Living with Serpente D'Oro had altered my world in ways I was still struggling to accept. Each day had become a pattern of training, strategy sessions, and an underlying intensity between Carlos and me. Our shared glances, brief touches, and the stolen moments that stretched a second too long—they all carried weight I wasn't sure how to handle. It was maddening and thrilling, and I was beginning to wonder if I'd finally stepped too far over the line. And yet, I couldn't bring myself to regret it.
Late one evening, just as I was about to settle in, a soft knock sounded on my door. I froze, caught between surprise and a strange sense of anticipation. "Lilith? You awake?"
His voice was gentle, almost cautious, as if he was asking permission to intrude on my space.
"Yeah, come in," I replied, standing up as he entered. His presence shifted the air immediately; there was always this gravitational pull around him, a magnetic energy that seemed to change the entire room.
Carlos stepped inside, closing the door behind him, his expression uncharacteristically serious as he studied me. "I've got something to tell you. It's important."
I crossed my arms, intrigued and a bit on edge. "Alright. What's going on?"
"There's a yacht party tomorrow night," he began, his voice low. "It's a gathering for some of the highest-ranking mafia leaders. It's more than just a social event—it's a strategic meeting ground, a way to keep allies close and keep an eye on enemies. The people who will be there... they're some of the most powerful in this world. And it won't be without risk."
I nodded, encouraging him to continue. "And?"
Carlos took a step closer, his gaze steady but still avoiding my eyes directly, almost as if he was bracing himself. "I want you to come with me. I think it's time people see you as part of Serpente D'Oro. Officially." His words carried a weight, a meaning that went beyond just this one night.
I felt a surge of excitement at the idea of being openly included in Serpente D'Oro affairs, but I held it back, focusing instead on what he was saying. "So, I'm supposed to... what? Just stand by your side while all the criminal masterminds shake hands?"
A hint of amusement flickered in his eyes, but his tone stayed serious. "It's more than that. Some of my allies will be there—people who might know something about your brother. It's a chance to ask questions, discreetly, to see if anyone has any leads on his death." His eyes softened, the vulnerability in his voice almost hidden, but there all the same. "But you'll have to be careful. Not everyone in that room is a friend."
My heartbeat quickened at the thought. A real chance to gather information. To finally move a step closer to understanding what had really happened to my brother. But I also recognized the risks. Navigating a room full of allies and enemies, keeping up the facade, all while trying to dig for answers? I'd be playing with fire. "You think someone there could know something?"
He nodded, looking down at his hands. "If there's information out there, this is where you'll find it. Our allies might give you leads, but you need to be subtle. Some of our enemies would love to figure out what you're really after. This can't turn into a spectacle."
I let his words sink in. This was the chance I'd been waiting for. But it also meant diving deeper into Carlos' world—accepting that I was part of his empire now. I swallowed, feeling the weight of what he was asking. "I understand. I'll be careful."
For the first time, a faint smile touched his lips, his serious demeanor giving way to something lighter, almost amused. "There is one small downside, though."
His shift in tone threw me off. "What's the downside?"
Carlos' eyes gleamed, a spark of teasing in his gaze. "You're going to have to wear a dress."
I blinked, and then, before I could help myself, a laugh escaped. "Oh no," I said, feigning horror, though the thought wasn't half as bad as I pretended. "Guess I'll just have to survive."
A soft chuckle rumbled from him, and he took a step closer, the space between us shrinking. We shared a moment of silence, the weight of it pressing down as if the room itself were holding its breath. Slowly, his expression softened, and he reached a hand up, brushing a stray lock of hair from my face. His fingers lingered just a second too long, tracing my cheek with a gentle touch that made my pulse skip.
Before I had a chance to overthink it, he leaned in, and his lips brushed mine in a brief, stolen kiss. It was quick, almost hesitant, as if he was testing the waters, but it left me breathless all the same. And in that moment, I didn't pull away—I didn't even want to. For just a heartbeat, I let myself feel the warmth, the closeness.
But just as soon as it started, he drew back, his gaze lingering on my face as if memorizing the moment. "Get some rest. Tomorrow will be a long night," he murmured, his voice a whisper that hung in the air.
He turned and left, leaving me alone with a heart racing faster than I'd care to admit. I sank onto my bed, my mind whirling with everything he'd just told me—and the kiss that I could still feel, a faint warmth lingering on my lips.
Tomorrow, I'd be stepping into a room of dangerous, powerful people, with Carlos by my side. I'd be donning the role of a Serpente D'Oro ally, maybe even Carlos' partner. It was a lot to take in. And for a moment, the reality of it all settled over me, heavier than ever.
But it was also a chance. A chance to unravel the truth about my brother's death, to dig deeper into the web of secrets that bound this world together. And if I had to wear a dress and act like I belonged, so be it.
That night, I lay awake, thinking about the meeting, the risks, and Carlos' words.
