CHASING ASH (GXG MAFIA) BURN THE DEVIL SEQUEL

Chapter Nineteen

"Where are we going?" Jane questions as they pass the usual route home, the roads silent as her confusion grows.

Carmilla smiles, her palm resting on Jane's thigh as she inhales her cigarette. "So many questions tonight" Carmilla taunts as she turns to face Jane's confused expression.

"I thought we were just going to dinner," she explains.

"I like to keep some things a surprise," Carmilla teases as the car slows to a halt, Jane's attention drifting to the tall theater building in front of them.

"Were going to the opera house? It looks like it's closed Carmilla, "Jane states, her eyes darting back to Carmilla in sympathy. The building is usually surrounded by piles of luxury cars, women and men strolling in gowns and suits, yet tonight it looks quiet, asleep. Without answering Jane, Carmilla steps out of the Rolls-Royce Phantom, swiftly walking to the other side to open Jane's side of the door.

"Take my hand," Carmilla urges as she places her palm out for Jane to step out of the car, a sly grin plastered across her face. Jane obeys and takes her hand, leaning her weight on Carmilla's hand as she stands up. Carmilla leans in, "If you keep asking questions, I'm going to have to find a way to close that mouth" she whispers in Jane's ear. Carmilla could hear the hitch in Jane's breath as she retreated from her. "Now let's go, we don't want to be late" Carmilla states with a smile as she shifts her body to align herself with Jane, keeping her hand intertwined with the flustered Jane.

Jane's heels echoed into the quiet night, their feet adjacent with one another as they walked towards the magnificent building before them. Jane's heart pumped blood at a speed she's never encountered before, the stillness around them creating an exciting bliss. The evening chill sends goosebumps to her skin, her hand suddenly releasing from Carmilla's. Without saying a word, Carmilla removes her suit jacket to place it over Jane's shoulders. "Thank you" Jane mutters softly, the tip of her nose reddening as she smiles at the gesture.

The tall glass doors opened for the couple, the warmth of the opera hall blasts their cold cheeks as they enter to be greeted by a group of suited men and women. Balancing a gold tray, a tall woman walks over to Jane, lowering her arm to offer Jane a glass of champagne as another treads towards Carmilla with her drink of preference. "Good evening" the woman greets, her eyes wandering to the gun holster around Carmilla's waist that is now revealed since her jacket laid on Jane. Once Carmilla grabs a glass, the woman swiftly backs up to a safe distance, smiling nervously. Jane notices the slight shift in atmosphere before she lowers her eyes to glance down at the weapon.

"Did you forget it's London, you can't roam around with it so openly '' Jane murmurs through her teeth, her lips pulled in a smile as she scolds Carmilla. Carmilla rolls her eyes before wrapping her hand around Jane's lower back.

"It was hidden under my jacket." she rebukes with an equal tone, "did you forget the career field I'm in?" Carmilla questions as she smiles at the waiters backing away as they step forward.

Jane swiftly pulls Carmilla's jacket off her shoulders and drapes it back over Carmilla's. "Sorry" she mouths to the pale woman with an apologetic smile. "They're uncomfortable now" she comments, her eyes bouncing between the young group.

"Let them be, at least they'll know what would happen if they act up" Carmilla responds nonchalantly, gulping down the glass. "Now will you stop scolding me?, you'll ruin my mood "Carmilla asserts as they make their way to the red carpeted stairs. The tall entryway came straight out of a fairytale. Its engraved walls, resembling a cathedral of tunes and cords. The scent of dangling candles lingered as they walked up the stone staircase. Layers of roman balconies overlooked the hall, ghost of the ones before gazing down at the couple. Stone statues leaned against the corners of the imperial staircase, their figures merely covered by stone drapes, their expressions stoic but so poetically telling.