough to remove the tags from.

The stop to get my hair done was welcome, and I closed my eyes as the stylist worked on giving me the perfect look for tonight, including a light application of makeup at Tyrone's request. I enjoyed the moment alone with the stylist while Tyrone was on a call, my mind whirring over everything that had transpired in the past few days. Cristian's attempts to win me back, along with their assistance in vengeance. It played heavy on my mind, and I chewed my cheek as I contemplated it all, my hand moving to rest on my stomach. It was a messed up situation I was in now because of Cristian, but his mind was a broken mess, and in a strange way, I did understand. I'd accepted where this whole thing could go, and now, I was just waiting to see how it all played out.

I'd embraced their darkness, coated my hands in blood alongside them.

I was in the thick of it, and as much as it should have terrified me, I found a strange sense of power in it.

We met Cristian and Julian at an upscale restaurant, the kind with crystal chandeliers and white tablecloths that probably cost more than my monthly rent. The brothers were all smiles as I approached in my new dress, their gazes trawling over me.

"You look absolutely ravishing, kitten," Cristian purred, his deep brown eyes gleaming with appreciation as he pulled out my chair. The way he said it sent a shiver through me, but I just nodded. I couldn't just forgive and forget, it was never that easy.

Thankfully, he didn't push it as he allowed me to sit before moving to his own seat.

The meal was exquisite - course after course of gourmet delights paired with expensive wines, although I had been given non-alcoholic alternatives.

We spoke briefly between courses about my haul of clothing and my favorite pieces, which had been hard to narrow down. The current dress and heels were high up there, and Tyrone had shared a look with me. His had clearly been the pink lacy bra set, but he didn't state that aloud.

Somehow, we'd wound up on childhood stories, and the brothers had shared some tales of their adventures as children, including Julian's skateboarding accident that had left him with a broken leg.

I watched as Julian and Cristian's faces lit up with mischief, recalling the incident.

"You should've seen it coming, Jules," Cristian chuckled, his eyes dancing with amusement. "That ramp was way too steep for your scrawny ass."

Julian rolled his eyes. "Yeah, well, if someone hadn't dared me to try it..."

"Oh, come on," Cristian grinned. "You were the one bragging about your 'mad skills.' I just gave you the opportunity to prove it."

"Some opportunity," Julian grumbled. "Ended up with a broken leg and those damn crutches for weeks."

Cristian's laughter grew louder. "God, those crutches. I remember hiding them on you for entertainment."

Julian's lips twitched, fighting a smile. "You were such a little shit. I'd be hopping around the house, cursing your name."

"It was for your own good," Cristian insisted, barely containing his delight. "Physical therapy, you know?"

That did it. Julian burst out laughing, shaking his head. "Physical therapy, my ass. You just liked watching me suffer."

As their laughter filled the air, I found myself smiling despite everything. It was strange to see this side of them - just two brothers sharing fond memories. For a moment, I could almost forget the darkness that surrounded us.

But then Cristian's eyes met mine, that familiar intensity returning, and reality came crashing back. These men might have their moments of normalcy, but they were far from innocent. And now, neither was I.

"How was the spa?" Julian asked once he'd quietened, a glimmer in those dark eyes as he stared at me.

"Amazing, pamper days are always a delight," I said as I swirled my glass.

Cristian was watching me quietly, leaning back in his chair, while Tyrone was sipping his own glass.

"Well, you can expect plenty more of them," Cristian said with confidence, and my smile waned ever so slightly as I nodded.

This didn't go unnoticed by him, as his own smile faltered, but then he masked it just as quickly.

"The desserts here are incredible, you'll love them. We've got one of each coming, so you can try them all." He reached for his wine, sipping it before letting his gaze wander to the waiter heading our way.

The waiter approached our table with a silver tray balanced expertly on his hand. He set down four stunning desserts, each a work of art in its own right.