Page 94 of A Taste of Torment
I consider. This dress feels very me. Dark and elegant, but with a twist of malevolence. The other dress is different, almost quirky. It’s me in a different way.
But which version do I want to be tonight?
“You think this one is appropriate? I’ll fit in?”
“It’s a little tame on the exposed skin.” She winks. “But it’s perfect for tonight if you’re looking to impress instead of make everyone want to have sex with you.”
“Are you hoping to make everyone want to have sex with you?”
“Obviously.”
I snort. Then, I look at myself in the mirror again. It really is beautiful.
An uncontrollable smile spreads across my lips. “Okay, sold.”
* * *
Bea makesme take a shower and condition my hair before she brings the seamstress in. Then, for a full hour I’m made to stand still in front of the mirror while a short fae woman with glowing skin and golden eyes measures and pins my dress. “We’ll do your hair and makeup while she’s sewing.”
“Don’t you need to get ready too?” I ask Bea.
“All I have to do is put on my dress.”
She’s being very attentive, which has surprised me. Other than the occasional wolfish grin, she’s been very sweet.
I know better than to trust it, but I’m appreciative all the same.
“So, tell me about you and Jarron,” she says as soon as the seamstress tugs the dress off of me. I quickly twist into the black robe sitting on the chair waiting for me.
“So, we’ve made it to the gossip part of the evening?” I mock.
“You knew it was coming, didn’t you?” She stands and grabs two shoots of some sparkling liquid on the table near the wall. “I’m fairly certain it’s why you even asked to have me help you prepare for tonight.”
I bite my lip, trying to hide my surprise.
“Other than my impeccable taste.” She winks again. “So, spill. You are getting a total makeover; the least you can do is start first. Tell me something juicy.”
“I don’t know. There’s not much that’s juicy about our relationship.”
“Yet,” she chides. “Besides, I don’t believe that. There’s plenty of drama beneath the surface. Tell me something.”
Do I lie? Come up with something completely false and risk it biting me later? Or worse, her not believing me to start with. Or do I give her a bit of the truth?
“When I first came here, I wanted nothing to do with Jarron.”
She snorts. “What?”
“I had some incorrect assumptions about what he’d be like as a demon. He’s proved me wrong every step of the way.”
“Hmm,” she says. “So, you thought he’d be a violent monster ready to prey on the innocent human girl, did you?”
“Not exactly, but close enough, I guess.”
“Yet, you began dating him within two days.”
I freeze. Yeah, I guess that sounds a bit off. “He… Well, it’s hard to say no to him. And I guess I was curious. He promised to take it slow, but announcing a relationship was the best way to ensure my safety.”
“Did he confess his undying love? Tell you he’s been obsessed with you since you were kids? That he’s fantasized about you in the years you were apart.”
