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“I’m sure Obsidian did his homework and knows about the past that Eso and I shared,” I stated in a matter-of-fact tone. Obsidian may be many things, but stupid was not one of them.
This time, it was Leonardo who spoke. “The bigger question is, was Eso’s death related in any way to Sebastien, or was it based on the lifestyle that Eso lived?”
“That’s still to be determined. Vega and his crew are digging up information as we speak,” I informed my brothers.
“But,” Nate interrupted, “A man like Obsidian, who is a part of the Syndicate wouldn’t leave clues around for you to find. If you found that picture of him, it's because he wanted you to. He wants us to know he’s around. Seb, he wants you to know that he’s involved in Eso’s death.”
The others nodded in agreement.
Vincent added, “Seb, are you sure he’s a behind Eso’s death? Remember what happened last time when we thought the Syndicate were the ones sending the threats to Dom, and it wasn’t them? You don’t want to go seeking vengeance on an 'innocent' man, and have the Syndicate rain fire and brimstone on you,” Vincent stressed the word innocent. “We all know how much Eso meant to you.”
“I’m not going to jump out with my guns ah-blazing,” I insisted. “But I am just as curious to find out why he’s in town, and more than that, why Eso is now dead.”
“Seb, if you do find out that Obsidian was the one who pulled the trigger on Eso, are you going to go after him?” Nate asked. “I know you’re not a hothead anymore, but Eso was like a brother to you.”
Dominic spoke up before I did, his voice hard. “If Seb confirms that Obsidian is the one who pulled the trigger, hewilllet us know, andtogetherwewillfigure out a way to take Obsidian down. He won’t go rogue and put himself, or the rest of us, in danger. Isn’t that right, Sebastien?”
As much as I’d want to skin Obsidian alive if I found out, without a doubt, that he had killed Eso, I knew that Dominic and Vincent were right. Retaliating against Obsidian could escalate, and it wouldn’t just be about me putting myself and my brothers in danger; I had to think about Emily, Lucy, Lillian, and now Delilah. Obsidian struck me as a man who had a motive for everydecision he made. And with his ties to the Syndicate, we couldn’t be caught off guard.
“I won’t,” I stated.
“Good. And guys, be careful. Anything out of the ordinary, we let each other know. Got it?”
That wasn’t a suggestion from Dominic, it was an order.
“Now that we’re done with that matter, I’ll be throwing a charity fundraiser in two weeks at The Grand Seraphine,” I announced casually.
The Grand Seraphine was the most luxurious hotel in the area.
“Who will the proceeds go to?” Nate asked.
“Thompson’s Children’s Hospital. They’ve been trying to finish building their new cancer wing, but there’s been a setback with government funds,” I stated. “And Vince, I’m going to need you to do your thing. I want everyone to know about this fundraiser, including the media. Do you think you could handle that, playboy?”
“You’ve come to the right person for the job, my little grasshopper,” Vince chided playfully. “Anyone who’s anyone and then some will know about this. I’m assuming Delilah will be the one planning and coordinating the event?”
I nodded. “I haven’t sent her the details yet, but you can liaise with her to get more information in about two days.”
“Sounds good.”
After the fundraiser, I’d announce my engagement to Delilah, letting Elliot Hawthorne know that she was mine and not to be touched.
After wrapping up the call with my brother, I dialed Caite. I informed her about the fundraiser, giving her all the details, then instructed her to email all the information to Delilah’s work account so she’d get it first thing in the morning.
Over the next two weeks, I avoided Delilah entirely. I left home at dawn and returned well past midnight just to ensure we never bumped into each other at home. And I temporarily relocated to Lunaire’s office, avoiding the head office altogether.
Memories of the kiss, her moans, her stiff nipples under my thumbs, everything lingered like a relentless headache, refusing to go away without a remedy. The only problem was that the remedy was Delilah. And as much as I wanted to feel my cock inside her tight warmth, I knew I had to bide my time so she couldn’t change her mind and run off.
But, on the night of the fundraiser, avoiding Delilah was no longer an option. I made sure the dress I’d bought for her was laid out on her bed paired with shoes and accessories with instructions for her to wear it and to be ready by six. I hired a makeup artist and a hairstylist to come to the house to help her get ready.
At six p.m. sharp, dressed in a black tuxedo, I stood at the bottom of the stairs when I heard a door close and the sound of heels clicking on the tiles. I glanced up and watched as Delilah elegantly glided down the stairs, using the railing to support herself.
Somehow, she looked better in the dress this time around. Her hair was in tight curls framing her face and her makeup was flawless. Thin diamond earrings dangled elegantly from her ears, matching with the necklace that rested at the base of her neck. The open-toed silver heels that graced her feet peeked out from under the dress as she walked.
“Delilah,” I extended my hand to her to help her down the last step, “You look stunning.”
She blushed. “Thank you. You don’t clean up too bad yourself.”
“There’s one more thing before we go.”