I quickly get dressed and hurry down the stairs with Antonia telling me to slow down and hold on to the railing.
Abel is studying the photographs on one of the sideboards in the large living room and turns when he hears me. He’s holding a framed photograph that he puts back when I enter. I notice it’s one of Mercedes.
“Abel.” I slow down and just catch myself before I hug him because he is still Abel. God, what a state I’m in if I think running into my brother’s arms is a good place to be. This is what Santiago has reduced me to? “What are you doing here?”
“It’s good to see you too, sis.” His eyes fall on the rosary, which I quickly tuck under my sweater. “Find God here?”
“No, actually. Just the devil.”
He snorts, looks me over. “He’s not beating you, is he?”
That’s complicated, and I’m about to try to explain it when I realize something. “Has something happened? To Dad? Is that why you’re here?”
He inhales and exhales, then wanders deeper into the house to glance around. “No, he’s the same.”
“Thank goodness. Evangeline?”
“No, Ivy, everyone is fine. I just wanted to come and see how you’re doing.” He turns back to face me, and I know that’s not it. Abel always has an agenda.
But he’s also the only one who may be able to help me. “I can’t stay here, Abel. You have to do something.”
“What do you mean? Look around you. You live in the lap of luxury, even if it does have a Dracula vibe going. Is he too cheap to light the place?”
“No, I think he just…” I trail off because why would I explain to my brother that I think it’s because of his face. I think Santiago doesn’t like anyone to see him. It’s strange, but it’s the first time I register that myself. “Never mind. Abel, I can’t stay here. I mean it. He…”
“You’re married to a De La Rosa, Ivy. You’re staying. There’s only one way out. Well, two. He can divorce you, or he can kill you.”
I shudder.
He chuckles.
Does he have any idea how close to the truth his words have come?
“Is his sister home?”
“What?”
“Mercedes. Is she home?”
“I don’t know.”
He shakes his head like he’s disappointed and looks around, then comes closer to me. His voice is lower when he speaks. “You’ll be attending the Gala, I hear.”
“At the compound?”
He nods.
“Yes. Will you be there? Maybe you can bring Evange—”
“Don’t be stupid, Ivy. Of course, I won’t be there. Even as his brother-in-law, I’m not yet welcome. But my time is coming. And you’ll do your part to make sure it comes quickly.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Never mind. I need you to do one thing for me while you’re there.”
“What?”
“I want to know who Holton talks to. Do you remember him?”
“I’ll never forget that man.”
“Good. I’ll come back here in a few days, and I’ll bring Evangeline for a visit if you manage to get me any useful information.”
“What?”
“Oh, and don’t tell your husband.” He checks his watch. “I have to go.” He starts to head toward the front door.
“Wait!” I catch his arm. “Abel, please. I need your help. You’re the only one who can help me.”
He sighs like he’s bored. “What, Ivy?”
“He wants…he’s planning to...start a family. I don’t want, no, I can’t have that monster’s baby! Please. You have to help me.”
He snorts. “Is that all?”
“What do you mean is that all?”
“Don’t worry. There won’t be any baby. Do you think I didn’t plan for that?”
“What?”
“The shot, Ivy. It was a birth control shot.”
“Dr. Chambers gave me a birth control shot?”
He nods.
“But you said it was vitamins.”
“Christ.” He shakes his head like I’m the stupidest person he’s ever met. “That was for that fat fuck Holton’s sake.” He steps closer, brushing my bangs forward to cover my eye. “Hide that. It’s off-putting.”
“You had Dr. Chambers give me a birth control shot? Then why agree to let Santiago have me in the first place if you don’t like him?”
“You don’t say no to a Sovereign Son, do you? Not if you want to have any standing in The Society. I have to go. You let me know who Holton talks to. I’m not asking for much so try not to fuck it up.” He’s almost to the front door when I think of something.
“How long?”
“How long what?” he asks, sounding exasperated.
“Birth control. How long is it good for?”
“Two or three months.”
“And Dr. Chambers knew?”
“He gave you the shot, didn’t he? Honestly, Ivy, some days, I wonder about your cognitive ability.”
I push a hand into my hair. Why would Dr. Chambers give me a birth control shot when he knows Santiago wants sons?
“Ivy?” Abel calls out.
I look up at him.
“Do I need to tell you not to mention the birth control to your husband?”