Ghostface Killer ~ M. Never

by Never, M.

  “If I hadn’t interfered the first time, maybe we wouldn’t be in this situation.” I regret ever going after Regina that night. I was only doing what I was programmed to do, but damn, the consequences have been severe.

  “If you hadn’t interfered the first time, I never would have gotten you back.” He traps my chin between his thumb and index finger and tilts my face up. I get lost in those bewitching eyes, not regretting one single second or decision over the last three months.

  “The boss, Baz?” I utter softly, question and worry weighing down the words.

  “Not really. I just carry the title. Gianni is the mastermind. He pulls all the strings and makes all the decisions. I never wanted any of it. I was happy by myself in Colorado. Living the simple life.”

  “Life sure isn’t simple anymore.”

  “No, it’s not. But I have you, so the sacrifice is worth it.”

  “I wish you didn’t have to sacrifice at all.” I grab his wrist.

  “When I’m with you, it’s never a sacrifice.” Unabashedly, he kisses me under the watchful eyes of Bull and Gun.

  BAZ AND I are having a girl.

  He nearly did a backflip when Dr. Miranda confirmed it on the ultrasound. My first checkup was a smashing success.

  Dr. Miranda is a young, petite brunette who I’m convinced would be a stellar assassin. She poked, prodded, and stabbed me with no remorse the first time we met. While drawing what felt like ten liters of blood to test and digging around my lady bit’s like she was mining for gold, she scolded me for not seeing a doctor sooner. But I assured her the baby would probably come out wearing Birkenstocks and smelling like patchouli oil from all the organic food and grass-fed meats I’ve been feeding it. I was right, because all the tests came back perfect, and the baby’s heartbeat sounded strong.

  The last two and a half months have been an adjustment. Baz and I have lived under Gianni’s roof like self-imposed prisoners as my due date looms near.

  Gianni has been nothing but accommodating. Providing everything and anything we could need. He’s nothing like Benny described. A ruthless monster, yes. But also very much a family man. I see the wonderful relationship he has with Baz, his daughter, and his grandson—Romeo Junior. It took weeks before Gianna could even tolerate being in the same room with me. I don’t blame her. If I came face to face with the person who killed someone I loved, regardless if he was a cheating douche or not, I’d have done way more than just yell at them.

  Everything I ever believed about Gianni Velona has been a lie. Benny pumped me full of them. I was a violin, and he played me perfectly. I loved him so fiercely once, but now my feelings are muddled. He pulled me off the streets and gave me a home. A chance, a future. For that, I’m still grateful. He made me strong. He built me up. And now it’s my turn to do the same. I place my hands on my basketball-sized belly and gaze into the mirror. I’ll make her strong. I’ll build her up. I’ll make sure she flies. It’s my oath.

  “Miss Stevie?” Frederick knocks on the bedroom door. “It’s almost time. Are you ready?” He peeks his head in and sucks in a breath as I turn in my diamond-white, floor-length slip dress.

  “You look ravishing, my dear.” He enters the room and takes my hands. Frederick has become like family in the short time I’ve been here. Catering to my every need like he lives for it. But my favorite times are when we just talk. He’s so paternal, thoughtful, and funny when he tones down the butler role.

  “Thank you.” I actually blush, feeling beyond feminine draped in the shiny material with a crown of fresh flowers sitting on my head.

  “Master Benjamin’s heart is going to stop when he sees you. Mine almost did.”

  “Frederick, if you’re trying to flatter me, it’s working.”

  “That’s exactly what I’m trying to do. I have seen many brides, but you are by far the most beautiful.”

  “I’m eight-and-a-half-months pregnant. That statement might be a stretch.”

  “I don’t stretch. It’s the truth.” Frederick picks up my bouquet. “The minister is here, and the sun is getting ready to set.”

  “Then let’s not keep our guests waiting.” I take the simple spray of white and light pink roses and link my arm with Frederick’s. We walk through the grand house and out to the backyard, where a canopy is decorated in sheer white linen and blush roses. Beyond the manicured lawn, the sprawling ocean crashes against the shoreline. The air is fragrant with a mix of fresh flowers and sea salt, and the sky is just beginning to turn a beautiful shade of magenta.

