Page 2 of Reckless Desires

The three of us step closer to our oldest sister, practically in a hug. Stasia and Darius have been trying to conceive, and hopefully this one will stick.

“No one knows yet,” Stasia lowers her voice. “Darius is on edge. Every time we lose one feels like it chips away at his soul.”

“How far along are you?” I ask.

“Just started the second trimester,” she held her words as though speaking about it would jinx herself. “If this one fails, I don’t think I have it in me to keep trying.”

“Serafina!” Our mom’s voice carries through the air as she calls out to our little sister.

Immediately, Stasia huffs, rolling her eyes, and Selene’s body tenses, her smile disappearing from her face.

Turning to my little sister, I tell her, “Go see Mom. I’ll catch up in a minute.”

Serafina rolls her eyes. “You know, if you just want to have an older-sisters-only conversation, just say so.”

I arch a brow.

“Fine.” Serafina pouts and walks away.

I focus back on my two older sisters. “Serafina may not realize you both abandoned your family, but I do. Whatever issues you have with Mom, can’t you just let it be water under the bridge?”

“It’s not that easy,” Stasia replies with pity.

“It’s so bad that you both turned your backs on her,” I scoff.

“There are some things that are unforgivable,” Selene adds, her face turning red.

“And what about Serafina and me?” I challenge. “This affects us more. Turning your backs on Mom is the same as doing it to us.”

“We do care for you and Serafina. You both still get an allowance,” Stasia adds. “As for Thea, there’s no hope with her. But Selene will make sure you’re taken care of.”

“Right,” I comment. “Marry us off. That’s still the plan, right?” A lump forms in my throat. These days I don’t know if I’m bitter or desperate. “What happens after that?”

Selene cuts in, “We are still sisters. Nothing happens with that.”

“Are your husbands telling you to cut Mom off?” I ask, looking between them both. “Neither of you have spoken to her since getting married and won’t give me a good enough reason as to why. You don’t even call her Mom anymore.” Tears began to cloud my vision. “Is that why you don’t come over anymore or stay as far away as possible from us when she is around?”

“No, Darius and Cameron would never and could never tell us something like that,” Stasia replies as though trying to backtrack. “It’s a personal choice. You and Thea have always had a better relationship.”

“I see she bought a new gown for the event,” Selene adds. “Have you been giving her some of the money we send you?”

I let out a huff. “You both barely send me enough to cover my own spending. You think I can help Mom? I can’t even tell her you guys still send Serafina and me money. She’d flip out.” I place my hands on my hips. “She’s been surviving on whatever new guy she gets every few months until they get tired of her.”

“I am impressed you’re able to keep up your appearance on what we do send you,” Selene comments politely, putting me in my place. “You’ve built your reputation as a fashion icon around here. Men practically give you designer items or vacations for free. There’s no reason to stress out.”

“I had to sell my Hermes bag the other day. If I don’t find someone quick, I’ll be out of anything to sell.”

“Darius has someone he thinks you’ll like,” Stasia voices.

“I’m beginning not to trust Darius on picking the right man. The last two were awful,” I say, rolling my eyes.

“They weren’t eye catchers, but they would have allowed you to keep up this lifestyle you’ve created for yourself.” Stasia tilts her head. “Are you saying you have standards now?”

“Well, obviously decent enough to want to sleep next to them.” I tap my foot on the floor. The pointy red bottom stiletto adds an extra layer of expression. “Everyone will think I’m just a gold digger if I marry an ogre-looking man with money.”

Stasia bursts out laughing, which causes Selene to follow despite trying to hold it in.

“Seriously?!” I whisper to them in a snippy tone.