The Devil's CrownPart Two - Monica James Page 0,10

the hell is going on. With no time like the present, I reach for my cane and stroll out of my bedroom leisurely. The string quartet sounds delightful; a great choice to drown out the bothersome voices of my guests.

Irina is asleep, and I’ve asked Celine to stay with her in case she gets startled in the middle of the night. She tends to wander, which cannot happen tonight because I’m unsure of what the night will bring.

Focusing ahead, I see what can only be described as a vision. Willow waits for me at the top of the stairs with her back turned. Her red ball gown hugs her frame beautifully. She’d tied her long hair into an elegant twist, allowing one to gaze upon her graceful neck.

Saint stands by her side. He also looks wonderful in an all-black suit, shirt included. I’m not ashamed to acknowledge the beauty in both sexes, and both Saint and Willow are all class. He turns when he hears my cane stab at the carpet.

I understand he is far from impressed, but I will not allow anything to happen to Willow. I will kill every single one of these assholes before any harm comes to her—consequences be damned. When she turns, I’m left utterly speechless.

Her glamorous makeup draws attention to her stunning blue eyes and supple pink lips. I know I’m seconds away from being punched in the jaw by Saint, but I can’t take my eyes off her.

“You look absolutely exceptional,” I say, coming to a stop a few feet away.

“Thank you. You still know my size,” she replies, running her hands down her ruffled skirt. She’s referring to a time when the clothes she wore were ones I bought for her.

“It’s something I’ll never forget.” I can’t hide my nostalgia.

Saint rolls his eyes, which has me smirking. To have this weird harmony between us is awfully strange. I never thought we could ever co-exist this way. But here we are…

“You also look remarkable, Saint.”

He raises his eyes to the heavens once again. “Let’s get tonight over with. My asshole quota has already been met.”

I couldn’t agree more.

Offering my arm to Willow, she loops hers through mine and pulls her shoulders back as she gets into character. Saint flanks my other side.

“You never leave my side. If you must, stay with Saint,” I instruct softly, not wanting anyone to overhear even though we’re alone up here. “When I find Ella, I’m going to get her alone. I won’t have much time. So please stay alert.”

Both Saint and Willow nod.

Inhaling deeply, I focus on the task at hand, and that’s finding Ella. No one can know of my plans, so I stand tall, basking in the wealth surrounding me because it feeds the narcissist I need to be.

With our first steps, Willow, Saint, and I descend the staircase, unhurried. We are the guests of honor, after all. Halfway down, I’m able to see my home filled to the brim with familiar faces. Not much has changed. They still look like the greedy sociopaths I grew to tolerate.

My tolerance isn’t what it once was because I already want to kick everyone out. But I plaster my smile on my face, appearing overjoyed that my old associates are here.

“Here he is,” says Charles Muller, an art dealer to the outside world, but in reality, he exports high quality cocaine across the globe inside his “works of art.”

His services are quite genius, and he’s discreet, which is why he’s here. I need a new contact, seeing as Raul is off the cards, and my old supplier, Adam, is nowhere to be found. I thought once Serg was dead, he’d come out of hiding, knowing I wouldn’t do business with Raul.

But alas, no Adam so therefore, no supply.

I suppose I could go into legal dealings and leave the drug world behind. But drugs are going to exist with or without me, so I’d rather it be with me because I feel most at home here.

“Hello, Charles. Good of you to come.” I don’t extend my hand because I will not let Willow go.

Charles nods with a smile. “I wouldn’t have missed this for the world. It’s good to see you where you belong. Your home is extraordinary.”

“Thank you. It’s still a work in progress, but it’s coming along nicely. Maybe we could discuss some artwork when you’re free? I need someone with a good eye.”

Charles appears overjoyed. “Yes, this sounds wonderful. I’ll organize a date at your earliest