by Tia KENZIE
A piano and guitar starts playing, behind me. It’s the opening to ‘Beautiful’, again! Does Uncle know how this song affects me? I’m pretty sure he does, which is why he keeps choosing it. I don’t feel comfortable, at all, standing in front of everyone. So, I choose to sit on the front of the stage, with my legs dangling. Quite gracefully actually, may I add. I cross my legs and take a deep breath.
Closing me eyes I start the song. I quickly become lost in the words, blocking out everything else. The song ends and everyone cheers, some whistle. I’m just about to get up when someone starts shouting, ‘one more’. Looking up, Dante is stumbling across the dance floor, towards me. He’s obviously had a lot to drink.
“No, it was just the one song. Luna needs to enjoy her night now.” Uncle says in a pleasant voice, which is totally, obviously, faked.
Dante ignores him. “No, everyone wants to hear another.” He looks to me. “Just one more Luna, please.”
You could hear a pin drop; the room is so quiet. Looking around I see Rome, he’s still at the bar. His face is a mixture of anger and hurt. He gives me a small smile.
“Well, it’s entirely up to Luna.” Uncle says. I look to Dante. God! He looks so sad, and desperate.
I nod. “Okay, just one more. What song do you want?”
He grins, walking right up to me. “Everybody Hurts, Luna. Let’s do that one, eh?” He says it rather cockily!
Shit, my heart stops beating. I know why he’s doing this; he knows how it affects me.
“Wait.” He shouts to the band. He jumps up and comes back with a guitar. Sitting beside me on the stage, he strums the intro. It’s just me and him, as it always was. What a bastard!
Uncle marches over to stand with Rome, they appear to be having words. I see Toby move forward, finding a seat just to the side of us, Dolby follows him. Thankfully Serena and friends stay where they are.
I miss my opening, I’m too busy looking around, panicking. Then I think of Colt! I’ve got to do this for Colt. I turn to Dante and he starts the intro again.
I close my eyes and sing. Instantly I’m back in the treehouse, looking out over the ocean. My heart is breaking inside, it feels like it’s torn in 2. No, more than 2. All I keep thinking of is all the people I love now, and just how much I have hurt them all, with this engagement. Then I think of Rome, and my God, I realize I’m including him in this train of thought. I think I really do love him.
The song ends and I open my eyes. Dante is stood directly in front of me. He must have moved during the song. He’s been facing me the whole time. He leans over, turning off the microphone, then moves his lips to my ear.
“What the fuck is happening moon?” He’s drunk, really drunk. More than I’d thought before. I don’t get chance to answer, because Rome is there, pulling me into his arms.
◆◆◆
I let him lead me away from the ballroom, to the outside. We leave the yacht and walk away a bit. He’s pulling me along and I’m stumbling, like a baby deer.
Finding a low wall for us to sit on, he lights up a joint. Taking a few draws, he then passes it to me. He rubs his hands over his face.
“What the fuck was that about, with Dante?”
I shrug. “I didn’t know he was going to do that. I didn’t even know I’d be singing Rome.” I’m getting angry now. He knows about my past and what I’ve been through.
“Luna, it really hurt me to see that. It was obvious to everyone, that you two love each other. I look like a fucking idiot. And what was with the song? You were crying while you sang it.”
I take a moment, and a couple of draws, to think. “Rome, I’m sorry. I can’t stop loving him just because I’ve been told to.”
He jumps off the wall, but I grab his hand, pulling him back to me. I open my legs and he steps between them. I put my arms around his waist, looking up at him. “That song means something to both of us. I always cry when I sing it. And yeah, I get that he probably asked me to sing it, knowing how it would make me feel. But remember, he doesn’t know we’ve been forced into this. He’s hurt, wondering how I can fall in love with you, so quickly.” Shit, I realize what I’ve just said.
He’s quiet, then crouches in front of me. “Luna, did you just say you are in love with me?” He raises a brow.
“I did.” I nod. “And I am, I think. Actually, I know I am.”
He smiles, grabbing my face in both hands. “Thank fuck for that. Me too Luna, I fucking love you!”
“For real?”
“Yeah, for real. My speech, I meant every word of it. I didn’t have to write it down or practice it. Because I’ve been thinking about it, a lot.”
“It was your speech that made me realize, how I feel about you.” I can't tell him it was actually while I sang a song with Dante that I realized.
We kiss like we’re never going to see each other again. I get tingles in my core; I’m thinking my panties are going to need changing soon.
We are interrupted then. Uncle appears, apparently, he has another announcement to make. Back inside the ballroom, Uncle announces that we are to be married this Saturday. Like, in a few days. It will be a small, family ceremony. In keeping with my distaste of grand gestures, he explains.
It’s a dig at Rome’s speech, but I don’t care! I’m shocked it’s so soon, then shocked at myself for actually not being that bothered.
Because I feel happy with Rome. I truly feel happy! Well, if you ignore the threatening Colt’s life etc. The music starts up again and Toby asks for a dance. Rome smiles and offers my arm to him, seemingly happier now that he knows I’m in love with him.
