His Revenge (Smoke & Mirrors Duet #1)

Chapter 20

Chapter Twenty

ELLA

“Dance like everyone's watching because they are and you cannot fail in front of them.”

C lipping the sheath of the butterfly knife to my bra, I finish preparing for Rome’s arrival. The soft leaves of fall outside have me in a soft deep purple sweater and black stretchy pants that look more professional than they feel. I hear the front door open followed by footsteps and a knock on the bedroom door.

“Ella, It’s just me, I’ll be in the kitchen when you are ready,” He speaks with clarity before walking away. I finish putting on my flats and making sure that my e-reader is in my purse before leaving the bedroom. From the moment I open the door, I can smell coffee grounds and caramel. Walking to the kitchen, I hear the espresso machine and see two to-go mugs on the counter next to the machine.

“Good Morning, Rome,” I say with wonder behind my words at the plan for the day.

“Good morning, woman I share the love of my life with,” He quips with a smirk, pouring the steamed milk into the blue travel cup before setting it in front of me. I look at it and see fine blue butterfly details around the sides of the cup. The lump in my throat grows at the amount of care that he put into this. It’s more than anyone but Leo has given me my entire life.

“You made this for me?” I questioned.

“Of course, based on how early it is I didn’t think you and Leo had time for coffee together today. I would hate for you to be under caffeinated for this big day,” Rome answered me while finishing his coffee. Our corresponding lids are on the island.

“When do we need to leave?” I ask while sitting down at the island. Lifting the coffee to my lips, I take a single sip and moan at the beautiful blend of flavors and sweetness. Looking up, I find Rome smirking and shaking his head.

“I would appreciate it if you did not make those noises in the house while we are alone. You’re like a sister to me and it’s weird to hear your sister moan because of you,” He jokes with me, but the jest makes my heart feel so full.

“I’ve never truly had a family before, Rome. I appreciate so much that you are my new family. I feel safe with you so I relax,” I whisper almost ashamed.

“Look at me, sis,” He says sternly. I raise my eyes to meet his soft green ones.

“Your past does not define you. Leo doesn’t let his guard down for anyone. You are it for him. He doesn’t make choices like this lightly. I want to take care of you like he would want me too. You will never be alone and scared ever again. As my sister, I will protect your life with mine without hesitation,” He declares with a proud smile on his face. My tears start to cascade and I bury my face in my hands. I can hear his footsteps on the floor coming in my direction but I cannot get the tears to stop.

“Can I hold you while you get your emotions out? I don’t want you to feel alone. I would never lay a finger on you without your expressed permission. You’ve had enough unapproved touching for a lifetime,” He whispers in my ear. Unable to find the words, I nod. His arms envelope me and he pets my hair as sobs wrack my chest. He continues to rub soothing circles until I feel my breathing regulate.

“You know you can talk to me about it if you want. I didn’t have a traditional childhood and I promise that what is said won’t go outside the three of us,” He promises me. Shaking my head, I take a sip of the coffee. Rome takes the seat next to me with his.

“If Leo knew exactly how damaged his wife was, he wouldn’t want to marry me anymore,” I admit, fear dripping into my voice.

“Leo has seen the dark side of people and most of his jobs are to exterminate them after receiving information. He would never blame the victim of a crime for any of it. You just did what you needed to survive and no one on this earth can blame you for that,” He declares before taking another drink.

“I would memorize their faces before dissociating, I wanted to remember who they were when all was said and done,” I whisper with determination.

“If you want to tell me about them, I can find where they are now. You don’t have to do anything or share any details of exactly what was done, but knowing their names is a step to your revenge,” He explains. Rome surprises me. I didn’t realize that it was an option to find them this far in the future.

“Okay, I will tell you all of them in one go but I need to know how much time we have before we need to pick up Claire,” I responded.

“We have about two or three hours, which should be enough for us to discuss what you remember about them and for me to listen,” He says before he walks over to the other side of the kitchen and grabs the baker’s box and his tablet. With a smile he opens the lid and places the box in front of me. My favorite soft pumpkin cookies are inside with what looks like buttercream frosting that has me salivating.

“I figured today was going to be emotional and I wanted to have something that would comfort you in reach,” He answers my unasked question. I take my first bite and dive into what I remember. The tears that come are ignored and redirected to bites of the cookies. By the time we get to the most recent events the cookies are almost gone and the coffee is washing my past away. Rome never once interrupts me, but instead jots his follow up questions on his tablet for after each story. I give him as much details on the involved parties as I can remember.

When we are finally done, he gives me a hug to reassure me that I’m okay. We pack up and walk to the car to pick up Claire. I know what kind of dress I want so I hope that this won’t take long. Claire is the kindest woman I have ever met. Without asking the cause, she hands me a cooling cucumber face lotion to cool the swelling and redness from my tears.

At the bridal shop, I pick out five dresses to try on, hoping that one of them will make me happy. The last dress I try on is a backless lace mermaid dress that fits my curves to perfection. When I strut out of the fitting room I feel like a queen for the first time in my life. When Claire and Rome look up and see me, the way that their faces light up tell me that they see it too. This is my wedding dress and I never want to take it off.

“We’ll take this one, with some customizations,” Rome says kindly to the store clerk that was waiting for us. The only thing that I dislike about floor length dresses is the lack of mobility within them.

“Can one of the customizations be a pull apart seam in the front to act as a slit and give me a wider stride if I need it?” I ask, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.

“You are going to make Juliet a very happy man,” He jokes with me but has mischief in his eyes.

“Can we get dinner after we check out? I am not done hanging out with you guys yet. There is nothing on this earth that will make me okay with you declining, so don’t even think about it, ” Claire added with a kind smile. We decide to eat at the family restaurant where Leo had taken me on our date. It was a comfortable and easy meal that I could not focus on. The mushroom ravioli with the perfect amount of warmth settles into my belly. Even with the good food and better company I could not get my brain to cooperate. Between the dug up trauma and Leo being gone one assignment, I cannot get my brain to stop thinking and enjoy the moment.

“Ella, you look on edge, would you like to go dancing with me? We can do it at one of our properties and know that we will be safe. I need the distraction, there is no way that I could turn down a chance to go dancing and forget my problems with the safety of my friends.

“I’m in, it’s not like I have anyone to go home to tonight,” I answer with a sad note to my words. Rome pulled out his phone and typed something out before we get up and head back in the direction of the car.

The club is only 10 minutes from the restaurant, and I could not be more thankful right now for the distraction. We walk right up to the bouncer and through the doors to the low lights and the music pulsing around us. The bartender hands me a red wristband before handing me a sealed bottle of water. Then it dawns on me that this is a family establishment and Leo has marked my preferences and put them in the folder. I don’t have to ask; I can just let loose and dance with Claire.