Page 105 of Whispers in the Dark
Mother greets her with a kiss on each cheek. “I’m sure it will be fine. Most of our guests have already arrived.”
“Besides,” Vin adds smoothly, lifting his glass, “I’m well aware of tonight’s goal, and I’ll ensure it’s met before we leave.”
Madeleine’s expression softens as she studies him. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re a big softy beneath all that bravado?”
Vin scoffs, tipping back the rest of his drink in one swallow. “It’s purely for tax purposes.”
She rolls her eyes. “Uh-huh.”
“Should we find our seats?” Scarlett asks.
Leo takes her hand, guiding us into the massive room beyond. It’s been transformed into a circus tent brought to life. Swaths of red and gold fabric drape from the ceiling, converging overhead, while strings of warm lights glow softly, casting just enough illumination to give the space a hushed, enchanted feel. Each table is dressed in deep red linen, encircled by gold-toned chairs, with sparklers standing upright at the center like restrained bursts of light.
“This is something else,” Alina murmurs.
I pull out a chair for her and gently guide it in once she’s seated before taking my place beside her.
“Any word from the Vasilievs?” Leo asks Vin.
Alina’s gaze flicks toward them, a flash of tension crossing her face before she looks away, smoothing a napkin carefully across her lap. I reach for her hand on her thigh and squeeze it in reassurance that everything is okay. Her eyes look up at me, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips.
Vin leans back in his chair, draping a relaxed arm over the empty seat beside him. “Nothing yet,” he says easily. “But I’m sure it’s coming.”
“Boys,” our mother interjects, her tone light but firm, “no talk of business tonight.”
“Of course, Mother.” Vin tugs at his tie, already looking like he’s counting the minutes until he can lose it.
“Ah, if it isn’t my favorite family.” The icy voice cuts cleanly through the table, and every head turns as Governor Garrett Johnson approaches, his smile tight and practiced. “The Alaries.”
“Governor Johnson,” Vin drawls, barely masking his disdain. “Fancy seeing you here. I didn’t realize you had such a heart for the cause.”
The governor presses a hand to his chest, brows knitting together in what might almost pass for sincerity. “Oh, but of course. My heart aches for the women and children who find themselves in such unfortunate circumstances.” He shakes his head solemnly. “Truly heartbreaking.”
Scarlett shifts closer to Leo, who immediately wraps an arm around her, his eyes drilling holes into the side of the governor’s head.
“Speaking of women in unfortunate situations…” Alex leans forward, fingers steepled on the table. His expression remainscalm and measured, but his eyes darken, betraying the restraint beneath it. “Where’s your wife?”
Eli coughs into his fist. “Mic drop.”
I scratch at my jaw, fighting the grin threatening to break free.Well, that’s interesting…
The governor holds Alex’s gaze, his jaw tightening until it visibly pops. “Unfortunately, she wasn’t feeling well this evening,” he says stiffly. “She had to remain at home to recover.”
“What a shame,” Mother replies smoothly. “I don’t believe we’ve ever been properly introduced. Perhaps we could remedy that soon.”
The governor offers a tight, noncommittal smile. “Perhaps.” His attention drifts around the table before settling on Alina. Something dark flickers through his eyes. “I don’t believe we’ve met.”
Not liking the way his eyes are soaking her in like she’s his next meal to devour, I lock my arm around her shoulder, tugging her to my side, trying to hide as much of her as possible.
Alina tilts her head up, unaffected by his gaze. “I’m Mauro’s wife, Alina.”
“I see,” he murmurs.
I meet his stare head-on. Whatever crosses my expression must be clear enough, because his confidence falters. The air between us turns sharp, charged, and he takes an instinctive step back, raising his hands slightly. “Message received.”
“How’s work?” Vin asks. “Heard you’re in need of a new assistant. Such a shame. It really is difficult to find good help nowadays.”
Garrett’s jaw clenches. “Yes. Quite unfortunate. One day, he was here. The next…gone. How odd, don’t you think?”