Toby holds me tight and tries to question me straight away. I shush him, pulling him down to me I whisper as quiet as I can. “I can’t explain now Toby. We are being forced into it. Laugh!” I say, like a freaking lunatic. Because I’ve noticed Uncle is watching us, closely. Toby laughs, like I’ve just told a really funny joke. Then I have to act like a gimp. I’m fake laughing and talking, while trying to tell him that Rome’s Uncle is dangerous and that I can’t use my phone, as it is being monitored. Same with the car and apartment.
Bless him. He raises his eyebrows but manages to play along. When the song ends, he manages to sneak in a kiss on my cheek.
“I love you Princess, always. We’ll get you out of this.” He murmurs.
“Love you too.” I manage to choke out.
As he walks away, he intercepts Dante, who was headed towards me. He says something to him and manages to divert him. I spend the next hour dancing with complete strangers.
◆◆◆
Chapter 17.
My feet are killing me, with not being used to wearing heels. I make my excuses to the white-haired, older gentleman I was dancing with, and head to the restrooms in the foyer.
I find Rome there, talking with Dolby. I don’t know what about, but it looks intense. I slip past unseen to the restroom. After using the facilities, I find Rome is still talking, so I take a seat on a nearby sofa. Then the rest of the Glory's appear. Dolby nudges Rome, who sees me and quickly takes a seat at my side.
They surround us and I admit I’m intimidated, but I make the decision not to show it.
“Can I look at your ring?” Serena screeches, fake smiling.
“Sure.” I stand up, holding my hand out. She looks it over and sneers.
“Rome, I thought you would have chosen something much bigger. You know, for the love of your life.”
Rome jumps up off the sofa, his arm circling my waist. “Not at all Serena. I chose perfectly and Luna loves it. So that’s all I care about.”
I nod. “I do yeah. It means so much, knowing it was chosen with thought.”
“Ha! You mean he ‘thought’ you didn’t deserve bigger?” She questions.
Bitch! “No, he knows me enough to know what I like. But you are correct, I don’t need a massive diamond to make myself feel good. I’m happy with this one, in fact I love it.”
She throws her hand out. “Do you wan
t to see my ring?” She has a massive, ugly diamond on her finger. It’s not my kinda thing, but, whatever!
I peer at it. “Oh, it’s lovely.” I say in the fakest voice I can muster. “Dante picked that, did he?”
“Yes!” Smiling widely, showing all her goofy teeth.
“No, I didn’t, you picked your own. Your Dad paid for it too.” Dante says in a bored voice. Looking around, Dante is sprawled out on another sofa, across the foyer. He’s obviously still drunk and not far off falling asleep, or into unconsciousness.
“He’s lying.” She snaps.
Yeah, sure he is. Okaaaay!
“What are you going to do now Rome? I mean, you know she will never be a Glory, right? It’s going to be difficult for you when your ‘wife’ cannot attend Glory functions.” Serena again.
Rome grins. “What makes you think that? Last time I checked the majority vote wins. There are 5 Glory’s Serena. Me, Dante, Dolby, Toby and Reed. I know for a fact 3 Glory’s love Luna, so she will get the vote.”
She stamps her feet, like a child. “No, we have a vote too.” She pouts, pointing to herself, Monica and Sally.
“No, you don’t.” Rome replies.
“You never will.” Dolby grunts, stopping any retort she was planning. Her face shows she isn’t going to challenge him.
Toby moves forward, to stand in front of me. “She will be our Queen.”
Serena gasps. “I will be Queen; I was always going to be.”
Toby looks to her, shaking his head. “Luna will be Queen.” He looks to me. “She’s already a Princess.” He winks at me.
Damn him, I don’t want any part of being a Glory, but that felt nice! I think it’s all over, but no, she can’t stop.
“She will never be Queen. She will never be a Glory, will you Luna?”
Before I get the chance to speak, she continues.
“You won’t want to join us, when you find out what Dante did.”
“Shut up!” Toby shouts at her.
I look to Rome in question, but he just shrugs. A quick look at Dante shows him covering his face with his hands.
“Tell me.” I ask, having a really bad feeling about this.
She smiles, evilly. “What would you…” Dante jumps up, gripping her arm.
“Don’t you dare.” He grits through his teeth.
“Let her speak.” From Dolby, in his no argument tone.
Dante curses and returns to the sofa. I’m looking between everyone, confused. Its obvious Toby knows what this is about. Dolby, I’m not sure. The 2 minions are grinning, so yep, they know.
Rome pulls me into him, tighter. “Just tell me.” I say, standing straighter.
“Okay, you asked for it.” Eye roll, from me. “Dante, the ‘love of your life’, is the reason you were kept in boarding school, for so long.” She smiles, so fucking sweetly at that.
