man. It seems like he’s more powerful than god, which makes me think that throwing money at anyone and everything is what he enjoys doing, because the lavish party is drenched in gold and crystal, diamonds and silver. Perhaps he believes his wealth can right the world of all its wrongs.
How I wish it were so.
It’s not.
I move toward the crowd. People smile at me, tilting their flutes as I pass by, and I paste on the happy expression that’s expected of me. I’m not averse to parties, but I prefer being on my own. Tonight, especially, I feel out of my depth. Perhaps it’s because I’m nervous about meeting my new family, as my mother put it earlier.
I find my mother in the living room that’s been decorated—luxuriously and lavishly—filled with sparkling banners that wish the couple a Happy Marriage. Gold shimmers from every corner, balloons that are color-coordinated to my mother’s specifications float above everyone’s heads. Knowing my mother, she probably drove everyone crazy, making sure it was all set up perfectly. Even the hors d’oeuvres that are being served have a mini edible candle-shaped breadstick coated in gold glitter, as per my mother’s instructions.
“Nesrin.” My new stepfather smiles at me happily, and I have to grant him his dues. He’s vowed to love my mother for the rest of his life, that’s commitment with eyes closed because he’s not seen her at her worst yet. The coldness she exudes when she doesn’t get her way, the biting words that attack like knives. “I hope that we’re able to get to know each other when your mother and I get back.”
“Thank you.” I smile at him, but I don’t feel the assurance that I should.
“I’ve spoken to my sons, they’ll be with you at Thorne Haven, while we’re away. Just so you don’t have to stay here alone. I wouldn’t want you to feel as if you’ve been abandoned.”
I don’t know what to say. I never thought my mother would agree to me leaving this house. But when she moves up behind Bradford, there’s a grin on her face that makes me feel as if this was planned long before tonight.
“I think you’ll like it up there, Nesrin,” Mother says. “Bradford told me it’s one of the oldest houses in the area. You’ve wanted to move up to the Pacific Northwest.”
My heart stutters in my chest. What? “We’re moving?” I croak.
My mother is about to respond when two Thorne sons, the two best men who stood witness to the marriage stroll up to us. “Hey, Dad.” One with a buzz cut of dark brown hair grins. His eyes are a soft blue, with a twinge of green. A sharp jaw with a light dusting of stubble. His full lips capture my attention for a split second, and I notice the lower one more so than the top.
“Here they are.” Bradford smiles happily. “This is Cassian.” He points to the boy with the teal-colored eyes. “And that is Finn.” I notice the boy farther back who has a mischievous grin on his face. His hair is longer on top and buzzed short at the sides. His eyes, however, are dark brown, like hot chocolate on a cold winter’s night.
“Hello.” I smile at them, but I can’t stop my stomach flipping, as they stare me down, as if I were something beautiful to look at. I’ve grown accustomed to people staring at me, but never men who looked like them.
“Nice to officially meet you, little sister,” the one called Cassian says with the corner of his mouth tipped into a smirk. He holds out his hand, which I accept.
“It’s good to meet you, too,” I respond, feeling nervous at everyone looking at me. I want to hide, to not have their focus solely on me, but I can’t with so many people around me, and I feel my stomach twisting with anxiety.
“I’m the handsome brother,” the other boy says suddenly. Although, I can’t call either of them boys because they’re men. He offers me a wink, and I laugh, it’s a real honest to goodness chuckle, and I’m shocked that he’s brought it out of me.
“She’s our sister, for fuck sake,” Cassian bites out through clenched teeth, before rolling his eyes at his brother. I don’t know who’s younger, but from their banter, I guess it’s Finn.
“Language,” Bradford admonishes his son.
“Sorry, Dad,” Cassian says. “You can call me Cass,” he informs me, then tips me a salute before making his