Page 264 of Chandelier Sin
I carried the package back into the kitchen and set it on the counter.
Ripping it open, I peeked inside and saw a black velvet box.
Suspiciously turning it around in my hands, I examined the opulently crafted design with a rich and tactile feel to it.
From her?
I eased open the lid and found two golden bee cufflinks.
Admiring the craftsmanship, I recalled the day I’d visited Eve at her home for the first time and rescued a dying bee from her Italian fountain.
Had she witnessed me cupping my hands and lifting the insect out of the water, setting it on the grass to save its life?
I unfolded the note:
I love you. I love you. I love you.
Bee safe.
It made me smile, which I hadn’t done since she’d left.
And then I realized what this note meant.
The rescue was imminent.
I bolted upstairs, taking two steps at a time. Entering my bedroom, I opened the wardrobe and grabbed my bespoke tuxedo off its hanger.
Then I reached for my devil mask.
One Month Later
Pendulum’s great hall was mostly empty.
This bar was where I’d sat and had my second unofficial date with Eve months ago. We’d gone from our first meeting in the wine cellar to her searching for me and finding me here.
My feelings for her had never wavered.
I’d longed for her—and I couldn’t wait one more second to see her.
Visiting Eve’s Beverly Glen home may have been too risky, but here I would bump into her. All I had to do was seek her out. I had access to every room, every chamber. I wasn’t going to let my privileges go to waste.
I’d go in search of Eve after I finished this drink.
Over the last half hour, I had taken the temperature of the room.
Eve had revealed in the note she’d sent me that the operation to rescue the submissives would happen tonight. They’d taken the situation into their own hands, and I had to respect that.
Still, I wanted to be here to see it through.
The Spring Ball meant every single submissive would be present.
It was time. The mission was a go.
Once it was over, it would mean Eve could be free of this place. She’d be back with Eloise and perhaps would stay at my place until she found one of her own. If that’s what she wanted.
I wanted her to live with me, but I wasn’t going to push her. That decision had to be made on her terms.
The beat of the music changed to a dance rhythm as more guests flowed in.
