Chapter 107: Chapter 107

When I wake, it's still dark outside and there's no one on the bed beside me. I sit up as panic begins to claw its way inside my chest but when I hear the shower going, I know what happened last night was real and Tanya is alive. Even though I haven't gotten much sleep, I feel energized. I feel happy.

We're going to have to face them tomorrow.

My heart plummets when I remember Ash's words from the night before. He sat me down and told me there would be reprisals and that I needed to get prepared for whatever the five dons that run the Canmora will do. He was a bit evasive about what the reprisals were but I don't need to be a rocket scientist to know it has to do with shedding blood.

I'm petrified as his words wash through me but as soon as the door to the bathroom opens, I shake it off and paste on a smile as Tanya comes back inside the room. Her blonde hair is wet and longer than I've ever seen it. Her smile is wide and her eyes shine as they land on me.

"Morning, sis, hope you slept well."

I chuckle as I stand and stretch. "Good to know you haven't lost your ironical sense of humor. We didn't sleep much, remember?"

It's her turn to chuckle as I make my way to the bathroom. It's obvious she's settled in here, judging by the number of shampoos, conditioners, and ointments littering the cabinet. Ash's country home is not as modern as his city home but it's still a work of art. Thank goodness there's hot water. I make good use of it as I wash out the filth from my hair and body, making sure to use shampoo and conditioner generously. By the time I come out, I'm squeaky clean.

Tanya is nowhere in the room but there's a note propped on the beside saying the white trouser suit on the bed was sent by Ash and it's for me. I waste no time in toweling myself dry and donning the clothes. Tanya comes back inside the room and gets to work on my hair, leaving it in loose waves. She also uses some makeup on my face and by the time she's done and I stand in front of the mirror, Ash's other words flash through my mind.

The dons like it when you dress to impress. It gives them the idea that you're a worthy adversary.

Even with all the makeup on my face, I can still see the hollow in my cheeks and the tragedy and uncertainty in my eyes.

"It's going to be alright," Tanya says standing behind me.

I smile and nod, but inside me, there's a grade-A storm of emotions roiling all about in my stomach and heart as well. She hands me a pair of strappy nude heels and a matching purse. I realize she must have picked out the outfit I have on, but as if reading my thoughts, she shakes her head and smiles.

"It was all Ash."

I'm taken aback by the surprise that Ash knows my exact size. Before I can reply, a knock sounds on the door.

"Come in!" Tanya and I say at the same time. We look at each other and smile before putting our attention on the door that's already opening. Someone walks inside.

"Ash?"

"In the flesh." His smile is enigmatic as he turns around with a flourish.

His hair is slicked back showing his handsome features and the sharp contours of his jawline. He has on a black pinstripe suit tailored to his exact form showcasing his broad shoulders to perfection. On his feet are shiny leather shoes. I know everything he has on are designers. He doesn't wear anything else anyway.

His eyes glaze over with an emotion I can't put my finger on as he stares at me. "You look. . . like a goddess. My goddess."

I feel my face heat up. "You look very handsome yourself." From the corner of my eyes, I see

Tanya smirking. She clears her throat, breaking the stare down between Ash and me.

Ash moves closer and takes my hand. "Hazel eyes, please call me Batista while we're here. These people won't like the fact that I changed my name, they're not that forgiving."

His eyes harden to shards but it's fleeting and his enigmatic smile flashes onto his face once again. He loops my hand in his and leads me out of the room. The walk outside is a blur as he takes me outside the house to a large gazebo decorated with sweet-smelling climbing roses and honeysuckle. The planting close to the gazebo is vivid with different types of plants. It is naturalistically arranged with flowers for their vibrant color and sweet scent.

Comfy-looking chairs are artistically arranged inside the gazebo and a table as well. On it is a spread of food. Ash sits me down on one of the chairs and picks up a plate. He picks different items from each of the dishes and places them on the plate before turning to me with a smile. As he places the plate in front of me, he leans down and places a lingering kiss on my forehead and I can't help but lean forward, relishing in the warmth emanating from him.

Too soon, he moves away and gets busy dishing up another plate for himself. As we eat, he cracks jokes that set me roaring with laughter. I know what he's doing and it's working. I feel more relaxed than I did before. I also realize that I'm famished and everything he put on my plate is delicious. In no time, everything disappears inside my belly. I know after this we will have to face the music but I don't mind so much because Ash will be beside me all the way.

After we're both sated, he places a hand on mine and looks into my eyes. I breathe in deeply before nodding. "It's okay, I'm ready."