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With a flick of the brush in my hand, I finished applying mascara, a little blush on the apples of my cheeks, a coating of cherry-flavored lip gloss, and a light dusting of translucent, shimmering powder. The effect was stunning. Under the lighting in my room, my skin glowed with a mesmerizing sheen.
I never wore my hair down with a formal dress. Tonight, I twisted and curled the long strands, pinning a few up while allowing strays to frame my face. Tiny white flowers were pinned behind my ears. I added hairclips with crystal beads and admired the finished look.
When finished, I slipped into a new trumpet silhouette gown I bought several months ago for this occasion. The straight-lined skirt flared toward the hem while the bodice hugged my body all the way to mid-hip before gradually widening at the bottom. I preferred this style to the mermaid, which flared below the knee and always felt too constricting. I’d chosen a deep sapphire color a few shades darker than my eyes.
I opted not to wear the sling and noted my arm was healing fine without it. In the mirror, I stared at my reflection.
The sleeveless, deep-V neckline flattered my figure while exposing a scandalous amount of skin. My bare back and shoulders would shimmer in the light along with the dress since I dusted the same powder over most of my upper body and between my breasts. A thigh-high slit rested just below my hip. This dress was the most decadent, gorgeous, expensive piece I owned, and I felt like a true princess wearing it.
My heart flared at the hope Benny would arrive tonight. All this effort meant nothing if he missed it. I sensed this evening held more expectation than usual and wondered if a confrontation between Benny and mynonnowould occur. They had unfinished business after the hotel.
I had just slipped my feet into nude strappy heels when a heavy knock pounded on my bedroom door. After a quick glance in the mirror, I picked up the matching clutch purse with a golden chain and opened the door.
Nothing on this earth prepared me for the man who stood in the hall. He wore his dark suit like a second skin. A compliment to his olive complexion or would have been if not for the bruising around his swollen nose. Dark circles smudged the area beneath both eyes. Some would consider him handsome, but I knew the evil that lingered below the surface. A sneer dominated his lips as he lunged in my direction.
Shocked, I gasped, stepping backward to stay out of his reach. I tried to close the door too late. Carlo slammed his palm into the center, shoving it into my knee as I whimpered in pain.
A dark chuckle left his lips. “Miss me?”
“Stay away from me, Carlo.”
“Impossible. Yournonnosent me to escort you downstairs.”
I didn’t care what my grandfather told him to do. “I thought you were dead.”
He smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes. “I stayed alive thinking of you and how you’ll make this up to me.”
“Go to hell,” I seethed.
“We can go together,diletto.”
I glanced at the door, and he moved, blocking me from the exit.
“Rubio swore he would claim you, your virginity, and the Huber fortune. I can’t say I’m upset he didn’t get the chance. I’ll have the last laugh,principessa. Tonight, yournonnowill announce our engagement.”
I shook my head, backing away from Carlo. “No.”
“You’ll agree like a good bitch or else,” he warned, reaching me faster than I could move in the dress. His hand wrapped around my throat as I lifted my chin. “I do enjoy the fight in your eyes, and I’ll enjoy it even more as I break you.”
Never. I’d kill him first.
The morbid thought didn’t surprise me. Not after what he’d tried to do in the cab.
How could mynonnoagree to this?
“Behave tonight, or I’ll take you into one of the guest rooms and work off some of my frustration. I’ve been dreaming of fucking your ass.” The threat fell from his lips, followed by a cruel smile. “I expect blind obedience. This is the only time I’ll ever leave you without a demonstration.”
I swallowed as his hand dropped, and he lifted his arm, expecting me to allow his escort. Everything inside me screamed for help, for Benny, but I didn’t give Carlo any satisfaction. I knew how to place these types of games. Survival mode kicked in, and I plotted my escape in my head.
On the way out, I picked up the butterfly mask that matched the sapphire color of my dress enhanced with lace and faux diamonds. I loved the venetian style. The wings fanned out above my right once the mask was in place. I couldn’t wait to slip it on. The masquerade had always been one of my favorite traditions since I was a little girl.
We exited my room and crossed the hall, walking down the winding staircase that led to the first level. My gaze swept the opulent décor and expensive furnishings, the grand chandelier above us that reflected hundreds of tiny prisms on the walls, and I saw nothing more than a gilded prison.
I had to get away from here. Tonight.
Mynonnostood at the entrance to the grand ballroom, greeting guests. He spotted us right away. His chin ticked upward briefly in acknowledgment as I arrived with Carlo. A pleased, triumphant smile settled over his lips as I stood before him. “I trust Carlo has explained the situation.”
Did he know what Carlo threatened? What he planned to do if I didn’t comply with his wishes? Did my grandfather care?
