Chapter 6

CHAPTER SIX

Seraphina

The heat of the afternoon sun beats down on my shoulders as I stride toward the sleek black town car waiting at the curb.

I slide into the cool backseat, letting out an exasperated sigh.

My driver glances at me in the rearview mirror as he merges into traffic.

"Everything all right, Miss Bernard?" he asks, his brow furrowing with concern.

I'm not in the mood for small talk. "Just fine, thanks,"

I stare out the window at the busy streets of Las Vegas flashing by, my irritation simmering just beneath the surface.

I drum my black-lacquered fingernails against the leather seat.

Mum is really starting to get under my skin lately, keeping me on a need to know basis like I'm some petulant child who can't be trusted.

Where the hell did she get the nerve to treat me like this?

After everything I've done, all the sacrifices I've made for this family and our mission.

Who the hell does she think she is?

My jaw clenches.

I'm a grown woman, for Christ's sake.

If we're going to take down the Reapers Rejects MC once and for all, I deserve to be fully looped in.

No more of this cloak and dagger bollocks.

I need to talk some sense into Grandfather.

He's the only one Mum might actually listen to.

I smooth down my designer dress and tuck a glossy lock of chestnut hair behind my ear as the car turns onto the palm-lined street leading to his gated community.

Time to put on my most persuasive, doting granddaughter act.

The wrought-iron gates part and we pull up the winding drive to my grandfather's sprawling mansion.

I have to admit, the manicured grounds and Greco-Roman inspired architecture never fail to impress, even in my current state of vexation.

Alfred, my grandfather's faithful butler who's served our family since the dawn of time it seems, already awaits outside.

He opens my door with a slight bow, his lined face cracking into a warm smile.

"Miss Seraphina, what a delight to see you again," he greets me, his British accent crisp and proper. He always makes me sound like a heathen. "You look ravishing as always, my dear."

"You're too kind, Alfred." I force a smile, trying to mask my inner turmoil. "I trust you've been well?"

"Never better, miss. Although these old bones aren't quite what they used to be." He chuckles and offers his arm gallantly. "Allow me to escort you inside. Your grandfather is enjoying a little...refreshment in the sitting room."

"Why am I not surprised?" I mutter under my breath as I take his arm.

Even in his golden years, my grandfather still knows how to live it up.

We make our way through the grand foyer, our steps echoing on the marble floors.

Crystal chandeliers glitter overhead and the heady scent of fresh flowers permeates the air.

It's like stepping into another world, one far removed from the gritty streets of Vegas and its seedy underbelly that I've become all too familiar with lately.

Alfred leads me to the sitting room and there sits my grandfather, settled into a plush armchair with a snifter of brandy in hand.

He looks up and his blue eyes, still sharp and shrewd despite his advancing years, crinkle at the corners.

"Ah, there she is! My beautiful wildflower," he booms, his voice carrying across the room. "Come here and let me look at you."

I cross over to him, bending to press a dutiful kiss to his weathered cheek.

The pungent scent of expensive cigars and cologne clings to him. "Hello, Grandfather. You're in fine spirits today, I see."

"And why shouldn't I be? It's a beautiful day and my favorite granddaughter has come to pay her dear old gramps a visit." He pats my hand and takes a sip of brandy, the ice cubes clinking in the glass. "Now, why don't you have a seat and tell me what's troubling you, my dear. I can see it written all over that pretty face of yours."

I sink into the chair beside him with a sigh.

He always could read me like an open book.

Time to lay my cards on the table and hope that my gandfather sees fit to talk some sense into Mum.

I understand our quest for vengeance more than anyone else, but I'm an asset in all of this, not an enemy.

Alfred materializes at my elbow, a polite smile on his lined face. "May I offer you some refreshment, Miss Seraphina? Coffee, tea, or perhaps a glass of Prosecco?"

The thought of a fortifying cup of tea is suddenly quite appealing. "A hot tea would be lovely, Alfred. Thank you."

He nods, as unflappable as ever. "Of course, miss. I'll bring it right away."

With a slight bow, he glides out of the room, leaving me alone with my grandfather.

I take a steadying breath, gathering my thoughts.

Grandfather settles back in his chair, regarding me with those piercing eyes that seem to see straight into my soul.

"Now then, my dear," he says, his tone gentle but firm. "What's this all about? It's not like you to drop by unannounced, so I know something must be weighing heavily on your mind."

I clasp my hands in my lap, trying to keep them from trembling. "It's Mum," I begin, hating the quaver in my voice. "She's keeping me in the dark about our plans for the Reapers Rejects, and I can't stand it anymore. How am I supposed to help take them down if she won't even tell me what's going on?"

Grandfather strokes his chin thoughtfully, the gold signet ring on his finger glinting in the afternoon light. "Your mother is a complicated woman, Seraphina. She has her reasons for keeping you at arm's length."

"But I'm not a child anymore!" I protest, my frustration bubbling over. "I've been doing everything she asks for years now, without question. Surely I've proven myself trustworthy by now?"

He reaches over and pats my knee, his touch reassuring. "Of course you have, my dear. But revenge is a delicate business, and your mother is nothing if not cautious. Give her time. All will be revealed when the moment is right."

I slump back in my chair, not entirely satisfied but knowing that arguing further will get me nowhere.

Grandfather has always had a soft spot for Mum, and I suspect he'll take her side in this no matter what I say.