  I take a deep breath when my bare feet touch the warm, soft grass.

  “Frederick.” I stop him from walking.

  “Miss Stevie, is everything alright?”

  “It’s fine.” I smile up at him. “I just wanted . . . I just wanted to say thank you. For walking me down the aisle. It means so much.”

  Frederick beams, his creased face brightening with adoration.

  “I never had a daughter, Miss Stevie. The pleasure is all mine.” He kisses my hand. “Now, if I don’t get you down that aisle, Master Benjamin is going to come up here and throw you over his shoulder. I would very much appreciate him not stealing my moment away.”

  “I would never let him do that. Besides I’m way too heavy for him to throw around.” I rub my protruding stomach.

  Frederick nods, and we begin our descent down the green pathway lined by lanterns.

  Happiness is not a farce. That’s the last thought I have right before Baz steps into view. I have to remember to breathe as I drink him in. His hair is pulled back in a tight knot, and he’s dressed decadently in a crisp, white button-down shirt, navy blue pin-striped vest, and matching pants. He’s the embodiment of a prince. My prince. Rough, edgy, masculine, beautiful. My perfect match.

  We’re far from perfect people, but we’re definitely perfect for each other.

  Frederick gives me away to Baz, with Gianni, Gianna, RJ, Bull, Gun, and Desmond all watching.

  I hand my bouquet to Frederick as I step in front of Baz. As soon as my hands are free, he steals my wrists and pins them against his chest.

  “Beautiful isn’t a strong enough word to describe how you look,” he whispers in my ear, “You are making me the happiest man on the planet today. I love you.”

  Baz has the ability to tap into my emotions like no other man. I am a sinner and a saint and a fool for him. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

  “I lo—” I try to whisper back, but the minister starts. “Dearly beloved . . .”

  I don’t hear half of the ceremony as I swim in the amorous depths of Baz’s green eyes. He holds my hands to his chest the whole time. Only when it’s time to exchange the rings does his grip loosen.

  “With this ring, I thee wed.” He slides a thin diamond-encrusted band onto my finger.

  “With this ring, I thee wed.” I do the same with a black titanium band. As soon as the ring is securely on his finger, he pulls me back, repositioning his tight hold on my wrists against his chest.

  “Do you think I’m going to run?” I giggle.

  “Not at all. I just want you close.”

  “You may kiss the bride,” the minister says cheerfully.

  Baz and I both smile then share our first kiss as husband and wife at sunset on the pristine shores of Southampton.

  After the ceremony, we all dine under the stars at an elegant table decorated by some elite wedding planner in the area. There are long rows of twinkle lights hanging above us, white and pink roses in small, square vases lined down the table like a runner, and three huge brass candelabras providing romantic candlelight. I never dreamed of having a wedding, but this couldn’t be more picture-perfect.

  There are waiters dressed in black tuxedos serving the seven courses as Frederick is part of the family tonight. It’s nice to see the tables turned and Frederick be waited on for once. He’s so committed to his job and this family.

  Next to me, Baz and Desmond share stories about their childhood as my
little mermaid does flips in my belly.

  Baz is so relaxed and happy and free. He thrives in the presence of his family.

  “Oh.” I lean forward when she kicks me in the rib.

  “Stevie, you alright?” Baz reaches for me.

  “I’m fine.” I catch my breath. “She’s active tonight. She must know there’s a party.” I laugh. Eight-and-a-half-months pregnant, Baz jumps every time I sneeze. He’s so excited and nervous and overprotective.

  “Maybe she has Baz’s uppity personality,” Desmond remarks.

  “Hopefully not.” Baz punches him in the thigh, and Desmond laughs through the pain. Desmond and Baz have been nearly inseparable since we arrived. It speaks volumes about their relationship. Now that Baz’s shoulder is better, they run on the beach every morning and spar in the gym every night when Desmond isn’t running errands for Gianni. He’s very much like his right-hand man.

