Broken Road (Fate's Intent Book 7) Read online

  I didn’t see her again until the guests started slowly withering away to their rooms for the night and we decided to do the same and get ready for our next venture.

  Chapter 38

  Ruby

  We finally got to leave. I was so tired of everyone staring at me and just wanted to get out of there. The three of us headed back to my room where Adele could put our next outfit together quickly and be ready when our husbands decided to leave the palace for their night of fun.

  “Okay, so how was this going to be?” Adele asked, looking over the pile that was already laying on the bed.

  “Simple.” I said. “You two will have pants because we’re actually going out and it’ll be cold, the legs will be cut off mine so I can actually show off something and I’ll just bring a long jacket. Make my shirt out of this.” I held up a shimmering gold fabric with red beaded detail on it and tossed it to Adele.

  “Okay. What do you want it to look like?”

  “Give it long sleeves and simply have it tie in front so it’s low and wrap the rest of the way around my stomach. I’ll take care of the pants.” I reached for a pair of tan pants and ripped off the legs high up towards the crotch then started slipping them on right under the skirt of my dress.

  “Pants is a good idea for me.” Jaylyn said, reaching for a pair of white ones on the bed. “I’ll wear these.”

  “What was your top going to look like?” Adele asked, making the final preparations on mine.

  “Um—” Jaylyn paused for a moment and looked around at some of the things on the bed. “I got this white collared shirt to wear but I want it cropped and open in the front with this wide green leather corset-like piece to wear just under it around my ribs. They won’t need to be attached. It’ll stay up but you can if you want to.”

  “Okay. Let me see it.” Adele held her hands out and caught whatever Jaylyn tossed over to her. “Get those pants on and Ruby, here’s your top. Get it on.”

  “Thanks. It’s perfect.”

  We started getting dressed and Jaylyn looked up at Adele while pulling her white pants up over her hips under her dress. “I take it you’re using what’s left?”

  Adele looked up and glanced to the bed. “Yeah. I’m going to have a blue halter that twists in the front with an opening in the middle and just wear it with black pants. No need to really get fancy here.”

  “So, anyone think this will really be fun for us?” I asked.

  “Probably not so much.” Adele said, tossing Jaylyn her shirt and starting to work on hers. “But I’ll at least be able to be around Zayden when we go out. That’ll be worth it.”

  “Yeah.” Jaylyn smiled. “I’m kind of looking forward to seeing what they’re like drunk together. We’ve never see it before.”

  “What if we don’t like it?” I asked.

  Adele and Jaylyn looked at each other and Adele slipped her blue halter down over her. “Why wouldn’t we?”

  “Just a thought. They’ve never actually gotten like this since they’ve met us. What if they’re drawn back to their old ways?”

  “I doubt it’ll be like that.” Adele said. “As long as we’re with them, they shouldn’t do a thing like that.”

  I still wasn’t sure but didn’t drag out my worry because Darius walked in. “Hey! Wow! Three women changing in my room who look totally hot and ready. You all staying tonight?”

  I sighed and looked at Adele. “You were saying?”

  She laughed quietly and looked at Darius. “Are you already drunk?”

  “What? No.” He walked in farther while he started to remove his jacket and shirt. “Maybe a little tipsy from all the wine I needed to stay sane with but definitely not drunk. A few shots of the good stuff ought to do it though. Can you do me a favor and make sure I’m sitting when that happens? I wouldn’t want any of you in the way if I happened to fall over.”

  “I can already tell.” Jaylyn said. “You’re a stupid drunk, aren’t you?”

  “You mean like doing stupid things? Better than being an angry drunk. Now, those guys usually always get what’s coming to them and I get to be the one to do it. Also stay away for that.”

  “Hey, ready?” Zayden came in with Troy right behind him. They had already changed and looked at Darius standing shirtless with us.

  “I would guess, no.” Troy answered. “But they are.”

  “You like?” Jaylyn asked with a smile as she went over to him and got her arms around his body.

  “Like? Oh, yeah. I like a lot.” Troy held her close to him and looking down at the cleavage exposed from her top.

  “Darius, get ready.” Zayden said. “I have Rift all tucked away for the night so we have to hurry and sneak out passed father.”

  Adele laughed while Darius went into his closet to change. “Why?”

  “We don’t want a lecture before we go out for fun. We always get one when we get back. One is enough. Believe me.”

  “How about we limit the certainty of that, okay? We’re basically there to watch you, remember?”

  “I know but we can’t plan everything.”

  “That wouldn’t make it fun.” Darius smiled, walking out wearing dark brown pants with a tight red sleeveless shirt and carrying a tan jacket. He looked delicious. “Okay. Let’s go.” He slipped his jacket on while everyone else pretty much did the same and we all left the room.

  They had us walk carefully down the hall since all the guests from the dinner had gone off to bed and made it to the stairs. We snuck even more carefully to get out of the palace unseen and Zayden led us right to the palace gates to leave.

  “We’re not taking horses?” Adele asked.

  “No need. We’re close.”

