BOOK ONE
Ashley Wilson
There are those who say fate is something beyond our command. That destiny is not our own, but I know better. Our fate lives within us, you only have to be brave enough to see it. Marrying a stranger wasn't the best decision I...
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This is a terrible idea.
Hunter has never had a good one, and that doesn't even include his most recent plan to kidnap a mafia princess. He's crazy, borderline psychotic. And yet, he's always been that way, even before when his father was still alive— he was mentally unstable back then. That doesn't even come close to what he is now, especially after killing his own father in cold blood. A part of me wishes I had killed my own father.
"You're making me nervous," Ashley muttered from besides me. Her hand, gripping mine dangerously tight for her strength. "I am fine," I lied again because sometimes it's easier to lie than express how you truly feel. I am stressed, this whole night is going to make me on edge.
Hunter believed— but we all know it was Lucas idea, they suggested it would be good media coverage if the press managed to get a shot of Ashley and I, at dinner with my inner circle. My circle being, Hunter, Nathan and Luca. And I understand that this can only have a positive outcome, but that doesn't stop the doubts in my head. I need a fucking drink down me, at least the granted alcohol will subside these thoughts and the stress of the night.
I pity those who don't drink away the pain and choose other outlets.
"Kai, you've stopped walking," the words escaped my wife in a hushed tone as she glanced around the empty sidewalk. In about five minutes this very sidewalk will be covered with press, paparazzi trying to get the perfect shot, to make the perfect headline. The four deadly sins? More like the fantastic five— that's one I can imagine right now.
"If you're nervous, you can talk to me," Ashley expresses, her hand squeezing mine to draw my attention back to her face. Slowly, my eyes meet hers and suddenly, the world goes quiet. The thoughts in my head, vanish. They cease to exist when I look at her, Ashley fucking Bliss. "I am fine," I repeat once more and this time, I believe it. The more lies you tell, the more you're likely to believe them. With her hand in mine, we walk together through the main entrance of one of Lucas hotels before heading to the back, towards their hotel bar.
"Where is everyone?" Ashley questioned as her eyes travelled the room quickly. Before I could reply, we reach the booth where the others are sat.
"Ashley, it's a pleasure seeing you again," Nathan muses as he stood up, his hand reaching her free one before dropping a kiss on her knuckles. If he were anyone else, I would fully intend to break his own hand for touching Ashley's, but I don't. He is my friend after all.
"Seven we agreed to meet," Luca announced as he stayed seated next to Hunter. While Nathan sits alone at the head of the table, Ashley and I, slide into the seats opposite Hunter and Luca. "It's ten past," I said, as I intertwined my fingers with Ashley's under the table. Her hand now resting on my right thigh. "Punctuality, Bliss," Luca hums as he scans the menu. Hunter glances between me and Ashley before reading the menu in silence.
