Page 60 of Where We Began

It has to be.

- Chapter 25 -

Laiken

Emma stands back, observingme in the mirror. “You look lovely.”

I stare at my reflection, and I think she's right, but not for the reason she assumes. Idofeel lovely. It has nothing to do with the elaborate weaving of silver flowers through my layers of loose waves of hair. Ever since Dominic and I had sex, I've felt... like I was glowing.

“Do you like it?” she asks, squinting.

I fondle the long ends where they drape over my naked shoulders. “Yes, but I'm surprised you styled it this way.” I'm remembering how she tried to cut off these brunette strands years ago.

Emma shifts side to side, her gray apron looking like a silent bell ringing. “I'm not a monster, young lady. I just want to do my job. If Master Silas wants you making conversation on the ball room floor, then, well... I'll make sure everyone fights to talk to you.”

Startling, I smile up at her. “Thank you,” I say solemnly.

Bowing her head, she turns and leaves me alone. I gaze back in the mirror, toying with my hair, adjusting the bodice of my gold sequin dress. The party is starting soon. I know I should be downstairs, but once I start pacing, I can't stop.

Everything is good. Why do I feel uneasy?Traveling the room, I sit on my bed. My hands smooth the blankets, and as I do, a trickle of an epiphany comes. I'm freaking out because of howhappyI feel. I shouldn't feel this great. My situation hasn't changed; I'm still a hostage. I'm still trying to keep myself afloat until I can find a way out of this mess.

Pretending to be a party-planner, letting myself be swept into Dominic's arms, it's all been a distraction. A wonderful one, but still... I can't let my guard down. Emma can act sweet, but she said it herself—her job is to work for Silas. He's going along with my plan now, but what if it fails? What if tonight bombs, and he lets Annie have her way with me?

I don't have a clue what she'll do when she's angry.

That's worse than knowing, in a way; the mystery of it.

Stop this,I warn myself. I glance in the mirror and stand taller. Prouder.You've got this. Save the moping for if the party fails. It could go great! The Bradleys might land a ton of big clients for their banks.Hell, maybe this will go so well, that they'll stop looking for my dad. What an idea that is.

Motivated by my new point of view, I adjust my dress one final time. On low heels, I trot out the door. And run straight into Dominic.

He's wearing a different jacket and shirt than the pair he ruined in the storm. The pale vest, though, is the one Mellie tailored for him. It's strapped tight over a new outfit that's ironed sharply, the lines uniform. He looks stunning. “There you are,” he says, his smile going sideways. He takes me in with clear appreciation. “You look amazing.”

“Thanks,” I say, playing with the draped, A-line hem. “You, too.” My eyes go past him, down the hall. “Are people showing up already?”

“Some, yes.”

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