  She shared a look with us and I was wondering how they planned to get back if they were too drunk to even stand up but no one said anything. I was sure we’d hear the plan if there even was one.

  Chapter 39

  Adele

  We arrived at our final destination on a lit corner after walking a few streets to get there.

  “There it is.” Darius said. “Shit, it’s been awhile. Wonder if anything changed.”

  Troy laughed. “Of course not! We’ve been coming here for years. It’s always the same.”

  “Well, welcome to our past’s second home.” Zayden said.

  We walked in and went through a short hall before we came in sight of the tavern where the Great Seni Fighters had spent most of their younger years. It was wide open with tables set up on the open floor where the large bar stood, carrying a variety of beverages and the second level, just five feet up from the main floor was set up more like a lounge with several different sections of couches around their own table.

  “Wow.” I muttered, looking around at the space through all the people already there. “It’s bigger than Carmen’s.”

  “And much more fun with better company.”

  My thoughts immediately went to Ryon and Kole and my eyes slightly narrowed. “That’s not even funny to say.”

  “Come on, Love.” Zayden smiled, putting his arm around me and leading me towards the stairs. “You know I didn’t mean it like that.”

  “Can we not discuss it?” I said, already gaining an attitude and we just got here. “Just have your fun while I try to stay calm and quiet about it.”

  Zayden laughed quietly and kissed my head. “Okay.”

  We went up to the second level and got comfortable on a set of couches where they would probably usually sit and ordered the first round of drinks.

  “No way! It’s true! I had to see it for myself!” A man approached us and stopped at the end of the table.

  “Phil!” Zayden smiled. “How are you?”

  “I’m doing well. Good to see you back.”

  Zayden kept his smile and leaned into me. “This is Phil, owner and bar tending master for longer than we’ve been coming here.”

  “Nice to meet you.” I said politely.

  “What are you craving?” Phil asked. “I�
��ll be sure to have them out to you in an instant.”

  “Oh, we already ordered like a second ago.” Troy answered.

  “Oh, no.” Phil said, shaking his head. “I have been saving something especially for the three of you. It’s perfectly aged and ready to complete your night as I see you’re already in your usual good company.”

  “Fuck yeah!” Darius smiled. “Bring it out!”

  Zayden laughed while he glanced over at him. “As you can see, he’s already half way there. It shouldn’t take much.”

  “Then I’ll have it right out to you.” Phil turned from us and headed back down to the bar.

  I watched him for a moment and turned my eyes over at Zayden. “He doesn’t know?”

  “Doesn’t know what?”

  “That we’re married?”

  “It’s possible but not something we would really talk about here. Most men would find it wise not to bring their wives to this place.”

  “Then you must be the stupidest three ever.” Jaylyn smiled.

  “No.” Troy laughed. “I wouldn’t completely say that. We have fun with you. Not everyone around here marries for love. It sometimes becomes a stature thing so they have to have their fun somewhere else.”

  “That’s horrible.” Ruby muttered.

  “Yeah, but not for us, Babe.” Darius smiled as he pulled her close to him. “You always bring a good time.”

  Ruby let out a quiet smug laugh. “Oh, so that’s all I’m good for?”

  There was a short pause and before anyone could answer a woman wearing the tavern’s tight dress uniform and apron came over with a tray of about two dozen shots and set it down on the table. “Here you are.”

  “Thank you.” Zayden said.

  She stood up fully and had her brown eyes in Darius’s direction. “Is there anything else I can get you?”

  His eyes moved up her body to hers and he leaned back a little to Ruby. “What do you think?”

  Ruby smiled to him asking her advice and she played along while looking back on the woman for just a moment and making sure her hands were in clear sight of touching Darius. “Hmm, we could take her back to our room later and find out. Think she’d survive?” Ruby’s eyes looked up at the woman again and they were probably dying to turn red.

  The woman clearly felt intimidated from her normal stare and slowly stepped back. “I’m sorry, my shift appears over. Enjoy your drinks.”

  “Yes. We’ll do that.” Ruby smiled, watching her fear as she walked off down to the first level.

  “Ruby.” I sighed. “Don’t.”

  “What? Just having a little fun.”

  “We’re not here to have fun that way, all right?”

  “Well, let’s get this started, shall we?” Darius took eight of the shot glasses off the tray and lined in front of him then slid the tray over to Zayden and Troy who started to do the same. “All right. I’m not waiting for you.” He picked up the first shot and threw it down instantly with another one right after.

  “I’m so jealous of you right now.” Ruby said, watching him intensively.

  Darius threw down another shot and looked over. “You can have some.”

  “Don’t tease me. You know I can’t.”

  “No, I mean like this.” Darius reached for the back of her neck and pulled her lips into his, immediately meeting their tongues.

  Ruby let out a moan of pleasure when it happened. “That’s so good.”

  “See? You can still taste it without having to ingest it.”

  “Well, here!” Ruby quickly reached for another shot glass and handed it to him. “Have another!”

  Darius smiled as he took the glass and threw it down his throat. Ruby immediately leaned into his lips again to get another taste.

