Page 20 of Cruel Knots

I’m not going to hold Leon back. If shedding Lucia’s blood heals his scars, he’s welcome to it.

Our love for her has festered into something grotesque but my conscience is at peace with it. We’d been born as assassins, after all. Bloodshed and death are a part of who we are.

Callum Baldwin doesn’t have any idea about who we are. He’s blissfully unaware of the enemies he made that night seven years ago.

“It’s time,” I say, gazing at both my brothers. “We’re going to take what’s ours.”

7

Lucia

The maids fuss about me as I stand before a tall, gilded mirror. Shafts of sunlight come in through the glass panes, throwing distorted rainbow patterns on the wide, flared skirt of my snow-white wedding gown.

My arms are encased in lace sleeves. Diamonds glitter at my ears, throat, and wrists. A sapphire-and-diamond-encrusted tiara rests on my head.

“You’re an absolute vision, Miss Lucia!” croons Sandra, the head lady from the salon. She came to the house early morning with her team to get me ready. “I say this to all the brides, but damn! You’re seriously the most beautiful bride in the world!”

I grimace at her extravagant praise.

This wedding is a sham and I’m nothing but a puppet in Callum’s hand.

“Smile a little more, dear,” says Sandra encouragingly.

“Leave her alone,” says Sadie, her colleague. “It’s okay to be nervous before the wedding.”

I silently feel grateful for Sadie’s intrusion. Even though she’s unaware of my situation, she at least understands how I’m feeling.

“Do you smell that?” one of the maids whispers. “What do you think they’re baking in the kitchen?”

Looking around, I find every person inhaling the air with closed eyes. Ecstatic looks descend on their faces as they smile dreamily.

With a start, I catch a whiff of the fragrance that’s captured everyone’s attention.

Sweet caramel with a hint of vanilla...my natural perfume.

My eyes widen in shock. I made sure to spray liberal amounts of de-scenter this morning. How can my perfume still be so strong?

“Ah!” A gasp escapes me as I feel a sudden contraction in my lower belly. Slapping my hand over my stomach, I stumble on my feet. Why does it feel like I’m going through the first symptoms of a heat?

“You must be extremely happy,” Sandra croons happily. “We can all smell your excitement.”

Anxiety grips my throat, making it hard to breathe. I’ve been consistent in taking my doses. The suppressors blocked my heat over the past several years, keeping me safe from my brother’s unnatural lust. There’s no reason for them to fail now.

“Are you okay?” someone asks but I’m not able to reply. Warning bells echo in my mind, leaving me paralyzed with dread.

“Let’s give her some space,” Sandra says in a cajoling tone. “Miss Lucia is excited for the wedding but she’s also feeling nervous.”

The women take their cue from the head stylist and start clearing the room. I barely look at them as a new fear arises within me.

It’s bad enough that I’m being forced to marry Freddy. How can my body choose to go into heat now?

My stomach churns sickeningly. It feels like there’s a trapped bird in my chest, flapping its wings, desperately trying to break free.

For the first time in my life, I resent my father. He’s the reason I’m still hanging around this house, chained to my brother. If he’d died sooner, I could’ve been free to leave and be away from Callum.

Stop thinking this way, I chide myself. Dad is the only reason you’ve chosen to stay alive until this day.

Guilt follows this train of thought and my misery doubles.

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