Page 36 of The Night Runs Red

“Sit,” he said, patting the seat next to him. “Dinner will be here shortly.”

While we waited, I chatted with Anya and Brielle about their plans for the rest of the week. Rion’s arm rested along the back of my seat, his fingers occasionally brushing my shoulder. When my cousin brought up the mayor’s gala, it reminded me to ask Rion about it. “Are we still going?”

He grimaced. “Unfortunately, yes. I tried to get out of attending, believe me. However, he will not listen to reason and has requested our presence.”

I didn’t have time to answer before three large pizzas were carried in by a familiar man, one who’d helped me many times. He was silent as he slid pieces of cheese pizza onto plates for each of us, disappearing once he was done.

“What’s his name?” I asked Rion, taking a bite out of the delicious, cheesy food.

“That is Hendrix’s son, Silas. He struggles with communication, but he is incredibly hard working and intelligent. I have tried to provide better employment many times, but he likes his station and chooses to stay in it.”

“He’s just shy,” Anya said. “I’ve found him many times in the stables with the animals. I think he prefers their company to people.”

Our conversation died down as we dug into our meal, often laughing or making friendly conversation. As we finished up, our bellies full of bread and cheese, I found myself resting my head on Rion’s shoulder. He stiffened under the contact but relaxed as he intertwined our fingers under the table.

Silas came back in and quickly cleared the dishes. I could barely thank him before he hurried out of the room faster than he came in. Brielle stood up and stretched, staring out the window at the inky darkness that had stolen the day.

“Stay,” I said, reading her mind. Brielle hated the dark, and she hated being alone in it even more. Even when it came to driving. I wondered if that had anything to do with the restrictions on the fae, but there seemed to be something bigger to it.

I realized I hadn’t asked Rion if it was okay, which isn’t something I should have to do, but if he was going to work at whatever this was, then so would I. “Would that be okay?”

The corner of his mouth ticked up in a gentle smile at my question. “I suppose it can be arranged.”

Brielle smiled. “Girls night, it is!” She pulled me up and into a hug. As she stepped away, I noticed Rion watching us intently. When his gaze met mine, I mouthed the words, “Thank you.” He only dipped his head in acknowledgement.

Much to my surprise, Anya was unaccustomed to the rituals of a girl’s night. Brielle and I were happy to educate her on the time honored rituals of self-care and gossip. After dinner, we went up to my bedroom. Brielle lit the candles, filling the space with the scents of eucalyptus, lavender, and sage, before raiding my cabinets in search of face masks.

It was mid-morning when we woke up in a tangle of limbs. Brielle’s head was down by my feet while Anya lay near the middle of the bed, spread out as far as she could go. I felt the exhaustion wearing me down, but this was the first time since marrying Rion that I’d felt unmistakably happy.

In a strange way, I was thankful for the abduction. Without it, I don’t know if things would have changed.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Brielle decided to stay until the night of the gala, much to Rion’s chagrin, and I welcomed her company. The estate felt isolating, especially as I stared at the cityscape on the other side of the Odesza. It was bustling, full of creatures living their life to the fullest. Once upon a time, I would’ve counted myself amongst them.

I struggled to be the perfect daughter, seeking praise and adoration from a man incapable of giving them. But now that I was no longer under his wing, I didn’t know who I was or what I wanted out of life. The possibilities were endless, and that was a terrifying prospect. Perhaps I’d talk to Rion about volunteering at one of his charities or even one of my aunt’s.

Brielle had insisted on helping to style my hair, knowing I was helpless with such things. She had pinned the right side back with a diamond hairpiece, leaving it in loose curls flowing down my back. I teared up when she produced a pair of matching earrings, completing the look and making me feel elegant despite my nerves. “He’s going to lose his shit when he sees you,” she said, spraying my hair.

I looked back in the mirror, admiring the blush creeping across my cheeks. “Do you think so?”

“Absolutely! You look stunning, babe.” Brielle reached for her purse, tossing her phone inside. Then she held out her hand. “You ready?”

I nodded and took her hand. As we rounded the corner and descended the stairs, my attention caught on Rion waiting in the middle of the foyer. He’d been talking to Hendrix when he turned, noticing our presence. His dark eyes sparked with silver, coming alive as he observed us. Hendrix clapped him on the back, leaning in to whisper something in Rion’s ear.

He didn’t move as we approached, sliding his hand into his pocket. “You look beautiful,” he breathed.

“I could say the same about you,” I said, circling him quickly. It might have been an excuse to check him out, but who could blame me? His tuxedo was perfectly pressed and tailored. “You clean up quite nicely.”

He flashed a small smile and offered his elbow. “Shall we?”

* * *

The trip to the city was quick. Our limo approached a sleek, black skyscraper in less than half an hour. Photographers were already stationed outside, awaiting a glimpse at the mayor’s guest list for the evening. Seeing them brought back the uncomfortable memories of leaving the hospital, the way they shouted those awful rumors at me.

As if reading my mind, Rion grasped my hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it. “I will be right by your side. As will Brielle.” I stared at him only for a moment before I felt the truth of his words settle over me.

Those rumors were false, Calia. They didn’t mean anything. They. Weren’t. True.

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