Legacy

Chapter Three - Aging

Eileen was surprised the club hadn’t burnt down: it was so hot. The music was the loudest she’d ever heard it, her blood was pounding, and Gray was matching her hips sway for sway. His hands were solid and warm against her dress, making her want to dance all night.

Licking her lips, Eileen waited a beat before leaning back into his chest. He was just right, his body fitting around hers perfectly. “I love this,” she laughed.

He laughed as well, his breath tickling her ear. “We’ve been here so many times I’m surprised you haven’t gotten bored.”

He was always teasing that she had a short attention span. “Not as long as you’re here,” she grinned, pulling away as the song ended and leading them to get a drink. All Gray had to do was nod and she was in; they didn’t question her age. They should’ve.

The music faded in intensity as they rested against the bar. Eileen could see Burgundy dancing with someone, twisting around like she owned the place. Eileen was glad to see her having fun.

Without looking, Eileen laced her fingers with Gray’s.

They just stood against the bar, watching the others dance around them. They were content to be together, the only still things in the room for the moment. Eileen knew there would be more dances to come; there was no rush. Gray would always be around for her.

She loved—

Eileen woke so forcefully her head swam. Clapping a hand to her forehead, Eileen groaned. She still felt drunk. That was a common occurrence in the mornings.

She glanced around in surprise; the dream had woken her, not something—or someone—else. When she’d been able to escape to her room without punishment she’d been sure she’d wake up with an angry father, intent on making her suffer. Right now, there was nothing.

Lying there for a moment, Eileen made sure it wasn’t a trick. She couldn’t even sense him upstairs; he must’ve started going about his day. Rolling over, Eileen realized it was eight.

She’d gone to sleep still naked. Grabbing a shirt, she threw it on for breakfast and ignored the fact she was covered in dirt. Rolling her shoulder, she found it surreal that just a few hours ago she’d run into Gray and some hunters.

When she appeared, the twins were also there. Their eyes asked the questions.

“Nothing,” Eileen said with a shrug after looking around for their father. “Just told me to go to bed. I don’t know what’s going on, but I guess I’m not complaining.”

“What happened while you were on the other property?” Evan asked.

Shaking her head, Eileen reached for the box of cereal resting in the middle of the table. She could feel their curiosity as strongly as the alcohol, but ignored it. Ethan was the first to drop his gaze, and she was grateful.

“Ready for the party?” he asked instead.

“Mm,” Eileen said around a bite of flakes. “Sure. I don’t think I have a choice.”

“You’ll do fine,” Ethan assured her. Everyone ate in silence for a good couple of minutes. Eileen could hear people moving around outside, probably setting up for the party later. Her only job was getting ready. “Excited to see Burgundy again?”

Testing her muscles, Eileen was glad to see she could still manage a small smile for the time being. “Yeah. And she’s my loyal girl when I need her, so if any of those ‘team’ challenges come up I’m not stuck with some boy.”