Page 60 of Betrayed in the Dark
“Madeleine!” Star greets me with her arms wide open. “We’re so excited to see the final product on you.” She embraces me, kissing both of my cheeks before her eyes shift to Eli.
“And you must be the—”
“My bodyguard,” I answer quickly. How many times are people going to assume he’s my fiancé?
“Of course.” She gives him a once-over before facing me, her smile widening. “I’m so glad we could finish in time for your big day.”
I give a heartfelt smile, knowing it’s not this woman’s fault for the predicament I find myself in. I had been postponing dress shopping for as long as I could until I finally had no choice. Had I waited one more day, I would have had to settle for a dress off the rack. “I appreciate your time. I’m honored to wear one of your designs on my…special day.” I internally cringe.
“It’s my pleasure. Having you in one of my gowns, well…” She waves her hands around animatedly. “It will be one of the highlights of my career.” She gestures for us to follow her. “I have your dress all steamed and hanging in a dressing room waiting for you.”
Eli’s hand rests on my lower back as we follow behind, and for a fleeting moment, everything feels like it might be okay.
That is until we reach the room, and he removes his touch to stand outside of the space as I enter through the threshold with Star. The dressing room is the size of my bedroom, featuring sofas and chairs, scenic paintings covering the cream-colored walls, and a presentation of chilled champagne and hors d’oeuvres to cater to every guest’s needs. It’s certainly an establishment that goes all out for their brides.
As I look around, my eyes catch on the wedding gown displayed in the back.
Anxiety slithers over my skin as I consider what this dress truly represents—a symbol of my loss of freedom.
“Isn’t it stunning?” Star asks, running her hand over the lace bodice.
I swallow the lump in my throat. “It sure is.”
“Would you like some assistance with putting it on?”
“No.” I remove my jacket, placing it over the back of a chair. “That’s all right. I’ll manage.”
“Excellent! Well, I’ll give you some space, but I’ll be back to check on you shortly. Let me know if you need anything.” Star beams as she closes the door behind her, her heels clacking against the tiled floor, disappearing toward the front of the store.
Hesitantly, I step toward the dress, examining the embedded diamonds and noticing the considerable effort that went into creating this gown.
It’s beautiful.
But I’m not standing here with butterflies in my stomach.
I’m not envisioning myself walking down an aisle in it.
I’m wondering how fast this material will burn.
As I reach for the dress, my sleeve slides up my arm, revealing the new bruise on my wrist I received just last night.
Alastor’s hand tightens around my wrist, yanking me down the empty hallway. There’s no one nearby. No one to hear or see anything that might transpire between us. I peek over my shoulder, hoping desperately that maybe Eli did follow us.
But he’s nowhere to be seen.
I truly am alone.
“Let go of me!” I whisper-yell, not wanting to cause a scene, as I use my free hand to try to pull his hand off me.
To my surprise, he releases me, but only to shove me against the wall. I stand straight, taking a deep breath. I cross my arms over my chest, trying to hide the slight tremble in my hands.
He paces, smoothing his gelled-back hair with both hands. His shoulders rise and fall with each furious breath he takes. “You won’t back out of this marriage, Madeleine. I won’t allow it. You won’t make me look like a goddamn fool in front of my family. In front of the whole fucking world!”
I roll my eyes. “I’m not—”
“I see the way you’re looking at him! Do you think I’m stupid? You two probably fucked in the bathroom.” He sneers down at me. “Let me remind you that as soon as you say I do, you belong to me. No one else. Just me. Your brothers may have assigned him to you now, but I promise you he will not be joining us in Italy. Mark my words.”
Anxiety spreads over me at the thought of truly being alone with Alastor in another country. But I won’t back down without a fight. Squaring my shoulders and raising my chin, I say, “I belong to no—”
