Page 63 of Monster

20

Charlotte

I couldn't stop walkingaround the apartment, even hours after Teo left.

I mean, the closet of clothing alone captured my attention for well over an hour. But, once I saw the luxurious walk-in stone shower with built-in misters and the claw-footed tub in the bathroom, I immediately drew myself a bath. I poured as many rose-scented bubbles as I could into the water—courtesy of the stocked cabinets—and shed the little bit of clothing I was wearing.

I really got a kick out of throwing those articles down the laundry chute.

As I eased myself into the hot bubbles, I moaned with relaxation. I leaned my head back against the small, dipped curve at the head of the bath, sighing as it perfectly cradled my neck. I let my eyes fall closed and focused on the scent of the bubbles. I felt like I was in a rose garden, laying in the soft grass surrounded by thick, succulent rose bushes. It felt like I’d gone from living in hell to living in heaven, and part of me wondered if this was some mind game Teo was playing with me. Then again, I didn’t have plans to stick around long enough to take part in whatever his plan might be.

All too soon, however, a knock came at the door. And the offering behind it startled me.

Knock knock knock. “Miss Pettigrew?”

I paused. “Yes?”

“Sorry to disturb you, miss, but I have a message for you.”

I furrowed my brow. “Like, a letter.”

“No, miss. Just a verbal message.”

I licked my lips. “All right, go ahead with the message.”

The woman behind the door cleared her throat. “Mr. Emiliano wants you to join him on the rooftop for a dinner beneath the stars promptly at seven.”

I grinned. “Sounds a bit romantic, don’t you think?”

“All I need to know is if you accept or deny the invitation.”

Dinner on the roof would give me a great chance at surveying the grounds from above.

“I accept,” I said.

I heard the woman backing away from the door. “I’ll let Mr. Emiliano know.”

“I appreciate it!”

I soaked myself in that bath until I was wrinkled up and the water turned cool. Then, I slid myself into a plush robe hanging on the back of the bathroom door before padding toward the walk-in closet. I threw the French double doors open and surveyed the rows and rows of dresses I had at my disposal. In every shape, color, and fit, they were laid out for me on a silver platter for my eyes—and fingers—to behold. I fingered their fabrics and slid them softly against my cheek. I pulled dresses after out of their spots and held them up to my body, modeling them in one of the four full-length mirrors the closet boasted of. I felt like a fucking queen, surrounded by all these clothes and accessories and jewelry.

But, once my eyes settled on the sparkling black dress off in the corner, I knew I’d found my outfit for the evening.

“Bingo,” I whispered.

I took my time getting ready. I curled my hair softly before piling it on top of my head. I plucked sparkling diamonds from the jewelry drawer and hung them around my neck, letting the pendant slide just inside my cleavage. I slipped into the strapless black dress that clung to my body before slowly flaring out at my hips, and the matching black heels I slipped into had bows on the backs of them.

Making me feel equal parts powerful and cute.

“Eat your heart out,” I murmured to myself.

Right at five minutes before seven, however, a knock came at the door. I wrapped a small black sash around my bare shoulders and touched up my ruby red lips one last time before I walked over to the door. I threw it open, expecting Teo to be on the other side.

But instead, there was a brutish guard with an earpiece in his ear and a gun strapped to his hip.

“Come with me,” he said gruffly.

I pointed to the ceiling. “I’m supposed to be having dinner with—”

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