Chapter 13

Emilia

I timed Cyrus because I had a suspicion that he went after Kyle. When I saw him stroll into the hall, I glanced at my watch. Six minutes and thirteen seconds to smoke one cigarette was too long, but killing someone in that time and having a cigarette was too short. Then again, I thought of knives and how quick it was to slit someone's throat.

"Excuse us, ladies, but it's time for us to go," Cyrus said as he held his hand out for me.

"Of course, let me fetch your bracelet," Jennifer said as she winked at me.

I stood up and from the scent coming off his jacket, he'd definitely had his cigarette.

"You didn't need to buy me the bracelet," I murmured.

"It was an excellent combination. Blood red rubies with ivory pearls. The perfect blend of my bloody deeds and your innocence," he whispered as he pushed my hair away from my shoulder to kiss it.

The contrast of his soft lips and harsh stubble against my skin was the perfect combination for me, but it felt weird for him to buy me such an expensive gift.

Jennifer came back and opened the box to show us the bracelet before she closed it and handed it to me. I hesitated until Cyrus took the box only to take the dainty bracelet out and begin to fasten it around my wrist.

"No! God, what if I lose it?" I said.

"Then I will get you another one."

I blinked at the top of his head in shock. He went from seeing me as public enemy number one to wanting to buy me extravagant jewellery overnight.

What on earth was going on?

I cringed at my thought because that reminded me of something my Grandmother would say.

Jennifer was practically crying.

"Oh, that's the sweetest thing I've ever heard, Cyrus," she said as she gripped my wrist tightly. "I've never seen you so smitten."

I was about to correct her when Cyrus snapped upright.

"Yes, I will be sure to let you know when we get married, but it will likely be a private event," he said with a broad smile while I looked from one to the other, wondering what the fuck was going on.

Jennifer practically squealed and dug her fingers into my wrist.

"Of course, I know you are a private person. Oh, my. Can I tell my daughter?" she pleaded.

Cyrus chuckled before nodding his head. He didn't hug or kiss Jennifer, simply lifted his hand. I embraced Jennifer, who was in her sixties. She was obviously fond of Cyrus, but I think it was due to his donations. She sure had a vibrant but warm personality.

"You lucky girl," she whispered in my ear before giggling like a teenager. "Keep me posted," she said in a louder voice.

"We will," Cyrus said as he took my hand.

I almost stopped in my tracks when I remembered how my Grandmother had railroaded my Grandfather into marriage. She had the best stories about everyone in our family. She had plenty to do with my parent's marriage. I would need to give her a call at some point to get her perspective on my current situation.

I nudged Cyrus as we waited for the valet to bring his car around.

"Really? Marriage? I'm only twenty-one," I said as I glanced up at him.

"Eh, spousal privilege, you won't have to testify against me," he said, looking down at me, but his eyes wandered to my breasts since they stood upright like a spare table due to the corset.

But my boobs had never looked better. Corsets were the way to go if you only wore them for a few hours. I calmed down because he was obviously joking about marriage.

"I think it's best we wait until we get married before we consummate our—er union," I said with wide eyes and a straight face.

His eyes flashed to mine, and he was not amused.

"Unless you can't get a marriage license and a priest in the next hour, I'm afraid you're fucked tonight, married or unmarried," he said as his right eye began to twitch.

"Relax, I was joking," I said as I held my hands up in surrender.

His eyes remained on me until the valet came with his car. He had a calculated look on his face, and I was certain he was scheming something. I wanted to take his mask off so I could read his eyes properly, but he must have liked wearing it because he didn't take it off until we got into the car.

By the time we got onto the highway, I remembered Kyle.

"Did you kill him?" I asked as I removed my mask.

"Who?" he asked with his eyes on the road.

"Kyle, he vanished around the same time as you did."

"I was with you all night."

"You left me for six minutes and thirteen seconds."

He glanced over at me in surprise before a sly smile crept on his lips, and his eyes twinkled in the dark car.

"I suddenly know what it's going to be like being married to you."

Damn it! Why was he the only person who could get me this flustered?

"If it helps. I won't be any better," he said with a chuckle.

"Great," I mumbled under my breath.

I tried to relax, but I began to fidget as I thought about the deliciously nasty things that left his mouth earlier. He seemed so respectable until we were alone, and he opened his mouth. His hand reached for mine, but he lifted it and placed it on his dick. My jaw dropped for a second, but if he wanted to mess with me, he could try, but I was never one to back down.