Page 53 of Wreckin' Amethyst

“Tonight is for us.”

Chapter 34

Sittinginthebackrow, I people-watch as Myles greets funeral guests in his back garden. You can’t see a trace of the guilt etched into his face, his smile understanding and head bowing in thanks for each apology he receives. Whether he feels like he deserves to be or not, Myles is legally head of the Hudson legacy now. 'The man of the hour' according to the weeping widow clinging to his arm and the magazine clutched in my hand. Anything to avoid awkward introductions when people get too close.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve stayed with Myles in his bedroom, absorbing his grief as if it were my own. I may not have felt an attachment to Charlton Hudson, but Myles’ mourning continued to bring mine to the surface. I’ve never given myself grace or the time to stop running and simplyfeel. Between frenzied fucking, passionate love making and extensive talks, I’ve grieved for my own mother, seeking comfort from one another. Sebby was with us most of the time, learning the dynamics of what could be a beautiful open relationship. I wish we could have stayed lost in our own fantasy. In a place where Carter's judgement and the outside world didn't exist. I much preferred it to this.

An arch has been erected at the far end of a white carpet, fifty chairs split evenly either side. Those waiting for the ceremony to start are lingering, not committing to a seat before seeing who else will be beside them. It’s all about image with these people. The star of the show, however, is Charlton. He’s a vision beneath the streams of sunlight, his face perfectly powdered and a crisp, white shirt concealing how hard the morticians had to work to stitch him together.

“How are you holding up?” Sebby asks, leaning his forearms across my shoulders.

“I’m wearing Prada and surrounded by rich snobs. How do you think I feel?” Nudging the fur shawl higher up my shoulders, I purse my lips. I wouldn’t have been here at all if Myles hadn’t asked. It’s strange enough I had just met his father, never mind looking at his open casket amongst a procession of flower wreaths. At one point, I was sure I counted more florists than photographers, but now it’s more of an even split. Apparently, Charlton’s wife isn’t one to miss an opportunity.

“Come with me, I’ve got something far more entertaining to watch.” Holding out a hand, Sebby lifts me to my feet in a pair of black Jimmy Choo’s. Despite the occasion, he’s in a delightful mood. The police stopped by this morning with a final report – which detailed absolutely nothing and was of no help. The only good it did, was to give Myles the clarity of watching Sebby interact on his behalf, and the moment Sebby had closed the door behind the cops, Myles pounced on him. Love was professed, promises were made and I gave those two beautiful men the time to indulge in each other before the ceremony started.

Leading me through throngs of people, we enter a gazebo where tables are being set for a formal sit-down dinner after the ceremony. The rich don’t do finger buffets at wakes either. I’m learning so much today. Protected from the midday sun, Sebby positions us by a pillar. Invisible to those who don’t care to look our way, but with a clear view through the open front.

“What am I-”

“Shhh, it’ll come,” Sebby reassures me. His hand toys with the inside of my arm, in a move which I’ve come to know isn’t in any way sexual. Sebby requires security, always seeking out human touch and comfort. Thanks to Myles revealing the truth about Sebby’s father, I now know why.

Exiting the rear of the mansion, Felicia appears. Movement shifts at the other end of the balcony, Carter stepping out of the shadows. He moves with such grace, his suit cutting through the light breeze as if melded to his body. There’s more gel in his hair than usual, slicking the brown lengths back in a similar fashion to how I saw Charlton’s. Stopping before Felicia, she falls against his body, taking a hug he wasn’t offering. Winding his arms around her, Carter’s face buried in her neck.

“What’s the deal with those two? Are they an item?” I tilt my head, curious about the bitter taste that question left in the back of my mouth. Probably because Carter deserves many things, and love isn’t one of them.

“Oh buckle in sister, this is a juicy story.” I narrow my eyes at Sebby, pursing my lips.

“You know enough though you’re out in the world now, you can still talk normally right?” Another revelation in the past two weeks. It turns out all Sebby needed was the confidence that Myles would accept him, and he orchestrated an entire feature expose with Mitchell from Inside Entertainment straight away. Sebby hides a grin, his cheeks pinkening.

“Sorry, I saw that on TV. Sounded better when it wasn’t me saying it. Anyway, Felicia and Carter dated for a few years after Myles’ trial was over. She would frequent the manor often, helped set up the Elite system and draw up contracts. They mastered the plan together so they could live their lives and not have to worry about Myles relapsing.” I snort. Imagine relapsing face first into pussy.

“So, what happened? They still seem to dote on each other.” As I speak, an older man steps into view. Dark hair, an even darker presence. His suit and size rivals Carter’s, six foot three and more muscled than I’d expect a man of his age. Setting his jaw, he turns away, holding his arm out for Felicia and she quickly takes it.

“She married his dad.”

“No!” I shout, slamming a hand over my mouth. The caterers and serving staff nearby all still at my outburst, so I twist into Sebby’s jacket and laugh. Laugh until I cry while he pretends to console me. No wonder Carter can’t accept Myles wanting to keep me around. Dropping my voice to a whisper, I lean into Sebby’s ear. “Okay, who’s next?”

“Um, actually,” Sebby stiffens. Looking over my shoulder, I see a couple approaching us. The man, graying with a walking stick, bears a gold signet ring on his little finger. The horse.

“Sebastian,” he grumbles. “There’s no use asking who your lovely date is. The news channels are writhe with your recent outburst.” I deduce within seconds there’s no use asking about the origin of his ring. The disapproving scowl at where Sebby’s arm is wrapped around mine is a firm no. I’ll have to find the answers I’m looking for elsewhere.

“This is…um…” Sebby stammers. Even with his father’s back straight and how he’s pretending the walking stick is just for show, he doesn’t reach much above my five-foot-eight. His hands are weathered, as are the grey eyes which appear almost ethereal. So then, why does Sebby’s grip try to stop me from moving away. Maybe this old man was worth fearing in his prime, but it’s time to break the hold he has on Sebby for good.

“Amethyst Boudreaux,” I kiss his mother’s cheeks and offer his father my hand. “It’s lovely to meet you both. I’m Sebby’s business partner.”

“What business? Carter mentioned nothing of a new venture,” his father grunts. I tuck away that tidbit of information. It’s always good to know Carter keeps tabs on more than just Myles.

“Oh, it’s still very fresh. I manage the ass which has been receiving Sebby’s business on a regular basis. Lube supervision and douching regimes are a full time job.” I snort to myself at the double entendre of referring to Myles’ butthole and the man himself.

“Oh good heavens!” Sebby’s mother turns as pink as her cocktail dress. That will teach her for not wearing black to a funeral.

“Weird, huh? It’s almost as if our poor Sebastian has been resigned to feeling insecure by years of soul-destroying beatings and degrading punishments.” Taking his arm, Sebby and I stride away without looking back at his father, huffing and puffing about appropriate discipline. Sebby’s tension dissipates, his shoulder leaning heavily against mine causing me to wobble along in the heels.

“Needless to say, that was amazing,” he breathes when we’re free from earshot. I lean into his shoulder, glad I could have helped a miniscule amount, although it won’t last. Sebby will have to fight his own demons eventually.

“Would you consider yourself to be in my debt now?” I peer up, a twinkle in my eye. Sebby’s face falls.

“Oh shit. I would consider myself to have just been played. What is it you’re after?”

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