  We were just sitting back watching and Jaylyn reached for one of Troy’s shots and put it in front of his eyes so he would turn them to her. “I want a taste.”

  “Mmm. Me too.” Troy took the glass from her and drank it quickly without taking his eyes off hers then they leaned into each other and their lips met with gentle touching of their tongues.

  Zayden picked up a glass of his own and held it in front of him while looking at me. I just smiled and turned my body towards him, waiting for him to take the drink. “All right. Go for it. I’m ready.”

  “See? I knew this would be fun.” He took the drink quickly and we started kissing immediately to make the taste last.

  The level of fun I thought we would be having increased greatly and our trip now seemed worth it. We enjoyed seeing our husbands this relaxed with no worries whatsoever and even though we couldn’t drink like them, we still enjoyed just being in their company.

  Chapter 40

  Ruby

  Hours went by and so did several more drinks. Empty glasses soon stacked up on the table in little towers and it was obvious that the Great Seni Fighters were completely drunk.

  They were always smiling and laughing at something or even nothing but there was something unexplainable about them that didn’t make them seem like themselves to me. It was something different that I’ve never seen before. It couldn’t be placed but I kept my eyes open for the unexpected to happen.

  We sat calm for a moment and Troy moved his eyes down to the first level to the sound of commotion and saw a drunken man getting a little too close and involved with one of the waitresses trying to serve him. “Uh oh, Darius. I smell trouble.”

  Darius smelt the air with one heavy breath before turning his head to see for himself. “I love that smell. I’m on it.”

  He set his current glass down, I lost count of which number then he slowly started to stand.

  “Sure you can walk?” Zayden laughed.

  “Yeah. I’m good.” Darius smiled while standing balanced on his feet. He walked over to the stairs and hopped down without a problem just as Phil was about to approach the table. “Hey, I’ve got this one, Phil. Better find him an escort home.”

  “Thanks, man.”

  I watched Darius approached the table where the man was trying to get the waitress to settle in his lap and he just stood there for a moment with his arms crossed. “I don’t think she likes being touched.”

  “Keep walking. This is none of your business.” The man said without even looking up.

  “Maybe you didn’t hear me.” Darius unfolded his arms and leaned down. “That means stop what you’re doing or there’s going to be trouble.”

  It was a little funny. When he realized who was actually speaking to him, he freed the woman and quivered in his chair. “Darius! I apologize! We’re cool.”

  “Are we?” The man nodded his head and Darius stood up straight, starting to turn away. “All right. You say we’re cool then I’ll believe you.”

  The man let out a quiet sigh of relief but Darius curiously stopped. I didn’t know why until I saw his eyes on the waitress. I couldn’t see hers but I bet she was just completely terrified about that man still being here; cowardly woman. I guess that’s when Darius changed his mind about not causing a problem.

  “You know what? We’re not cool.” He punched him right in the face and the man flew out of his chair, drawing attention from everyone. “Oh, did you fall down? Let me help you up.” He reached down and pulled the man to his feet. “Let’s just clean you up, you’ve got some dirt on you.” Darius patted him down like he was helping and gave amusement to everyone when he acted like he cared. “You all right? Not hurt?”

  “No.” The man said through a deep breath. “I’m all right. I’m good.”

  “Are you? Well, can’t have that now can we?” Darius pushed him away from him this time back into his own table, knocking it over and putting him back on the floor. “That was for lying and not actually being good.” He pulled him right up to his feet by his shirt and stayed in his face. “You don’t treat women like that here. They should be respected and a few other things I can’t think of right now because I’m a little wasted. I think perhaps you’ve over stayed your we
lcome. You can leave on your own or would you like help?”

  The man was clearly frightened and was clumsy to keep his feet. His breaths were light and quick while Darius still had his eyes on him and he hurried off to the door in an obvious fear.

  “That’s what I thought.” Darius said to himself proudly. The crowd around all clapped and Darius looked around, smiling to his effortless victory. “Anyone else want to make my night a problem?” The crowd was still in smiles and started booing in response. “Good choice! Please—continue.”

  He picked up the table as everyone got back to their conversations but I didn’t stop watching because that waitress approached before he could clean up any further. “I’ll happily take care of this, Darius. Thank you for the assist.”

  “It was no problem. My pleasure completely.”

  “I could always make it.”

  My fist clenched. She was on her knees in front of him and I knew what she was offering. I wanted her dead. That would have been my instant response.

  “I’ll keep that in mind.” Darius walked back to us but stayed on his feet.

  “That was really sweet, Darius.” Jaylyn smiled.

  “Yeah, well, I have to piss like you wouldn’t believe. I better do that while I’m still on my feet.”

  “Thanks for telling us that.” Adele said. “You could have just walked away.”

  “Well, then wouldn’t you want a reason?”

  “With everything you drank?” I laughed. “We could have figured it out.”

  Darius laughed too. “I’ll be right back.”

  “Wait! We should too.” Troy said as he started getting up with Zayden.

  “What? Need me to hold it for you because that could get weird.”