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Tears well in her eyes as she turns away from me. “It was a surprise to me, as well. I didn’t do this to trap you.”

“Then how th’fuck did my father know about it b’fore me? Huh? How th’fuck did your father know b’fore me?”

“It was wrong of me not to tell you right away. I should have. I’m sorry.”

“You’re sorry? Th’only thing I’m sorry about is sticking my dick in you.” It’s then I notice the music has cut out, and I turn to see a crowd of guests standing outside the atrium.

The potent fog of alcohol tamps down the flare of irritation burning inside of me.

Amelia breaks into tears, and runs off down the hall.

And once again, I stand here looking like the villain.

Chapter 37

Isadora

Present day …

I stare in the mirror, as Giulia pins the last curl in place with a clip adorned in crystals. My hair hangs in long, lazy curls over my shoulders, gleaming with whatever products she used to make it shine. Since I never bothered with prom, or any of the dances in school, I’ve really never had the opportunity to dress up this way, aside from for the few weddings Aunt Midge has dragged me to, but she was often the one to do my hair, and all I can say about her efforts is she tried.

The dress is not one I would’ve chosen myself. Long, black and vampy, it clings to my curves, and flares out past my knees. The obscene slit up the side feels almost too racy, but the woman at the boutique insisted I was the epitome of grace and elegance, in spite of my trepidations. Lace and jewels make up the bodice that emphasizes my breasts, while long sleeves cover my scars. The black, Swarovski rhinestone, Venetian mask punctuates what I’ve always been told are cat-like eyes, and the red lipstick plumps my already too-fat lips.

“My God, Isa. You look like a maleficent goddess.” The solemn expression on Giulia’s face belies the awe in her words. I’d believe it jealousy, for not having been invited to the masquerade, but she wouldn’t have gone through so much trouble, fussing over me, if that were the case. And that’s not what I’ve gathered of her personality so far.

“Is everything okay?”

In the mirror’s reflection, she frowns, before her gaze falls away, prompting me to turn around.

“Giulia?”

“You need to be careful around these men tonight. They’re not what they seem.” Before I can ask her more, she crosses the room and grabs the shoes set out for me, and when she returns, she lowers herself to the floor at my feet. “I don’t know why he would ask you to do this.”

“What is it about them that concerns you?”

Raising the hem of my dress, she slips the black stiletto heel over my foot, which fits snugly, followed by the other, then pushes upright again. “These are not just random guests he’s invited. They’re very powerful.”

I recall Lucian’s comment a while ago, about the men being important. I imagine a lot of important men come and go in this place, so what makes these so exceptionally unnerving to her?

“I’ll be on my best behavior.” Smiling, I take one step toward the bathroom to blot some of this obnoxious lipstick, but feel a tight grip of my arm.

“It’s not like that, Isa. These men are … dangerous.” A flicker of remorse dances across her face, and it’s then, I realize she’s trying not to divulge too much.

“How are they dangerous?”

“I can’t say much. I won’t, so don’t ask. But stay by Lucian’s side. And if one of these men try to proposition you, tell him your debt is with Lucian.”

“What?”

“Trust me.” Her fingers squeeze my arm, emphasizing the urgency in her eyes.

“Is this the secret group thing you told me about a while ago?”

“Yes. And no more questions.”

“Just one more. Please. Why did you go through so much trouble, making me look like this, if I’m to avoid drawing attention to myself?”

“Because Lucian demanded that I help you look elegant for the evening. But I’m afraid, even he couldn’t anticipate that you’d look like this.”