Page 29 of King of Ashes (Kingdom of Sinners #4)

KEIRA

T hree days until I become Mrs. Phoenix Ifrinn. At one time, I wanted that more than anything. Now the thought sends a shiver down my spine.

I stand in the grand ballroom, clipboard in hand, watching staff hang crystal chandeliers that catch the morning light. Despite my situation, I feel a flutter of satisfaction seeing it all come together.

"The florist needs your approval on the final arrangements, Ms. Kean," says one of the staff, hovering at my elbow.

I nod, making another check on my list. "Tell her I'll be there in ten minutes."

The chef and I finalized the menu yesterday. A seven-course meal that would make even the most critical Boston elite nod in approval. The cake arrives tomorrow, a towering creation of sugar and fondant that cost more than most people's cars.

I've done everything Phoenix asked. The invitations went out express delivery to every family that matters in Boston's underworld. Each envelope contained not just a wedding invitation but a summons to the loyalty ceremony prior.

Every detail I arrange is another step toward the wedding day, the day I've planned for Brigit's escape. The timing must be perfect. During the ceremony, while all eyes are on Phoenix and me exchanging vows, Nanny Fiona will slip away with my daughter.

I paste on a smile as Phoenix's man watches me from across the room. I've played my part well, the dutiful fiancée, throwing herself into wedding preparations. No one suspects that behind the scenes, I'm orchestrating something else entirely.

My heart aches knowing I won't see Brigit grow up, but at least she'll be safe. That's all that matters now.

I'm in the middle of coordinating with the security team about where to position men during the ceremony when the double doors to the ballroom burst open. Three women sweep in, all smiles and excitement.

"Surprise!" The blonde one, Lucy, Flint’s wife, calls out. "We're your bridal party!"

I freeze, clipboard clutched to my chest. Hannah, Ash's wife, beams at me despite the slight paleness to her complexion that speaks to her recent injury. Beside her stands Jenna, looking shy but determined.

"I… what?" I stammer. This isn't part of my plan. I don't have time for this distraction.

"Phoenix didn't tell you?" Jenna asks, her voice gentle. "We're going to be your bridesmaids."

I feel a headache forming behind my eyes. "That's very kind, but I have so much to do. The seating chart is a nightmare, and I still need to finalize?—"

"Which is exactly why you need help," Hannah says, stepping forward. "No bride should handle everything alone."

Lucy holds up her phone. "We've already made appointments at three bridal boutiques for bridesmaid dresses. We can go this afternoon."

"My dress is already finished," I say quickly. "And I really don't have time for shopping. The wedding is in three days."

"Phoenix specifically asked us to help you," Lucy says. "He thought you might appreciate some female company."

I don’t buy it. Phoenix doesn’t care about what I want or need. I imagine they’re here to check up on me. Clever to use my future sisters-in-law to do it. I grip my clipboard tighter. This feels like surveillance disguised as friendship. Phoenix must suspect something.

"And we can help with your to-do list," Jenna adds. "I'm great with flowers and decorations."

"Phoenix mentioned you've been working non-stop," Hannah says. "He's worried about you."

“I doubt that,” I quip before I think better of it. It won’t be smart to air my grievances with the wives of Phoenix’s brothers.

"We won't take no for an answer," Lucy says with a smile. "So, what do you say? Girls' day out, then we'll help with whatever you need to finish?"

I study these women and see the trap Phoenix has laid. Three pairs of eyes to watch my every move, report back my every word. My carefully constructed plans suddenly feel fragile.

I glance at my guard, who gives a slight nod. Of course Phoenix has already cleared this. My jaw clenches involuntarily.

Going with them means precious hours away from finalizing Brigit's escape. Hours I can't afford to lose. But refusing would only raise suspicions I can't afford.

"I haven't left the estate since…" I trail off, not needing to finish. Since your husbands stormed in and took everything over. Since my world collapsed. Since I became a prisoner in my own home.

"All the more reason to get some fresh air," Lucy says.

I weigh my options quickly. If I go, I lose planning time but gain their trust. If I refuse, I might as well paint I'm hiding something across my forehead.

"Alright," I concede, setting down my clipboard. "But just for a few hours. We'll need to be back by four."

The relief in their smiles seems genuine, making me wonder if they're as uncomfortable with this arrangement as I am. Are they here as spies or potential allies? Either way, I can't risk confiding in them.

