Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 53428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
On my left, my main guard, Leonardo snickered.
I scowled under the mask, wishing Tommaso could see my face. “Does this seem like an event that would be serving food and drinks?”
“Well, I believe so, yes. The Killer Crows have a history of being classy and pulling out all the stops.” Tommaso shrugged. “I think they are just beginning, so I would say the cocktails will be coming soon.”
Tommaso’s assistant, Knight nudged him. “Sir, I did bring a flask with your usual. Let me know when you need it.”
Tommaso’s voice lightened. “Dry martini?”
“Yes sir.”
“Chilled?”
“Of course, sir. In fact, the inside of my jacket is close to frozen—”
“What about olives?” Tommaso rubbed his hands together. “Did you happen to bring some?”
“Enough.” I sneered. “This is not a cocktail party. We are here to make sure my fiancé remains safe while unknown enemies surround her. You can drink later.”
“Well. You are correct, Santino.” Tommaso nodded. “I do apologize for my bad manners.”
I rolled my eyes and gazed back at the lake, putting my focus back on Kashmere.
She was captivating in a red gown, which flowed into the lengthening shadows. Usually, she had her favorite two guns—Blossom and Bubbles—in her diamond holster. To show the Killer Crows that she would not bring any more violence, she left the guns in our master suite.
Don’t worry. I have enough guns ready to shoot for you.
I perused the rest of her enchanting form. The soft moonlight glowed on her dark brown skin. A very small mask covered the upper part of her beautiful face.
The small mask had been another part of our compromise. I always had to know where she was this evening, so her face couldn’t be completely hidden.
God, I can’t wait to get you in bed tonight.
A throbbing ache swelled in my cock, and an insatiable craving consumed me.
With her so far away, I was tortured with longing. Her body was like a narcotic. I could not resist the pull to take her over and over again.
When will this be done, my love? I need to be inside of you right now.
Kashmere’s team stood by her, also thinly masked and dressed in red. Rue was on the left, serving as Kashmere’s number one. Slim and tall, she wore a red suit and kept a pistol in her holster.
Dane towered over her on the right and scanned the area. He had a tough build. When we battled her enemies days ago, he had shot down so many, so fast it was hard to keep up with him.
And right in front of Kashmere, her cousin and number three, Merik held his red machine gun with the gold tip and monitored all walking by them.
At least she has a good team to watch out for her when I’m not close enough.
Slurping suddenly sounded on my right.
I snapped my view to Tomasso.
Seriously?
He loudly drank from the flask. When he realized I was watching him, he took one last gulp and rushed with putting it away.
I frowned. “Are you done?”
Tomasso cleared his throat. “I am. Apologies. I was a little parched.”
“So you needed the dry martini to hydrate you?” Leonardo chuckled.
Tomasso sighed. “I must admit that this. . .situation is a bit too creepy to not have a few sips of alcohol.”
I glanced around, not noticing anything out of the ordinary.
No ghosts. I wonder why they are not out now?
The next part of the ceremony must have begun because soon light chatter rose around the lake, and even some laughter slipped over the water. In other areas, people began to sing different songs. Many also swayed back and forth with the music.
Tomasso leaned my way. “Did Kashmere tell you why they are wearing the masks?”
“To scare away demons.”
“Demons?” Tomasso shrieked. “I may need another sip from my flask.”
Leonardo snickered again.
“Calm down. It is all mainly symbolism to respect their ancestors’ traditions.” I kept my focus on Kashmere. “They call this ceremony Dancing with the Dead.”
“But not many are dancing.”
“Perhaps, it is just the name.” I shrugged. “More important, this ceremony is to celebrate the lives of the deceased. Bringing their dead to the water and talking about their lives, is the Killer Crows’ effort to encourage the souls to reach salvation. At the end, they will sprinkle water from Dream Lake on top of the dead’s faces. Tomorrow, they will be buried in the ground as usual.”
“Ghosts and demons and sprinkling water on the dead.” Tomasso pulled out his flask and took a sip.
Leonardo spoke, “I am more surprised everyone is not fighting. All know that Kashmere helped killed their loved ones.”
“Don’t be surprised.” I glanced at some of the others near the lake. “They are calm because they see the hundreds of us, armed and waiting to come to Kashmere’s rescue, if needed. Sometimes guns are a great motivator for peace.”