My face heats up. He picks up one of the masks he had brought in, from the table and hands it to me.
“This is the one I want you to wear tonight.”
I look at it. It’s beautiful, a delicate black lace mask with gold filigree along the edges, shaped like wings that sweep upward at the corners. It’s dramatic and sensual, not the simple one I would have chosen.
“I don’t want this one,” I say. “I want a different mask.”
He smirks. “You lost the bet, remember? This is me collecting.”
I narrow my eyes at him, but I know I don’t have a choice. “Fine.”
He helps me put it on, adjusting it carefully so it sits perfectly. When I look in the mirror, I barely recognize myself. The blonde wig and this mask make me look like someone else entirely.
“Ready?” he asks, offering me his hand.
I take it. “Yes.”
We head downstairs. Marco is already waiting with several of Nico’s men. He opens the car door for us without a word, his expression carefully neutral. I slide into the back seat, and Nico follows, the door closing behind us.
As the car pulls away from the mansion, I turn to him.
“You still haven’t told me why Daniel isn’t my bodyguard anymore.”
Nico’s jaw tightens. He looks at me. “Is there a particular reason you keep asking about Daniel?”
I huff. “I’m just asking because it’s strange. He was there one day and gone the next.”
“He’s been reassigned. He no longer works inside the mansion. He’s on perimeter duty now,” Nico says flatly.
I blink. “Just like that?”
He doesn’t answer, clearly done with the topic. I let it go.
The rest of the ride, he gives me the rules.
“You do not remove your mask under any circumstances,” he says, voice serious. “You do not wander off. You stay by my side the entire night. You do not speak to any of Gallo’s men, youdon’t even go near them. You do not speak to your father. You do not signal your sisters or try to make contact. Understood?”
I start to push back. “Can I at least?—”
He grabs my chin, turning my face to his. “This is important, Eleonora. One wrong move I will drag you out of there and bring you straight back home. Do not test me on this.”
I swallow hard, then nod. “Fine. I’ll behave.”
He releases my chin but keeps his hand on my thigh the rest of the drive.
We arrive at the estate just after nightfall.
The premises are breathtaking, a sprawling, historic mansion lit up like something out of a historical novel. Tall stone columns glow under golden lights, luxury cars lining the long driveway.
Men in tailored tuxedos and women in glittering gowns step out of vehicles, their laughter carried on the cool night air. Everyone is masked.
Nico reaches over and makes sure my mask fastened. Then he puts on his own: a simple but striking black mask with angular lines and subtle silver detailing along the edges. It makes his eyes look even darker, more predatory.
He offers me his arm. “Ready?”
I nod, and we step out together.
Inside, the mansion is even more opulent. Crystal chandeliers hang from impossibly high ceilings, casting fractured light across marble floors and gilded walls. Classical music weaves through the air, mingling with the low hum of conversation and the clink of champagne glasses.
