Mad Max - Sapphire Knight Page 0,5
suits.”
I grumble. They both know what I mean. We’ve been close long enough now for Thaddaeus to understand me. “All right now, blokes. You’ve collected the loot and offended me all in one sitting. Shouldn’t you be off to harass your wife or something?”
“I’m on my way there now.”
“Shocking,” I murmur, and his lips briefly tilt up before falling flat once more. Andre approaches us, and in the next instant, Thaddaeus’ easy laughter and mood are replaced with the harsh frown of the Joker. I don’t know how he can switch himself on and off like he does. I seem to only have one personality and it’s arsehole.
“Lunch, tomorrow? At our usual?” he suggests, and I agree. I’ve grown fond of Moricio’s Italian Cuisine over the years. “Andre,” he briefly acknowledges, and then he’s out the door. Dillion throws me a nod on his way out, following the boss.
“Get me the best group we have,” I order once we’re alone. “We’ve got a busy week ahead of us, it’s time to go hunting. We need Cage. Oh, and before I forget, it looks like I’ll be getting hitched as well. Add a woman to my calendar.”
He sputters at the last bit but nods accordingly. The bloke already believes me to be unhinged, so this’ll only further confirm the fact. I’m not denying it. If anything, I embrace the bit of crazy. It keeps these bloody idiots on their toes around here.
She wears strength and darkness
equally well, the girl has always
been half goddess, half hell.
– Nikita Gill
The announcement’s effects are still ringing throughout the opulently decorated venue when I eventually find her. Ismerlda Castelano and I were briefly introduced at lunch today. She was stunning and polite, every bit I’d gathered she’d be from her photo alone. Her father was there as well, of course, ever the eager one to express his gratitude. I didn’t mind it, surprisingly. Perhaps it was the expensive bottle of crisp champagne we’d sipped while dining on the best filet mignon in the city. Regardless, it took a bit of the pressure off this evening when we had to play our parts in front of the guests.
I’d dressed with business in mind tonight. That is what this is, after all. It’s not a real wedding; it’s a business move for Thaddaeus and me. My intended stood next to me quietly wearing a dazzling smile and gown that accented her assets perfectly. It was a bit of a stretch to keep my eyes off her. It wasn’t a hardship having her at my side, that I’ll admit. Anyhow, we’d toasted to our upcoming wedding, putting on a show for the prominent families before us. We announced the date, and that invitations would be sent shortly to everyone in attendance tonight, amongst others. Afterwards, we both eagerly went our separate ways.
Why I never considered a marriage of convenience prior has me wondering what other opportunities I may’ve missed. Perhaps it’s the notion of having someone up my arse that plagues me. Ismerlda’s easy on the eyes and her plump tits have me seeing things a bit skewed. I’m sure that’s it. Probably why I’m on the hunt for her at the moment as well, though nothing good will come of it, that I’m certain of.
After we’d split up, I decided I wasn’t quite ready to be done with her just yet, but lost her as I was pulled off to the side right after our announcements. I’ve had no opportunity to speak to her privately about any of this, and I want to confirm she’s on board with our plan willingly. If I wanted to force my hand, I’d go to the auctions. I could easily purchase whichever woman meets my fancy, as I’ve done in the past. In this case, it’ll be much more pleasant if she’s working with me and remaining out of my way. And besides, we need to be seen together for this to work, for chit-chat to spread, and tonight’s the perfect occasion to take advantage of.
If she wants to throw in a quick shag after we speak, well, I won’t be opposed, to say the least. Maybe this union will be beneficial in more ways than I’ve considered. I’m feeling a bit more hopeful about all of this after thinking things over. I do tend to have the best ideas at times, even if some of them have gotten me strung up with the law on occasion.
I come to a stop in