  He’s young, like Baz, and extremely good-looking. Wavy black hair he wears in a low ponytail and big, bright blue eyes. He’s also very charismatic and knows exactly how to play on all his charms. Sometimes I get the feeling I’ve seen him before. Which wouldn’t be unheard of, we ran in sort of the same circles, attended the same parties, and our bosses are brothers. Well, were brothers. There’s a chance our paths could have crossed. That face is sort of unforgettable.

  “It will be fine if she does.” I run my hand along Baz’s arm. He rolled his shirt sleeves up after the ceremony, so I get some skin-on-skin contact. “Someone needs to keep up with him.”

  Gianni, Frederick, and Desmond all chuckle and nod.

  “Desmond was the only one who ever could.” Frederick recalls fondly. He’s always good for a story about Baz.

  “Barely,” Desmond laughs freely. “He gave me a run for my money in everything. Sports, academics, target practice. He could always run faster and lift harder. Everything he touched, a bat, a football, a guitar,” Desmond tosses out several examples, “He was instantly good at it. We all had to try like hell and this asshole was just like, whatever.” He flips his hand.

  Baz looks like he’s going to slide under the table from embarrassment. “He’s exaggerating. I wasn’t good at everything.”

  “Please, name one thing you weren’t or aren’t good at.” Desmond puts him on the spot.

  Baz turns a brilliant shade of crimson.

  “Girls.” He admits. “I was never good at talking to girls. That was your thing.”

  “You did a good job talking to Stevie. She ended up marrying you and is having your kid.” Desmond points out the obvious. “I’m not sure even I’d have had the balls to hit on her.”

  “She hit on me,” Baz smiles coyly.

  “I broke the ice,” I set the record straight, rubbing his forearm. “And what would have been so intimidating anyway? I’m nothing special.”

  Desmond snorts. “You have looked in a mirror, correct? You’re like . . . a goddess.”

  “Ha! That’s hilarious, and so not true.” I disagree straight away. “She’s the goddess.” I run my palm lovingly down the center of my globular belly.

  “I’m sure she is,” Desmond agrees. “Given her mother. And grandmother, Baz’s mom is a looker, too.”

  Everyone at the table nods. Especially Baz.

  I’m looking forward—and a little scared shitless—to meeting my infamous mother-in-law. She could hate me, and wouldn’t that just suck.

  “Have you thought about any names for your little goddess?” Gianna asks, surprising everyone at the table. She concentrates on her fork as she spins it over her plate. We aren’t on the best terms, and I understand why. Gianni practically had to force her to attend the wedding. She may never forgive me, and I can live with that. But she’s important to Baz and so is her son. I would never intentionally do anything to come between them. Even if she resents me for the rest of her life. It’s just a consequence I have to live with.

  I take this rare opportunity to engage her. “We have a list, but we haven’t decided yet.” I slide my eyes over to Baz. “There was one more name I was going to suggest but hadn’t yet.”

  Baz cocks his head. I glance around the table before I speak.

  “I thought maybe we could name her after your mother, Audrina. And maybe call her Audie for short. I know it’s sort of different.” I shrug. “But it was just a thought.”

  Everyone is silent. We didn’t invite any other family or friends to the wedding. We thought it’d be too dangerous.

  Besides the people sitting at this table, no one knows we got married. I have wanted to reach out to Claudia so bad. Tell her I’m alright. Tell her about the baby. I’ve written several letters, but they’re all folded up and stuffed in a drawer in our room. I just can’t risk putting her in danger. No one knows about her except Baz, and I have to keep it that way.

  My old life, it’s gone. Eradicated. I’m walking a new path now. One where I have so much more to lose. Hopefully one day I’ll be able to see Claudia again, but for right now, she has to stay part of my demolished past.

  After a few long moments of silence, Baz smiles, blindingly. “I love that idea.” He leans over and kisses me, and I taste bourbon.

  “You do?”

  He nods. “It’s perfect.”

  “I think so, too.” I know how much his mother means to him.

  “I’m sure it will also help grant me forgiveness for not inviting her to our wedding,” he quips.

  Gianni taps his crystal wine glass then raises it. “To Baz, Stevie, and baby Audie.”

