Page 65 of Till Death Do Us Part

“Good. Now, try this on. We’ll need time to get adjustments done before the event.”

I was definitely on the curvy side, and I felt self-conscious as I got dressed, feeling positive it was made for skinny people. “Are we sure it’s a good idea for me to go?” I said. “I don’t want to put any of you at risk…”

“Everybody is hiding their identity there. You won’t draw anybody’s attention. Except for how you’ll look in that dress, but I will remind them to keep their distance from my wife.”

“Vera…”

“Shh.” She put a finger to my lips after I pulled my dress on. “Remember, I’m going to be Constance at this event. Don’t get it mixed up, Valentina.”

She stepped around behind me, and I arched into her hands as she pulled the ribbon ties on my back, strong but gentle, fitting it to me. I was surprised to find it fit perfectly, flattering my curves, and I put on the heels before I turned to the mirror, my breath catching at the sight.

Oh, God. I was a different woman now. I looked…

It was a beautiful dress, for one. The heels were stunning. But most of all, I looked like I could be someone.

Not a little girl who was scared of Mom running out of money, working on the weekends to bring it all home and then look after her siblings. Not a lonely girl people could take advantage of and then forget about.

I was a woman now. A powerful, confident woman who belonged in this space.

Vera came up behind me, and she made eye contact with me in the mirror as she slipped the coat onto me too, fitting perfectly over my curves. “That’s my wife,” she whispered, holding me from behind.

That was her wife.

And we would do this together.

Chapter 31

elaine

The house kept busy as we prepared for the event. Vera worked with her contacts while Petra was out on field work, and my heart swelled seeing how much Caitlyn was coming into her own, getting to help with the computer systems.

Jenna and I helped look after the others—Petra in particular was always getting into scrapes, coming back with bumps and bruises, and I was a good cook, so I got to pitch in for everybody, even though Vera offered to just hire a cook and spare us the trouble. It felt like the least I could do.

Clara got settled, finding her way around the house more easily, and she got some light back in her eyes and some luster in her fur as we got her diet sorted out. She still stuck to Vera—I think she could tell Vera had saved her, that night we met, and she was as grateful as I was.

Days flew by as the preparation settled in. Vera took point on everything, getting our alibis and our disguises sorted, getting in touch with the right contacts, occasionally slipping out for fieldwork to set the stage.

And I would be waiting for her when she got back tense and ready to work off her adrenaline. It was getting so natural now to respond to her desires that my body was getting to it faster than my mind was, like I could just sense when she needed it and I was ready for her right away.

I didn’t even recognize myself these days. She took me in the bedroom, in the kitchen, in the back garden, or even bent over the balcony. All I knew was yes. It was the only thing I ever wanted to know.

Before I knew it, I was dressed for the event, mask in hand, and Caitlyn gave me a hug at the door.

“I’ll be supporting you from back here,” she said. “Good luck, okay? Stay safe.”

“You too.” I squeezed her. “I’m glad you’re here.”

She giggled. “Your wife is a good host.”

“Well, that’s…” I blushed, and she laughed.

“I’ve seen the eyes you two make at each other.”

“Caitlyn!” I shook my head. “It could never really work.”

“As long as you’re happy right now, I’m happy.”

Petra leaned in the door behind me. “You coming, princess?”