“Do you like it?” I’m startled when Mateo suddenly appears next to me, placing his hand on my shoulder. While I smile, I don’t have a chance to respond because he continues. “Those are all the leaders in Diablo. I had it commissioned by a local artist about two years ago. I’d only been voted in as the new lord about two months before this was done.” His eyes are filled with happiness at the memory, and he turns to me with a smile. “See anyone you recognize?”
When I’d first glanced at the portrait I hadn’t thought to look for anyone I knew, but now I see Mateo front and center, wearing the same smile as the one he just gave me. I point to him and he nods, but I don’t notice anyone else. He grasps my hand and moves it back two rows and over a couple people, landing on a young Luke. My eyes widen as I look to him for confirmation.
He nods with a laugh and says, “Luke is a good man. He leads his team in Bonham well, in fact, he may lead Diablo someday.”
I’m surprised by his words; given I didn’t even know Luke was considered a leader. It’s clear I have a lot to learn about him and life inside gangs like Diablo. I have a lot of questions, including some about Mateo’s comment on him being voted in as leader of the gang. In my mind, I imagined something akin to a fight to the death for leadership changes. And I’m curious to confirm woman can lead in their gang as well, given that he said these were all the leaders and there are at least ten woman pictured.
It seems those questions will have to wait though because Mateo directs us to grab a quick bite to eat for dinner before ushering us off to bed.
***
DAVID
Last night Tara had watched as I spent two hours taunting and torturing Ash Booker. Not once did she flinch, and each time I turned to catch her eye, I never saw one ounce of pity. I have to say, it was a total turn on. While Ash hadn’t given up any information on her friends and brother, it had served as a bonding experience for Tara and I. Totally worth it.
It’s after midnight now, as I wait outside the ceremony hall, letting the memories of last night replay over and over. Tara kneels on the other side of this door, and when she emerges she will officially be my intended. I’ll escort her back to her room, and then as practice dictates, we’ll spend the next three months courting before we finally stand before Vater Henry and God to bind our lives together forever.
I can just make out Vater Henry’s voice on the other side of the door, and I hear my name. Good. That means the ceremony is nearly complete. I thumb the small box in my pant pocket, hoping she likes the gift I got her. It isn’t customary to give a gift to your intended on the night of their placement ceremony, but after the gift she gave me the other day, I want to make her happy.
The door to the hall opens and Mutter Vera stands with her arm linked with Tara’s. My wife to be looks absolutely stunning in a white silk dress, her black hair hanging across her shoulders in ringlets. Mutter Vera hands her off to me before stepping back through the door and leaving the two of us alone in the hall. Neither of us says a word as we turn to make our way down the long corridor, but we do exchange a few coy smiles.
I’m supposed to take her back to her familial apartment, but if I do that, I won’t be able to give her the gift. Her parents will both no doubt be waiting up for her on such an important night. So instead of turning down her hall, I continue on to the last hall on the left before sneaking her into my apartment. I nod to Brian, indicating his services are no longer needed, and he stands and leaves.
“You look breathtaking,” I tell her, as the two of us take seats side by side on my chocolate brown couch.
She thanks me for the compliment before asking, “Weren’t you supposed to take me back to my room?” She winks, letting me know she doesn’t mind the change of venue at all.
Reaching in and pulling the box from my pocket, I give it to her, palm up. “Yes well, I wanted to give you a gift.”
She takes it from me, her eyes filled with excitement before she removes the lid setting it gently on the table before us. When her eyes widen and a smile splits her lips, I know I did well. Removing the gold bracelet lined in rubies, she sets the box down on the couch between us.
“Will you put it on me?” She asks.
Taking the bracelet from her and wrapping it around her delicate wrist, I’m immediately glad I went with the rose gold. The color against her skin tone is mesmerizing, and I’m glad I decided to accompany Elder Smith today on his supply run to town. While Emily price gouged me out of several pounds of scrap metal in exchange for this tiny piece of jewelry, it’s worth it to see Tara’s eyes light up as it dangles from her wrist.
I’m surprised when she squeals and throws her arms around my neck, whispering in my ear, “Thank you. I love it.”
She pulls back, but neither of us let go, and while I know it will take every ounce of my strength to stop once we start, I lean in and brush my lips
