“Good girl.” Dante’s words haven’t left my mind since he has spoken them.   What the hell was that? And why am I blushing over it? I shake my head violently to get rid of the thought as I walk down the long hall back to my room. I haven’t been here long but after being in Dante’s cold office for that long, I miss the little comfort my room has provided.   As I round the corner, I spot Hana and another woman waiting at the top of the stairs to the second floor. I smile at Hana, seeing a familiar face can indeed make someone feel better. After the talk with Dante and Luca, I’m spent.   “Hana,” I call out, and she brightens up when she sees me. “What are you doing here?”  

“Wait, what are you doing in here? Get out!” I all but throw my shoe in Dante’s direction to get him to leave. Holding the gown tightly to my body, I try very hard not to let the halter slip from my fingers. I was trying to fasten the halter around my neck when Dante suddenly poked his head in the walk-in closet.   He seems unfazed and crosses the small space between us. “This is my closet too,” He says matter-of-factly. As Dante moves towards where his shoes are, I use to opportunity to hurry outside the dressing room and into the bedroom.   Why is he even here? I remember staying up late a few nights ago, waiting for him to return and discuss our sleeping arrangements. Yes, I have been worried about sleeping in the same bed as him, but we never really got to talk about it because he never comes into this room. Each night, I’d stay

Luca escorts me out of the office and towards the ballroom leaving Dante behind after Ricci decides he did have a serious matter to discuss. I stand behind a curtain shielding the guests from view. The bustling, chattering and delightful music are lively, a complete opposite of what I’m feeling.   I’m seething. Still reeling in my anger, I pace the small space provided to wait before our entrance, anything to keep my hands busy and not tear away at the embellishments of my dress.   “The was one of Dante’s biggest doubters.”   “Huh?” I’m not sure what Luca’s talking about right now, and honestly, I don’t think I can process anything over the anger and embarrass

“I can go by myself, you don’t have to come with me.”   “But Miss, my orders never permit you to leave my sight.”   Dear Lord, Adeline is such a sweetheart. Under the formal suit and tie hides a baby-faced woman, with an innocent heart, but there’s just no way I could let her go with me.   “Adeline, I’m just going to try on underwear in the dressing room,” I reply, trying my best to be patient with her, despite her being unreasonable. “I highly doubt anyone would attempt an attack. If anything happens, I promise I’ll scream for you.” I add and shut the dressing room door, le

I turn around, swallowing down a moan of pain. I twisted around too fast and pulled at my wound. I bite my lip to redirect my attention to the new pain instead and started to count in my head.   1…2…3…   The pain passes as I realize my time is up. The anesthetics given to me are starting to wear off.   Adeline hasn’t uttered a word to defend herself, even though Dante is accusing her of betraying him.   “Then investigate the matter closely,” I say in a challenge, facing Dante again. “Who’s to say she’s a plant or not? Maybe you have a rat in your walls.”