“To celebrate the beginning of the rest of our lives,” he finishes, and everyone cheers, clapping like he’s the president addressing the United States of America.
He’s not important. I know that much. He’s not as powerful as my father or James was. So why does he think he is?
“Like my husband just said,” my mother starts, and I watch her smile to their guests. I hate to admit that she looks lovely in her white dress. It’s off the shoulders, tight fitting, showing off all of her curves. She wears a set of pearls around her neck that my father got her for their wedding anniversary just two months before he passed away. I want to rip them off her neck. She doesn’t deserve them. “We are very lucky to have so many friends and loved ones to share this special day with us.” She raises her glass. “Thank you again, for all the love and support…”
I’m unable to hold in the laughter that comes from my numbing lips. The room falls silent, and I feel eyes on me. “To the happy couple.” I lift the champagne bottle and then down a big gulp. Time to fuck shit up. I can’t take it anymore. I want to watch it all go up in flames like the flowers.
“Elli,” Kira whispers, leaning into the table.
I push my chair back and stand, turning to face the table at the front of the room and smile. “Really, Mom, do you expect us to believe you actually love him?”
People gasp at my question and my mother’s injected lips thin. Lincoln stretches his neck, fixing his tie. Good, I want to make the bastard as uncomfortable as I can.
“I mean, he’s a Lord.” I laugh at that. “Did you pick him, or did the Lords tell you he was the one you had to marry?”
“Ellington,” she snaps, walking out from behind her table.
“Because between Dad and James … you married down.” My laughter grows. “Am I right?” I turn to face the crowded room full of guests.
A hand grabs my upper arm, and I’m being dragged backward. I almost trip over my heels but I manage to stay upright as I’m shoved through a door.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
SIN
“I’M SORRY ABOUT that, ladies and gentlemen.” Linc stands from his chair. “Elli’s … not well.” He goes on, walking away from the table. “Just give us a few minutes.” He rushes out of the room.
I push my chair back and jump up from my seat. “Easton,” I hear my mother call out, but I ignore her as I follow them.
Shoving open the door to the adjoining room I saw Laura drag Elli into, I see we’re back in the west wing where she stood and stared at the banister that her father hung himself from.
Elli now stands in front of her mother who has her finger in her face.
“You’re not needed here. This is a family matter,” Lincoln states, stepping in front of me. I punch him in his face.
He doubles over, covering it with his hands. “Je-sus,” he mumbles.
“What the fuck?” Laura snaps, looking over at me. Then her eyes go back to her daughter. “What the hell is wrong with you?” she demands. “You’re fucking on something, aren’t you? Drugged up, as usual.”
Elli starts laughing. “Don’t act like you care now, Mom. You’ve never cared before.”
“Elli—”
“You’ve never cared about me at all.” Her voice rises.
“Stop being so damn dramatic.” Her mother rolls her eyes.
I hear the door open behind me and I look over my shoulder to see Chance has followed us to get a view of the show. Giving him my back, I dismiss him.
Laura notices and then looks back to her daughter as well. “I don’t want to see you again until you’re sober.” Her heels clap on the marble as she walks over to her husband. She grabs his arm and starts to drag him back to the party when Elli speaks.
“Why him?” she demands, hands fisted down by her sides. “Why out of all the Lords did you pick him?” Her eyes fill with tears. “He’s nothing like Dad was.”
Laura turns and walks back over to Elli. Hands on her hips. “Your father was a self-absorbed son of a bitch. Just like you,” Laura growls.
Elli’s eyes narrow on her mother. “Father was too good for you,” she states.
I step closer, expecting her mother to slap her, put her hands on Elli in some way. If she does, I’ll break her nose too. I’m not above hitting a woman. Her face will match her husband’s.