Page 27 of Ruins
Not yet.
Cassandra leads me into a spacious dressing room, where an entire rack of pristine white gowns waits for me. The air is thick with the faint scent of expensive fabric, roses, and something else—something unplaceable.
The door clicks shut behind us.
I glance over my shoulder just as Cassandra glides pass me.
“You’re going to try these on with me,” she says, voice smooth as silk.
I blink, taken aback. “In here? With you?”
She tilts her head, smiling. “Of course. Full service. Just the way Mr. Amato prefers.”
Something in the way she says his name unsettles me, but I nod, swallowing my hesitation.
Cassandra gestures at me, her manicured fingers poised midair. “Over or down?”
I frown. “What?”
“Your dress,” she clarifies, tapping the thin strap on my shoulder. “Does it come off over your head or down?”
Heat rushes to my cheeks. “Down.”
Before I can even react, her fingers slide under the straps, guiding them down with practiced ease.
The silk pools at my feet, leaving me standing in nothing but blue lace panties and heels.
My arms snap across my chest instinctively.
Cassandra smirks. “Step out.”
Her tone is confident, commanding—like she’s done this a hundred times before.
Like she’s undressed women for Santo before.
I step out of the dress, my skin burning under her assessing gaze.
She folds the fabric neatly, setting it aside on the bench before turning back to me with an easy smile.
“No need to be shy, Vasilisa.” Her tone is laced with something I can’t name. “We’ll be working closely together to perfect your entire wardrobe. This is just the beginning. Since Santo and I have been working together for years, it only makes sense that I would handle his wife as well.”
The words linger in the air.
Heavy.
Unspoken meanings hanging between us.
I force myself to meet her gaze, my arms still locked tightly around myself.
Because for the first time, I wonder—just how well does Cassandra know him?
Cassandra grabs a gown, unzipping it with ease before bending slightly so I can step in.
The fabric whispers against my skin as she pulls it up, my arms falling uselessly to my sides.
The dress is stunning.
Strapless, the lace bodice shimmers under the golden light, intricate embroidery catching in the mirror. The tulle skirt flares out from my hips, cascading in soft waves to the floor.
