Page 112 of The One
She huffs in understanding.
“Then let’s make you even more irresistible, so you can wrap him around your little finger without ever having to go any further,” she replies, making me frown.
Why would I want to wrap Mateo around my little finger?
“You know, eye shadow goes on better when you don’t scowl,” she teases.
Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, I relax my features.
“Better?” I banter back.
“Much,” she replies with a smile, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. She’s probably just focused on what she’s doing.
An hour later, my lips hum bright red, the color making them bigger than normal. Winged eyeliner compliments the smokey eye.
Blush, highlighter, concealer, bronzer, mascara, I’ve never worn so much stuff on my face before. I’ve got defined cheekbones now. In fact, my face looks quite different.
I stare in the small compact mirror, not sure if I like the girl staring back at me.
I look older and way hotter, more like the girls Mateo is used to.
But this isn’t me.
Is this what it takes to keep Mateo’s attention?
“Isn’t it amazing what contouring can do?” Sofia says, satisfied with her work.
I force a smile and nod.
“You look striking. He won’t be able to resist you.”
Uncomfortable and more insecure than when I came, I leave Sofia’s room. As I close the door, I promise I’ll give her a detailed rundown of tonight when I see her tomorrow, but even as I say it, I’m not looking forward to it. There’s a nagging feeling that sticks with me, an unease I can’t shake.
I walk down the hall with my head low, trying to ignore the lingering stares of the guards as I pass.
I’m uneasy in my own skin, more than I’ve ever been, and it’s because of this femme fatale image I’m suddenly projecting.
As I walk back to my room, I’m determined to scrub my face clean and start afresh. A light makeup will have to do… something sophisticated that still looks like me.
I’m halfway up the stairs when I hear footsteps in the hallway. I spin to see who it is and spot Mateo at the bottom of the stairs.
He halts mid-step, his eyes lighting up when he sees me, but then his gaze fixes on my face. He does a double take, his forehead crinkling as his brows draw together.
I clasp the banister tighter, my knuckles turning white.
Merda.
I wanted to wipe off this over-the-top makeup before seeing him.
Moment of truth.
My stomach churns in anticipation of his verdict.
What if he loves it? What will I do then?
Mateo climbs the few steps between us, and I hold my breath. The knots in my abdomen tighten.
Standing before me, I see his chest rise and fall rapidly. It matches my own out-of-control rhythm.
