“Debbie was devastated.” Aine holds a manicured hand to her chest.
“Of course she was. Her husband was electrocuted to death. She was hardly happy.” Brendan's sarcastic remark is delivered with a smirk. The light bounces off his bald head distracting me.
“How do we know it wasn’t on purpose, Master Lucas?” Sean speaks, while Aine and Brendan glare at each other.
“We don’t.” Now all eyes are on me.
“So it’s best for everyone to be careful.” I make sure I direct this to Cathal and Brendan.
There is a smile in Brendan’s eyes, like he knows something I don’t. His smile makes me nervous. He is a clever man and as much as I loathed him, I still need to be careful around him.
“Congratulations on your upcoming wedding, Master Lucas.” Aine speaks up, a clear way of trying to release some of the tension from the room. Only my upcoming wedding isn’t a topic I want to discuss.
“Thank you Aine.”
“My son is also in his selection process, Master Lucas.”
“I hope he finds what he’s looking for.”
There is a moment of confusion from the other members and it reminds me how new I am to this.
“The selection for him is perfect. I have no doubt any of them will make a stunning bride, Master Lucas.” Sean offers with a smile. I wonder what my father would have said if he was speaking about me.
“The reason we called the meeting, Master Lucas, is because a local has been repeatedly striking his wife.” Brendan folds his arms across his chest.
“Bring him in.” That is what was meant to be done. His punishment would be in the glass box.
“Are you sure that’s wise, Master Lucas?” Brendan is questioning my authority and I grit my teeth.
I’m ready to dismiss his question, but once again I am all too aware of how clever he is, and also how the other members seem to lean towards him, like he should lead.
“It’s just with what happened with Declan, I’m sure we don’t want a repeat, Master Lucas.”
“I completely agree Brendan.”
He raises both eyebrows in surprise.
“I think we will have to add a new chapter in our book.”
Confusion mars their faces. It is time that we change our ways. Shocking people is such a barbaric way to discipline people.
I look to Aine. “What do you think is a fitting punishment for a man who strikes his wife?”
Aine’s painted lips stretch out and it makes me think of the joker. “Cut his dick off.”
I think we all tighten our legs, but I grin. I have to hand it to Aine for her boldness.
“Master Lucas.” She dips her head, still smiling.
“Outrageous.” Cathal speaks up for the first time, he’s staring at Aine. “The chair has always worked, so I don’t see why we would stop using it.” Once again Cathal speaks to Aine and not me. It is another blatant disregard for my authority. I know Brendan is watching me, enjoying my discomfort far too much.
I stand up. “Leave it with me and I’ll let you all know what I decide.” I meet each of their eyes and none of them answer me back, but all rise as I leave the room.
I had no idea of what my father would say to me changing the rules that they have followed for generations, but if I am to lead one day, things have to change.
CHAPTER SEVEN
ELLA
I lean against my closed bedroom door. My heart threatens to rip through my chest. My fingers touch my cheek where he had kissed me. His lips had been surprisingly soft.
I tighten my eyes as a knock vibrates through my back.
“Ella, it’s Hannah.”
Another knock has me pushing away from the door. I didn’t have a lock on it and she knew I was here. Taking a deep breath, I open the door, but don’t let her in.
“Yes, Hannah.”
She tilts her head with furrowed brows. “Are you okay?”
I’m staring at her wide eyed, terrified if I blink, or speak, that I’ll cry. I can’t show weakness.
“I’m rather tired. I’m going to bed.” I hold the door, not ready to close it.
“Okay.” She nods her head with pursed lips, her eyes look troubled. “I’m here if you need to talk.” She smiles softly. “We are sisters now.” She sounds so sincere.
Sisters. God, it sounds so nice.
“Goodnight.” I close the door and don’t let go of the handle until I can hear her receding footsteps.
I take a step away from the door but stare at it. I don’t know what I want. To scream or cry. How did this go so wrong? Should I ring my mother? Did I want to leave?
I am not one to admit defeat. But this isn’t what I signed up for. A knock to my door has me closing my eyes again.
She isn’t going to give up. I open the door but I am surprised to see Mark standing in my doorway.
“May I come in?”
“No,” I say immediately. I can only imagine the rumors that would spread, if anyone saw him come into my room. I don’t want to think about what Lucas would do.
He doesn’t seem put out at all by my response. “Okay, I will make it quick. I believe you were found with Alex today.”
I gape at him, wondering where this is going. I want to tell him I already received my punishment.
“You should keep away from all males.”
I force a smile. “Great, does that include Lucas?”
His nostrils flair. “It’s Master Lucas and of course not.”
My cheeks burn. I need to control my mouth. What is wrong with me? “I apologize. Of course, I didn’t really mean Master Lucas, but Alex was in the garden and we just said hello to each other.”
“Take the warning Ella.” He finishes before giving me a curt nod and closing the door. I’m left feeling confused and staring at the door again.
***
Sometimes the morning time brings more clarity and I often wake up with a new lease on life. Not this morning. Everything feels dimmer. I had woken up hoping I would be in my own bed, not in this nightmare. I want to return to the days that I spent blissfully daydreaming about Lucas.
I throw the covers off me and climb out of bed. The soft pink nightdress is cool against my hot skin. There is a lot of commotion outside my room. Opening the door, I see three girls chattering. They turn to me and all talk ceases.
Sandra smiles at me, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. Her blond hair is in a messy bun, but she still looks stunning, her blue eyes narrow at me.
“I hear you stole the first date with, Master Lucas.”
First date? Is that the lie he had spread? I had no idea what to say.
The tallest girl steps forward. Vicky, I remember now. The one who declared that she was going to sleep with him first.
“Did you do it with him? You know have sex?”
“Absolutely not.” I grind out.
She smirks. “I know we can’t go the whole way, but we can do other things.” She winks.
I shiver.
The thoughts of Lucas putting his hands on me sends a shiver racing through my body. I hate how my skin burns.
“Look, she’s going red,” Vicky points at me like I’m a zoo exhibit.