Page 40 of A Vicious Love

“I’m not sure he wants me there.”

My mother’s expression cooled. “What Jamison wants privately is irrelevant. Publicly, you have a place.”

A place…beside him. Close enough to soften his edges for people who feared him, but not close enough to be protected from the edges myself.

“I have a rehearsal tomorrow.”

“At ten in the morning. The launch is at eight.”

I had no answer.

My mother looked at me for a moment. “You’ve missed too many events.”

“I was injured.”

“And then you had a headache.”

Her mouth thinned.

I looked away first.

“Wear your hair up. The neckline deserves it.” She touched the dress again.

Then she left.

I stayed on the floor long after the door shut. The dress remained open on my bed. A summons in silk. Fantastic.

The next night, I wore it.

My hair was pinned up the way my mother wanted, though I left a few pieces loose around my face because I needed something of mine.

My ankle was wrapped beneath my heel where no one could see.

The dress fit perfectly.

Crow styling had my measurements, of course.

The car took me alone to the new Crow hotel and casino. Harlan’s streets were busy with traffic, Veil screens flashing launch clips over the sides of buildings. The hotel rose at the river’s edge, black glass and gold architecture, its upper floors glowing. Crow banners hung from the entrance. Holographic crests that shimmered as cars passed beneath them.

Everything was controlled.

The line of security outside could have protected a small country.

My family car stopped at the private entrance. A Crow guard opened my door and offered his hand. I stared at it for half a second too long before taking it.

“Careful, Miss Bellemere,” he said. “The curb is wet.”

“Thank you.”

He helped me out.

Crow guards were gentler with me than my fiancé.

Inside, the launch, the private floor was expensive, low amber lighting, velvet seating, and glass views over the river. A casino floor spread beyond the entry lounge, private wealth disguised as entertainment.

Jamison stood surrounded by men in tuxedos and women in jewel-toned gowns, all of them orbiting him. He looked impossibly large. Dressed in black, and a whiskey glass held loosely at his side.

His gaze found me before I reached him.