Page 104 of Bloom: Part 2

“It’s perfect for you,” I said honestly. “All eyes will be on you for sure.”

“This one’s good too.”

The second option was a midnight-black velvet blazer with intricate silver embroidery along the cuffs and lapels. It paired with fitted black trousers and a sleek satin shirt in a deep, blood-red shade. The dramatic look went well with his usual gothic theme. His face lit up as though already imagining himself wearing the outfit.

“This is the one.”

“I figured you’d like it,” Elise said, pleased with herself. “But try on both before you decide.” She unzipped and unbuttoned the pieces, then passed them to Bloom. “Did you want this jacket as well?”

“Yes, please, but a size smaller,” I said quickly.

“Okay. I’ll be right back.”

I took the second outfit from Bloom. “Try the other and let’s see how it fits.”

Bloom slipped into the changing room with the gray suit in hand, while I studied the embroidery on the velvet blazer.

“How’s it going in there?” I called. “Need some help.”

“You just want to see me naked.”

I laughed, relieved to have him back. “Can you blame me, though? It’s your fault for being so sexy.”

What the hell? The unmistakable muzzle of a gun jabbed into my back.

“Don’t make a sound unless you want me to shoot him,” a voice rasped in my ear. “There’s a door in the back. Move.”

I swallowed hard, glancing at the changing room. If Bloom came out now, he would retaliate and put himself in danger. I dropped the clothes I had in my hands. “Okay. Just don’t hurt him. I’ll cooperate.”

“Start walking.”

The voice was familiar, but I couldn’t place it. I followed the path the man directed, each step away from Bloom filling me with dread but also relief that he didn’t have to get involved. Where were Elise and her assistant? Had he hurt them?

We reached the back door, and he punched in a code he shouldn’t know.Oh god, please don’t let him have hurt the women.

We stepped out into the alley behind the shop where a black van was parked. The doors flung open from the inside, and I was shoved forward. I stumbled, catching myself on the cold metal of the door. Then I was pushed the rest of the way in. I barely had a moment to take in the details of the empty cargo space with no seats before the man got in after me, letting the door slam shut. The driver revved the engine to life as the man turned to face me.

My throat went dry and years fell away. He’d aged. It’d been almost fifteen years after all, but I could never forget. One of my biggest regrets.

“Emil?”

My brother punched me in the gut, leaving me breathless and hunched over. “Son of a bitch. That hurts.”

“You want to talk about hurt, Keegan? Because that’s nothing compared to how much we’ve bled because of you. Now shut the fuck up before you piss me off and I end you right here.”

I rubbed my stomach and winced. He’d not held anything back from that punch. Emil studied me, his icy blue eyes flaring with resentment. His once vibrant blond hair had faded into a dull sandy shade, and the skin around his eyes was etched with hard lines. Of the three of us brothers, he had been the carefree, irresponsible one.

Looks like a lot has changed.

With our eldest brother dead and me gone, he would have had to take on the family responsibilities.

The van lurched into movement, making us stagger for balance. We both caught ourselves on the cold metal walls.

“What the hell’s going on, Bishop?” Emil yelled.

Bishop? He was my uncle’s right-hand man and confidant. If he was in town, then so was my uncle.

“We’re being followed,” Bishop said.

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