I'm eager to make her mine.
Because if this were a game, I've already lost.
And tonight, I want to make sure she does too.
7
CALLI
Ilean forward, smudging a line of eyeliner across my upper lid and muttering a curse under my breath. My hand isn't usually this shaky.
I wipe it clean and try again.
There. Done.
The dress I'm wearing hugs my curves in all the right places, or maybe all the wrong ones, depending on how you look at it. I ordered it from a cute little boutique in Dublin that assured me they could get it shipped to me in a day. I ordered two different sizes since I wanted to make sure it fit. Thankfully, one did, and perfectly, might I add.
Since the night in Dublin, I've seen Niko four more times. Each day basically. And somehow, he manages to find new ways to surprise me. New places. New experiences. New foods I've never tried.
New ways to make me feel things I shouldn't.
As I look in the mirror, the Callista I see is a bit different from the version my brothers know. She looks alive. Free. Like someone who makes her own choices.
She also looks like someone who might be falling into dangerous territory, but we'll worry about that later.
I reach for my perfume when my phone lights up with Keira's FaceTime call. I tap to answer, propping it against my makeup bag.
"Hey beautiful, can't talk long. Just getting ready," I say, brushing a stray hair from my face.
Keira's face fills the screen. Her red curls are piled into some chaotic updo that somehow works for her.
"That's okay. I just wanted a peek," she says and leans closer to the screen, then gasps. "Oh my God, Calli. Are your boobs out?!"
I laugh, rolling my eyes as I adjust the neckline of my dress. It's low-cut, yes, but still tasteful. Mostly.
"Oh shut it. They are not out."
"They are trying to be," she says, laughing.
"Hey, you're the one who told me to flirt and have some fun."
She nods, smiling. "I did. And I stand by that advice. But damn, you look amazing. That man is going to lose his mind."
"Thank you," I say, applying some of the red lipstick I know he likes.
"So, how's Niko? Still think he's the worst man you could fall for?"
I turn away to hide my smile, pretending to fiddle with an earring. "He's good. I may have been a tad dramatic."
Keira snorts and lifts her brows. "A tad?"
"Well, not by much." I lower my voice even though I'm alone. "My brothers would?—"
"Like I said, they won't find out," Keira interrupts firmly. "I won't tell them. Mine won't either. They don't even care enough."
"You sure about that?" I raise a brow.
"Okay, my brothers might care if I was sleeping with a sworn enemy. But just because your brothers don't like him doesn't mean he is. Who would your brothers like for you anyhow?"
