Broken Hearted Love {Book 2}

Chapter 20

“I miss the taste of a sweeter life. I miss the conversation. I’m searching for a song tonight. I’m changing all of the stations. I like to think we had it all. We drew a map to a better place. But on that road I took a fall. Oh baby why did you run away?” – Maps by Maroon 5

Chapter 20

Christy’s POV

The dark, silver dress hugged my body perfectly. It was a princess’s dress. But I was no princess. I was not fit to wear something as beautiful as this, not with everything I’ve done. But this dress wasn’t being used for dancing and being turned into a pumpkin. I wasn’t going to meet my prince charming, because my prince wouldn’t be there.

The dark shimmer and sparkles added to the bust of the dress shined in the moonlight and cheap street lights as I stood outside the building of Charlie’s ball. My hair, in soft curls draped along one of my shoulders, blew softly in the breeze. I took one step with my black stiletto, covered by layers and layers of silver and grey tool, onto the steps leading to the entrance. A man stood at the door, nodding politely to each guest as they entered the ballroom, including me. He was dressed in a nicely pressed black tux, bow tie and all. He was classy, but I couldn’t help but wonder if he was a part of Charlie’s “crew”, or if he knew nothing. Maybe he’s just as innocent as Allison is.

A red carpet ran along the floor, and it truly was like royalty. The crystal chandeliers that hung delicately from the ceiling sparkled from the lights. The smell of expensive, delectable food, that I would never be able to buy myself, invaded my nose, and made my stomach grumble. I still hadn’t eaten much and I realized now that my choices were effecting my baby. And the thought of that would tear me to pieces.

“Enjoying your evening?” His voice would always send that creep chill up my spine. I turned around towards the source of the voice.

“Hello, Charlie.” I spoke with confidence. I didn’t want him to think he was creeping under my skin, because he was with the way his lip curled toward the tip of his nose, showing his ugly yellowed teeth. I guess gang leaders didn’t worry too much about dental hygiene. “Thanks for the dress.” I smiled the fakest smile I ever had, smoothing my non-manicured hands down the puffing tulle. My stomach was churning with nerves, which reminded me of the tiny human being Harry and I had created that was now growing slowly inside me.

“Every pretty lady needs a pretty gown.” Charlie had a warming appearance when he wore a genuine smile. He had wrinkles that creased his skin like he had laughed too much in his lifetime. If I didn’t know who he was, I would trust this man. He looked like the kind of man that would love his children and any grandchildren to follow, but instead he shunned his daughter and corrupted his son with something so dark it scarred him for the rest of his life. It changed his son and because of that, he wasn’t able to live a healthy, long life.

“Let’s just discuss our business. Wouldn’t want to keep a man from his own party, right?” This man was a father, a grandfather, and he treated his kin like they were just trash off the street. He was conniving and he twisted himself into your world until he’s all you see when you open and close your eyes. And now, he had consumed my life – turned my whole world upside down, and it still felt like I was spinning. “What is this party even for anyway?”

“Well, my charity, of course.” I couldn’t even help the despicable laugh that escaped my lips.

“Your charity? Oh Jesus, what in the hell could you be raising money for?”

“Clean up for the streets in the city. Can’t have my boys walking around in a criminally infested neighborhood.” His voice was full of sarcasm as he winked at me. All he wanted to do was get the criminals off the streets so he was the only one left. He wanted the control, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned from the Levi boys, they crave power – they feed off of it.