Will she accept them?
It seems symbolic somehow. If she’s serious about us, she’ll accept them. I hold my breath. She reaches for the box and opens it and stares at the earrings for the longest time.
Please take them, Ana.
“They’re lovely,” she whispers. “Thank you.”
She can play nice. I grin as I relax, knowing I won’t have to fight to get her to keep them. I kiss her shoulder and spot the silver satin dress on the bed. I ask her if that’s what she’s chosen to wear.
“Yes. Is that okay?”
“Of course. I’ll let you get ready.”
I’VE LOST COUNT OF the number of these events I’ve attended, but for the first time I’m excited. I get to show Ana off to my family and all of their well-heeled friends.
I finish tying my bow tie with ease and grab my jacket. Slipping it on, I take one last look in the mirror. The asshole looks happy, but he needs to straighten his tie.
“Keep still,” Elena snaps.
“Yes, Ma’am.” I stand before her, getting ready for prom. I’ve told my parents I’m not going and that I’m seeing a friend. It will be our own personal prom. Just Elena and I. She moves, and I hear the rustle of expensive silk and inhale the provocative scent of her perfume.
“Open your eyes.”
I do as I’m instructed. She’s poised behind me and we’re facing a mirror. I look at her, not at the idiot boy standing in front of her.
She takes the ends of my bow tie. “And this is how you do this.” Slowly, she moves her fingers. Her nails are bright scarlet. I watch. Fascinated.
She pulls the ends and I’m wearing a most respectable bow tie.
“Now, let’s see if you can do it. And if you do, I’ll reward you.” She smiles her secret I-so-own-you smile and I know it will be good.
I’M REHASHING THE NIGHT’S arrangements with the security team when I hear her footfalls behind me. All four men are suddenly distracted. Taylor smiles. When I turn around, Ana is standing at the bottom of the stairs.
A vision. Wow.
She’s stunning in her silver gown and reminiscent of a silent-movie siren.
I saunter over to her, feeling a disproportionate sense of pride, and kiss her hair. “Anastasia. You look breathtaking.” I’m delighted that she’s wearing the earrings. She flushes.
“A glass of champagne before we go?” I offer.
“Please.”
I nod to Taylor, who leads his three colleagues out to the foyer, and with my arm around my date we head into the living room. From the fridge, I take a bottle of Cristal Rosé and open it.
“Security team?” Ana asks, as I pour the bubbling liquid into champagne flutes.
“Close protection. They’re under Taylor’s control. He’s trained in that, too.” I hand her a glass.
“He’s very versatile.”
“Yes, he is. You look lovely, Anastasia. Cheers.” I raise my glass to meet hers. She takes a sip and closes her eyes, savoring the wine.
“How are you feeling?” I ask, noting the pink flush on her cheeks, the same blush of the champagne, and I wonder how long she’ll tolerate the balls.
“Fine, thank you.” She gives me a coy smile.
Tonight will be entertaining.
“Here, you’re going to need this.” I give her the velvet bag that contains her mask. “Open it.”
Ana does and pulls out the delicate silver masquerade mask and runs her fingers through the plumes.
“It’s a masked ball.”
“I see.” She examines the mask in wonder.
“This will show off your beautiful eyes, Anastasia.”
“Are you wearing one?”
“Of course. They’re very liberating, in a way.”
She grins.
I have one more surprise for her. “Come. I want to show you something.” I hold out my hand and lead her back out to the corridor and into my library. I can’t believe I haven’t shown her this room.
“You have a library!” she exclaims.
“Yes, the balls room, as Elliot calls it. The apartment is quite spacious. I realized today, when you mentioned exploring, that I’ve never given you a tour. We don’t have time now, but I thought I’d show you this room and maybe challenge you to a game of billiards in the not-too-distant future.”
Her eyes are bright with wonder as she takes in the collection of books and the billiard table. “Bring it on,” she says with a self-satisfied grin.
“What?” She’s hiding something. Can she play?
“Nothing,” she says quickly, and I know that’s probably the answer. She really is a hopeless liar.
“Well, maybe Dr. Flynn can uncover your secrets. You’ll meet him this evening.”
“The expensive charlatan?”
“The very same. He’s dying to meet you. Shall we go?”
She nods, and excitement shines in her eyes.
WE TRAVEL IN COMPANIONABLE silence in the back of the car. I skim my thumb across her knuckles, sensing her growing anticipation. She crosses and uncrosses her legs, and I know the balls are taking their toll.
“Where did you get the lipstick?” she asks out of the blue.