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“What?” I ask, twisting back to look at her. I have no clue what’s happened to my panties from yesterday, so I’m wearing one of the pairs I found in the closet.
“The back of the dress is too low. You can see the top edge of them.”
“I’ll put on the other dress and-”
“No time,” Valentina interrupts. “Just take them off.”
My cheeks flush hot. She cannot be serious. She wants me to go out in public, to come face to face with Elio, wearing no fucking underwear?
But her face tells me she absolutely is serious. She’s practically dancing with anxiety about the time, and as much as I hate this whole situation, I don’t want to make problems for her if I can help it. Besides, it’s not like Elio hasn’t seen me even more exposed. At least my dress is all in one piece this time.
“Fine,” I grit out. I don’t have to worry too much about the camera, because my skirt is so long it completely covers me as I wiggle out of the underwear. “Better?” I spin around.
“Perfect!” Valentina says, shoving her phone in a small gold clutch. “Now let’s go!”
Chapter 16
Elio
I’ve just emerged from my office and am crossing the main floor of the house when I hear the clatter of high heels on the stairs. I reach the front door and turn just in time to get punched in the face.
That’s what it feels like. That’s what my Songbird looks like, coming down the stairs. So beautiful she’s a blow to the fucking head.
I barely notice my cousin beside her as Deirdre descends the stairs. Her steps are quick but wobbly, and she’s looking down like she’s afraid she’s going to fall and snap her neck. Which, considering the shoes she’s wearing, is probably a valid concern. My gaze slides from her silver shoes, up the tantalizing line of her leg appearing at the slit in her dress, to her hips, her sweet little waist and tits. That dress is a goddamn dream on her, encasing her body in silk so dark blue it makes her eyes look like midnight instead of their usual midday sky.
Those deep blue eyes meet mine, and Deirdre freezes on the stairs. Valentina just keeps on going, practically sprinting even though her heels are even higher than Deirdre’s.
Deirdre and I stare at each other for so long I wonder if she’s planning to stay on that step all night.
“Need me to carry you again?” I ask.
She inhales sharply, her lush mouth tightening.
“No, thank you,” she says, her tone clipped. “I don’t need another dress ruined by your blood.”
Valentina tenses beside me, no doubt fearing my anger. But I surprise them both by letting out a chuckle.
“I’m all stitched up, remember, Songbird? Good as new.”
Not exactly true. My shoulder’s going to be a pain in my ass for a while. But Morelli checked my stitches today and put new bandages on earlier, at least, so I won’t be bleeding all over her. I stare at her cleavage, her collarbones, remembering what my blood looked like smeared there, and the crotch of my pants feels suddenly tighter.
Deirdre starts walking again, descending the last few steps. My gaze is stuck on her chest, and I frown, feeling like something’s missing before I realize what it is.
“Where’s her jewellery?” I ask my cousin.
Valentina smacks the palm of her hand to her forehead.
“Ah, shit. It’s upstairs with the shoes.”
“Go get it,” I tell her, keeping my eyes on Deirdre’s bare neck.
“But we’re late! Mamma’s already there and pissed about it. I’ve got about a dozen texts from her and-”
I tear my gaze from Deirdre’s skin long enough to give Valentina a look that sends her running for the stairs.
“I’ll be right back!” she calls. She’s like a tiny fucking track athlete even in those shoes. She’s running like it’s her job.
I’m alone with Deirdre now. There are a few soldiers scattered around the main floor of the house, and Curse and Enzo are both outside ready to go, but in this space by the door, it’s just the two of us.