My heart jumps. Looking to Dante, he’s looking at me with the saddest expression I have ever seen. It’s true! I can tell, it’s true! I turn fully to face him. “What does she mean?” I ask. He shakes his head, while rubbing his hands over his face.
“I’m sorry Luna, I didn’t know, I didn’t know.” He jumps up and runs off the yacht.
Toby starts to follow him, then doubles back to leave me a message. “Don’t hate him Princess, he was tricked.” He runs away, probably to find Dante.
I’m in shock, I’m shaking in fact. But I turn back to face the witch. “How did you know?”
“I’ve always known. You see, you’re not that special after all. You walk about believing everyone loves you. Fucking Luna Moon! Ha! He never loved you. That’s why he made sure you couldn’t return, to keep ruining his life.” She sneers.
Now, I hear the words, but there’s no way I believe a word of them. I know Dante loves me; I also know he’s feeling guilty about something. Toby has made reference to him being tricked, a few times now.
Looking at this bitch, this evil witch, in front of me now, I just know she’s lying. I look at Rome, smile and give him a quick kiss, before removing myself from his hold.
I walk up to her, slowly. “I’m glad you’ve told me Serena. I’m happy to finally know the truth.” I purr.
She smiles, and guess what? Throat punch you think? No. You would be wrong. I drop my forehead and land it straight on her nose. Bang! She drops like a stone. I crouch down to her, careful to avoid the blood pouring out of her nose, of course. She’s flailing about on the floor, crying and holding her face.
“Listen here bitch,” I say, really slowly, “you are a lying piece of shit. But thanks to you, I now know the truth. Dante does love me; he always has and he always will. I also know he will never love you. You are one ugly, vile, motherfucker. The sight of you repulses him, which is why he has never touched you. He fucking hates you Serena, as do I.
I think, somehow, you’ve blackmailed Dante into being with you. That is the only thing that makes sense. I promise you now, if I find out that is true, that you’ve ruined his life, for your own selfish reasons, I will come for you. I will rip your fucking throat out. Are you listening?” She’s crying, alone on the floor, her friends daren’t approach to help, because I am still here.
“Are you listening?” I ask again.
“Yes.” She squeals.
“Good, now get up and fuck off. Oh, and stay away from Dante. If I see you near him, at all, I will fucking end you.”
I rise slowly, walk back to Rome and I kiss him, deeply.
“Fuck, is it wrong I’m so turned on now?” He murmurs. I laugh in response.
Dolby approaches, leans over, and plants a kiss on my cheek.
“Make that 4 votes Rome.” He grunts, then winks.
He makes his way off the yacht, Serena follows, being helped by the minions.
“Bravo, bravo.” Someone shouts. It’s Uncle, stood at the entrance to the ballroom. I’m not sure how much of that he witnessed. He walks up to us, kissing my cheek.
“You are tough Luna; you are going to fit in well.” Then he too, leaves the yacht.
“Ready to get out of here?” Rome asks.
“Yep. I’m ready.”
Chapter 18.
We walk past the limo we arrived in, instead getting into an Uber that Dolby arranged for us. Rome wants us to spend the night away from his apartment, away from prying eyes and ears, he explains. He also thought to leave our phones with Dolby too.
We drive for a while, holding hands, tightly. We pull up at a gorgeous house on the beach. It’s a new building, all blonde wood and miles of glass. Rome has the key, leading me inside.
It’s absolutely stunning. Wooden floors, the rooms decorated in neutral tones, with comfy sofas dotted around. I run straight through the glass doors, finding a large deck, with a hot tub. Fairy lights are strung up above, giving a romantic feel to it.
It’s absolutely exquisite! I turn to Rome, questioning him with my eyes.
“It’s Dolby’s. Well, his families. He’s lent it to us for a few days, as an engagement present.” He looks sheepish, and maybe a little bit shy? Surely not!
“Few days huh?” I ask sweetly, walking up to him.
“Yep. What do you want to do?”
My lady bits scream at this, wanting to answer for me. Be quiet you skank!
“How about the hot tub? Shit! We’ve not got any luggage.”
He grins. “We have actually. Dolby arranged some things for us. They’re in our room.” He points to a nearby table and chairs. “He’s left us a gift, too.”
Walking over I find a bottle of champagne and 4 joints. He knows us so well! Rome goes off to check out whatever clothes we’ve been left.
I get busy filling our glasses. Lighting a joint, I find it’s good stuff. Really, good stuff. It goes straight to my head, maybe clouding my judgement? Who cares? That’s my excuse, for what I do next, anyway.
Rome comes out to find I’m already in the hot tub, naked. Dropping my dress just left me in a silver thong. Said thong was needed t
o tie my hair up, so, you know, I’m now naked. Don’t worry, I thought to remove my jewelry first.
I’m leaning back, against the edge, with my eyes closed. I’ve a joint in one hand, and 2 glasses of champagne sat nearby, waiting for our own toast. I don’t hear him approach, he’s silent, like a cat. Next thing, he’s dropped his lips to mine, kissing me deeply.