What Phoenix doesn't understand is that nothing, not even three watchful bridesmaids, will stop me from protecting Brigit. If anything, this outing might be exactly what I need to throw off suspicion.

I sit in the backseat of Lucy's sleek black car next to Hannah as we head toward downtown Boston. No one is really talking, and that’s when I remember they saw my humiliation at dinner.

At least Lucy and Jenna did. They watched with disapproval but didn’t say a word.

Then again, what could they say? Their husbands are now the most powerful men in Boston.

Hannah leans toward me. “Are you okay?”

I give her a fake smile, the one I’ve perfected over the years. “Of course. Why?”

She glances toward the front seat and then back to me. “I just heard… well… Phoenix was terrible at dinner.”

My cheeks burn with the memory. The revealing red dress. The leering men. Phoenix's cruel accusations.

"I was hoping we could all pretend that never happened," I manage, staring out the window.

“I almost didn’t believe it when I heard about it,” Hannah said. “Phoenix always seemed so… kind, more even-keeled than the others.”

“I witnessed it and it was all Flint could do to keep me from scratching Phoenix’s eyes out.”

My lips twitch upward but I hide it.

Jenna turns back to look at me from the front seat. “Blaise was livid. He and Flint talked to Phoenix. I hope it will get better.”

“You know, I don’t understand how in this day and age arranged marriage still exists. In Boston, of all places.” Lucy shakes her head.

“She isn’t from our world,” Hannah says. “I have an arranged marriage.”

“But you two love each other. That’s as clear as the nose on my face.” Lucy glances in the rearview mirror. “Why are you doing this?”

Jenna turns to her. “Lucy, she has no choice.”

“That’s against the law. I swear, you want me to drive you to Canada, I will.”

I study her and then the other women in turn. This is not at all what I expected. “We all do things for a reason. I’m no different.”

Lucy blows out a breath. “Whatever your reason, I hope it’s worth it.”

“The good news is that you now have three sisters,” Jenna says.

“My father and brother tried to hurt you, did hurt your husbands. Why?—”

Hannah takes my hand. "You're not your father, Keira. And we're not ours either. We get to decide who we are."

For the first time in days, I feel something crack inside me. Not hope, necessarily, but a fissure through which a little light can shine through.

We reach the little boutique and browse through the delicate silks and sparkling accessories. The women's kindness feels genuine, even if I remain cautious of their sudden appearance.

"What about these for the bridesmaids?" Hannah suggests, holding up a sample in a rich burgundy that complements my ivory gown.

"That's actually perfect," I admit, running my fingers over the fabric. "It matches the roses I've ordered."

Jenna smiles. "See? We can be helpful."

For a moment, I allow myself to imagine what this might have been like under different circumstances. Planning a wedding I actually wanted, surrounded by friends rather than allies of my captor.

"Have you thought about your something borrowed?" Lucy asks, inspecting a display of hair accessories.

"I hadn't gotten that far," I confess. "There's been so much to coordinate." What is the point, really? I suppose I could raid my mother’s jewelry box if necessary.

"I have a beautiful ruby bracelet," Hannah offers.

Their kindness is disarming. After days of isolation and Phoenix's hot-and-cold behavior, just being treated like a person feels revolutionary.

We find a style that has a size for each of them and pay a fortune to make sure they’re ready in three days. Lucy then suggests that we go for coffee.

We settle into a corner of a café. The conversation flows more easily now, and I find myself laughing at Lucy's story about how she and Flint met.

“The whole time I was falling for him, I thought his name was Flynn.”

“How’d you find out the truth?” I ask, thinking as deceptions go, that one isn’t so bad.

Her smile falters slightly. “Marshall, the former police superintendent, was threatening me and Flint intervened. He exposed who he was to protect me. He killed to save me.”

I frown. “My brother was suspected of killing Marshall.”

All three sets of eyes round as if they’re worried about my response to learning Flint was the one who actually killed Marshall.

“It’s my understanding that your father and Ronan were okay with that as it hid the fact that the Ifrinns were back,” Lucy says.

I nod. “Sounds like something they’d do.” I study them. “Are you involved in the business?”

“I’m a writer,” Lucy says. For a moment, I want to share with her my secret writing, but while I’m enjoying these women, I’m not ready to share my secrets. I may never share them with anyone.

“I helped Ash… ah… with the families…” Hannah looks nervous.

“The ones who worked with Phoenix to overthrow my father.”

She swallows and nods.