Still, the fact that he's listening, that he hasn't dismissed my concerns outright, gives me a flicker of hope.

Perhaps with his counsel, Mum will finally see reason and start treating me like the adult I am.

Grandfather leans back in his chair, studying me over the rim of his brandy glass. "Now, enough about all that unpleasantness. Tell me, how are things going with this new gentleman friend of yours?"

I feel a flush creep into my cheeks, and I take a sip of tea to buy myself a moment. "It's...new," I say carefully, not wanting to reveal too much.""But he makes me happy. Happier than I've been in a long time. Still, I am taking things at a snail's pace."

A smile touches Grandfather's lips, crinkling the corners of his eyes. "Good. You deserve some happiness in your life, Seraphina. Lord knows you've sacrificed enough for this family. As for taking it slow, there's nothing wrong with it. It never hurts to have a little bit of caution."

His words stir a pang of guilt in my chest.

He's right—I have sacrificed.

My whole adult life has been spent in service to my mother's obsession, putting her needs and desires above my own.

But what choice do I have?

She's all I have left in this world.

Her and Grandfather.

They're the only family I've ever known besides my father.

"I do my best," I say softly, staring down into the amber depths of my tea. "It's not always easy, but I try to be there for her. For both of you."

Grandfather chuckles, a dry, rasping sound. "Oh, I know you do, my dear. You've always been a bit of a brat, but your heart's in the right place."

I shoot him a mock glare, but I can't help the smile that tugs at my lips. "I am not a brat."

"Of course not," he says, winking at me over the rim of his glass. "You're a strong, independent woman who doesn't need anyone's approval or permission. Except, perhaps, your dear old grandfather's."

I roll my eyes, but inside, a warm glow of affection fills my chest.

No matter how frustrated I get with Mum, I know I can always count on Grandfather to be in my corner.

Even if he does think I'm a brat.

He chuckles again, setting his glass down with a soft thud. "Do you remember when you were just a little girl? You used to follow me around everywhere, asking question after question. So curious, so eager to understand the world. It was exhausting, I'll tell you that."

I smile at the memory, my frustrations momentarily forgotten. "I remember. You almost tripped over me once because I insisted on standing right behind you all the time."

His laughter is a deep rumble that echoes around the room, drawing a chuckle from me as well. "That's right! You were like my little shadow. Always inquisitive, always determined to know and learn everything."

He reaches over and ruffles my hair affectionately. "You've always been driven, Seraphina. From the moment you could talk, I could see that fire in your eyes. That desire to make your own mark on the world."

"I'd like to think I still have that fire," I reply, my voice soft as I meet his gaze.

His eyes twinkle back at me, full of warmth and understanding.

"You do, my dear," he says with a reassuring squeeze of my hand. "You just have to remember to use it for your own good, as well as for the family."

There's a weight to his words that makes me sit back, catching my breath.

He's telling me something important here, something I need to listen to. "For my own good?"

"Yes," he nods slowly, his gaze searching mine. "Your mother...she has her own way of dealing with things. But you are not her. You are your own person. Yes, we share a common goal, but you must remember to take care of yourself too. You have your own life to live."

His words ring in my ears as if they were bells tolling the hour—it's a wake-up call that I didn't realize I needed.

I've spent so much of my life consumed by Mum's vendetta.

I never once stopped to consider what I truly wanted.

Grandfather's words echo in my mind, a stark reminder that there is a world beyond the shadows of revenge and hatred that have shrouded our family for so long.

His gaze softens as he takes in my stunned silence. "Your father wouldn't want you to live your life in the shadow of retribution, Seraphina," he murmurs, his voice barely audible over the soft crackling of the nearby fireplace.

I glance away, tears welling in my eyes.

I've tried not to think about Dad...it's always been too painful.

But now, faced with Grandfather's gentle wisdom, I can't avoid it anymore.

A single tear rolls down my cheek, and I quickly wipe it away. "I know," I whisper, my voice choked with emotion. "I know he wouldn't want this. But how can I honor him if I don't seek justice for his death?"

Grandfather sighs, a heavy sound filled with years of heartache and wisdom. "Justice and revenge are not the same, my dear. Revenge is a road that leads nowhere but misery. Justice… true justice comes from understanding and forgiveness. From moving forward, not dwelling in the past."

I shake my head, stubbornness surging in me. "How can I forgive them? They took him away from us."

"I know," he murmurs, his gaze intense on mine. "And I'm not saying you should forget what happened or ignore the pain. But when seeking justice, you must ensure you're doing so for the right reasons. Not out of anger or spite, but to bring peace to yourself and to honor your father's memory."

My heart clenches at his words.

Could I truly let go of this burning ache for revenge that has consumed me for so long?

Could I find it within myself to seek peaceful justice instead?

He pats my back, then pulls away with a twinkle in his eye. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to visit the loo. At my age, when nature calls, you don't keep her waiting."

I laugh as he shuffles out of the room, feeling lighter than I have in weeks.

Maybe, just maybe, things are finally going to start changing for the better.

As I settle back onto the sofa, my phone buzzes with an incoming text.

I fish it out of my purse and glance at the screen, a smile spreading across my face as I see Rita's name.

Plans tonight with Jack and Abe. Meet me at the bar, babe. Let's get wild.

I grin, my earlier frustrations forgotten in the face of a night out with my best friend and our two favorite delicious pieces of eye candy.

I'll be there.

It's time to raise a little hell.