Without A Trace

Seventy-One.

Its been a crazy few weeks since Ivy killed Christian. We did, in fact, send his head back to where he came from as a token of our appreciation. We've had a few family meetings discussing the final plan of killing Zamira. Nothing is solidified yet but we at least are about half way there. Work for the girls and I has been picking up speed with our product selling quicker than we originally anticipated. But thats what happens when your product undoubtedly is better than anyone elses in the surrounding area.

I lock my office door and start walking down the grates to the main door. I raise my eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose as I approach Ivys office. Moans and grunts are escaping the crevices of the door as I walk up and pound on it. "Not in this fucking building Michael! Lets go, its almost time for the party," I say shaking my head and walking down the stairs. If I didn't know any better I would say hes trying to put a baby in her by the time Santa arrives.

I stand by the main door next to Anna with my arms folded over my chest. Anna grins, "Come on Cor, tonights a night to be stress free and loosen up," she says as she slips on her gloves.

"Do I need to get ahold of my brother?" Lewis asks cheekily while Anna playfully hits his chest.

I roll my eyes, "Please, thats the last thing on either of our priority lists."

Anna shrugs, "Maybe you guys can pencil it in there. No offense, but you're becoming a tiny bit unbearable," she says with a giggle while flashing her eyes up at the grates as Michael trots his way down.

"Sorry Cor," Michael says with a smirk, as he slips his arm's through the sleeves of his coat.

I look over at Ivy and as our eyes connect her face grows red and warm. She puts her gloves on and squeezes past us, "Time to go don't you think? Don't want to be late." She pushes the door open as we all file out behind her.

***************************************************

Back at the house I come out of my closet and stand in front of my mirror while putting in my earrings. I run my hands down the front of my velvet black dress and take a long look at myself.

Thomas walks up behind me and rests his hands on my waist. He stares at me through the mirror and places a gentle kiss on my shoulder, "Arăți uluitor iubirea mea." (you look beautiful my love)

I blush as I move over to the side of the bed and take his hand. He holds me steady for support as I step into each of my heels. I tie his bowtie and smooth out the collar of his tux collar. He takes a deep breath and walks towards the dresser as he slips his watch back into his pocket.

"You ready my love?" He asks as he turns his head towards me. He walks across our room and studies my face, "You can fool anyone but me, what's wrong?" He asks lowering his gaze.

"Just stressed with everything going on," I say absorbing my husbands eyes and every feature on his face. "I just need a drink and a smoke," I say before placing a kiss on his lips. I breathe in the smell of whiskey and gunpowder with a few notes of leather. "I just want my girls safe Tom, from all of this," I admit in a hushed voice.

"I know," he says placing a kiss on my forehead. "It's almost over," he says rubbing my back softly. "Lets get down there before they come looking for us yeah?" He asks as he laces our fingers together and walks out of our room.

One thing about Thomas in times especially like this, he doesn't sugar coat it or give me false hope. But I'm burnt out and exhausted from this whole charade. The Edens are on my mind constantly and since both the other girls got hurt, I feel like not even my own home is safe anymore.