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And then he’s gone. He doesn’t shut the door; in his place, Bambi quickly appears. She silently gestures to me to follow her, so I grab the dress and figure,Why not?
Whatever’s about to go down will still be better than court.
The curling iron feels warm when she wraps my hair around it close to my scalp. I almost wish she’d just burn it all off. Make me look as damaged as I feel.
On the other hand, I’m beginning to understand why the warning tag says,“External use only.”Someone once felt like shoving the hot end up their ex’s ass, I’m sure.
Fuck.Now, I’m referring to Demyen as my “ex.” As if we were ever anything to begin with.
The worst part is, the pain in my heart feels like we were.
Bambi tries to smile at me in the mirror, but it’s filled with sadness. “You look beautiful,” she murmurs quietly, wrapping another strand around her barrel.
I wish I could feel as beautiful as she says I look. Unlike the last “dress” Demyen gave me to wear, this one is an actual evening gown of literal silk that swirls around my legs every time I take a step. There’s a slit up one thigh that goes nearly to my hip, and the way the fabric drapes around my curves leaves little to the imagination. Once again, I’m not allowed to wear any underwear.
At least this time, I can bend over without flashing half the desert.
In happier days, I could see myself easily tempting Dem into forgetting about everything under the stars in this dress.
Now, I just feel like some disregarded trophy he’s dusted off for show.
Bambi lays the final curl gently along my shoulder, then sets the iron down and unplugs it. She reaches for her makeup bag, pulls out a brush and shimmery makeup palette, then turns me around in my chair to face her.
I can tell she’s trying not to look right at me. Not in the eyes, anyway. She looks like she hasn’t smiled in days.
“Willow is safe.” She dusts some golden shimmer powder over my collarbone. “I’ll keep a close eye on her and make sure she’s okay.”
There’s something in the way she says it that has me leaning back. “Bam…?”
She avoids eye contact and dusts the shimmer to my other shoulder.
My worst fears are starting to materialize right in front of me. “I’m… I’m not coming back, am I?”
Demyen’s right-hand woman pauses mid-stroke. For the first time since I’ve been here, I actually think she might not be on the same page as her boss. The way her sadness flickers into anger, and then something that reminds me of rage…
But then she blinks and shutters it all behind her typical mask of professionalism.
“I know—” I decide it’s worth trying for her help, anyway. If there’s a shred of her on my side, maybe there’s hope. At least, hope for Willow. “I know you’re loyal to him. I can’t ask you to betray him, and I know that telling me things is an act of betrayal in his eyes.”
Bambi’s jaw sets for a moment. At least she spares me a quick glance.
“But… if anything looks like…if he seems like he’s going to hurt Willow… can you get her out?”
This yanks her gaze to mine. “I swear it.” No hesitation. She sighs and her face falls. “Honestly, though, I don’t see that ever being a problem. Yeah, he’s being a complete asshole, but he’s in a lot of pain?—”
I actually snort. I don’t mean to, but it flies out without warning. “Demyen? In pain? Right.”
She wouldn't look me in the eye before, but now, Bambi won’t let me look away. “People hurt in many different ways for many different reasons, Clara. Don’t be so selfish to assume you’re the only one in misery.”
I…
Don’t know what to say to that.
It honestly never occurred to me that Demyen could be hurting as much as I am. Or that he had anything to feel hurt over.
But before I can even open my mouth to ask what’s really going on, Bambi sighs and flicks her brush to one side. “In any case, you have my word. Pavel and I will always make sure Willow is safe and sound.”
At least that’s taken care of. I hope. “Thank you.” I manage to muster up a tiny smile.
