Page 90 of We Are All Sinners

The room gets quiet, except for the light hum of the tattoo gun.

Darius stands next to Alec, watching the artist finish the tattoo. He smiles at Alec, reaching over and shaking his hand, saying something in his ear, that I can’t hear.

He turns after a short, almost silent conversation, smiling at everyone in the room.

“Good evening gentlemen. Thank you all for coming to celebrate with your brother tonight. He is an extraordinary example of everything a Saint has always sworn to be, yet now I realize, we have fallen short. I have decided to start a new tradition with this new union of two people who happened to be in the right place at the right time, and against all odds, fell in love. I have decided to allow new laws to be added to our oaths. What this young promising Saint has brought to me is a new way. Gentlemen, times are changing, and it’s time we start holding ourselves to a higher standard. Those of you in attendance will sign the book tonight, showing you have been advised. There will be a national meeting in Georgia this year. My son will be taking the reins and allowing me to retire at this meeting. Tonight, I want everyone in this room to have fun. Tomorrow, things are changing. Spread the word to the rest of the Saints of New Orleans who didn’t bother showing up for their brother tonight. Their absence has been noted. To the happy couple, may you both be fruitful, and your love withstand the test of time.”

He raises his glass, nods, then throws the liquid back like a shot.

I watch as he moves through the parting crowd with ease coming towards me.

Liam and Noah catch my attention, sitting on either side of me at the bar, just as Darius reaches us.

“Do you think this will work?” Liam asks, tipping his glass up to drain the last remnants of liquor.

“It already has. Does this look like all of the Saints who should be in this room. It’s not about who is here, it’s who isn’t that we are paying close attention to. I have several Saints already working on getting all the men drunk and loose lipped. They will bring in anyone who seems to have information. Now, you boys have fun with your girls tonight, and let security do their jobs. I’ll see all three of you on Monday to introduce you to your new security teams and all of their information and schedules.” I try to interrupt, but he puts his hand up shushing me. Don’t try to argue. I am putting teams on the girls as well.” Darius is straight to the point, before he takes another three-finger pour as a shot, then orders a round of shots for the four of us.

“Tonight, I will sip, learn as much as I can about everyone here, and watch my girl have some fun. She deserves a chance to get to know her brother.”

“Suit yourself son but remember to enjoy your time with her. You don’t want to look back and wish you had just spent the time with her if anything goes sideways. Trust me.” Darius says in a low tone, showing a bit of emotion in his eyes as they soften.

I nod in understanding, seeing a man under the armor that has always been around Darius Vandever’s emotions. He has a chilling way of carrying himself with business. We only get to see small glimpses of the human being he actually is.

“Well, I’m gonna go dance with the nice woman I brought as my date. Who knows, she might just be the next Mrs. Darius Vandever. It’s time I settle down again and remember what life is all about.” He slaps Liam on the shoulder before heading out of the banquet hall.

Liam loves his dad, but recently he has been seeking his approval more often than not. I honestly didn’t realize with everything going on that Darius was ready to hand down the torch.

“Well brother, looks like you have until September to get Emily to agree to be your wife.” I smile at Liam, knowing he has already picked out a ring.

Liam is planning a proposal when they visit her parents in Georgia this summer. While we are there, we plan to settle some new business we have with the Delamere family.

“I have a plan, and you play a big part, so play nice with my princess.” Liam chuckles.

“Let’s head back to the ball and have a little fun. We are up to our eyeballs in shit with all the missing, not just NOLA Saints, but Saints all over the country, being linked to the trafficking rings. For once, we should listen to dad.” Noah throws back another shot, “Ready?” he asks, looking back and forth between Liam and myself.

We both nod, take our shots, and get up quickly.

“Shit, we need to go through the line to congratulate Alec.” Noah turns, frustrated.

“We don’t do lines, come on.” Liam deadpans, turning on his heal, leading us straight to Alec, cutting in front of the few hundred or so still in line to give their congratulations and sign the book.

Not one man in the room dares to say shit, other than, “Good to see you,” from everyone we bypass until we get to Alec who is showing off his crest proudly.

“Congratulations, we hope to have you and M.J. over when you get back from your honeymoon.” Liam says shaking Alec’s hand, then handing him an envelope.

Noah and I follow suite, giving our congratulations, handshake, then envelope. Just like everyone else here will.

I turn to see Christian and his guys down in the line and smile, waving them over.

When they reach us, I extend my hand to Christian, “I’ll save you guys at least another forty-five minutes where y’all were, plus I wanted to make sure we have a chance to talk before you speak to Genevieve again.”

“So, you obviously are in the know that she is my sister?” Christian asks in a low voice, trying to keep his composure and gage my reaction, as well as Noah and Liams.

“You’re welcome. Now give Alec the envelope and let’s go have a chat Devereaux. It’s overdue.” I turn my back and go back to a table close to the bar, but far enough from prying ears, and take a seat.

I watch as he walks confidently to the table, taking a seat without a word.

“Christian.” I start, but he puts his hand up, stopping me abruptly.

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