  Everyone else lifts their glass to join in the toast. I’m not used to being the center of attention, so I shrink a little bit in embarrassment. Baz eats it up.

  Dessert is served several hours later. It’s a rich piece of chocolate cake with raspberry drizzle and whipped cream. I eat the whole thing. I’m going on a crash diet after this little girl arrives.

  “Happy?” Baz rubs my very hard, very full stomach.

  “Deliriously. Both of us.”

  “Good.”

  “Sir, this just arrived for you.” Gun appears with a flat, wrapped, gold box. “The delivery man said it was a wedding present.”

  Baz and I look around the table. “From any of you?”

  Everyone shakes their head. We both frown.

  Before Baz can take the box, Gianni intercedes. “Maybe Gun should open it first.”

  Baz and I both agree. Who could possibly be sending us a wedding present? Only one name comes to mind. How she found out about tonight is anyone’s guess.

  Gun walks across the lawn, far enough away to where we can only make out his imposing silhouette in the moonlight. We all wait anxiously. You can hear the tearing of wrapping paper in the distance and the click of his pocket flashlight.

  “It’s clean,” Gun announces and walks the gift back to us.

  “What is it?” Gianni asks.

  “Pictures.” He hands the box specifically to me. He seems a little uncomfortable. “You might want to look at these in private,” he whispers.

  “What? Why?” I peek into the box and gasp.

  “Stevie, what is it?” Baz grabs for the box, but I pull it away.

  “Baz, don’t.”

  “Stevie, give me the goddamn box.”

  “Let’s go inside first.”

  Baz doesn’t listen. He just rips the box out of my hands and sends the lid flying. I clench my jaw and turn my head away in shame. Then I look back at Baz. His eyes are wide and wild, and his chest is heaving like he’s about to breathe fire.

  “You were sleeping with him.” He doesn’t yell. He doesn’t explode. He does something so much worse. He shuts down. Baz flings the box on the ground, and the pictures scatter everywhere. Pictures of me wearing trashy lingerie in my apartment as I straddle Benny.

  “Baz.” I have no words. Benny photographed us, and I didn’t even know it. But Regina did. She’s the only one who could have sent these. I guess since ratting me out didn’t work, ruining my marriage wa
s the next best thing.

  She’s been plotting this whole time, waiting for the perfect moment to destroy us. And this was perfect. Nothing else could set Baz off worse than finding out his new wife slept with the father he despises. It’s the perfect recipe for disaster.

  This isn’t just about Baz anymore. It’s about me, too. I turned my back on G, and she’s getting her revenge on both of us. Spiteful bitch.

  Baz shoots out of his seat without a word. Hurt, anger, betrayal, rage, and a whole host of other expressions contorting his face. Then he takes off toward the house.

  I glance around the table, my cheeks so hot it feels as if someone has taken a blowtorch to them.

  I excuse myself to go after him.

  “Baz!” I waddle across the grass as fast as I can. Ugh, I wish I could just run. “Baz, please wait.” I catch up to him just before he reaches the sliding glass doors.

  “Baz, please.” I huff, supporting my stomach.

  “What else are you fucking keeping from me, Stevie?” he spins around and yells. Loud enough I’m sure the neighbors heard.

  “Nothing. I swear.”

  “How can I believe you? My father.” The disdain is there. “Of all people. You know how I feel about him. You know what he did to me.”

  “Which is exactly why I didn’t tell you. I didn’t want to hurt you. What happened with Benny is in the past.”

  “What exactly did happen with him, Stevie? What’s the real fucking story?” He stalks toward me.

  It’s the question I’ve been dreading, and one Baz never asked. I think deep down we both wanted to avoid it. I would have gladly done so for the rest of my life. “Did you love him, Stevie?” The pain is excruciatingly prevalent. I reside not to lie. It just makes everything worse.

  “Yes. I loved him.” Baz visibly sags. “But not the way I love you.”

  “And how the fuck is that?”

  “I loved Benny out of loyalty. Out of respect. Out of fear. How a scared, love-starved child would love an attentive adult. It was a security blanket. It didn’t touch my soul.”

  “So, you fucked him as gratitude?”