Page 10 of Christmas with the Mafia
He closesthe door behind him, and I stare at the huge claw-footed tub in amazement.
Is this really happening?
My gaze scans the room, and inside I am jumping for joy. I am even thawing a little, and as I set my purse carefully on the vanity unit, my startled reflection gazes back at me. I’m a mess. A complete one with smudged makeup, unkempt hair and, oh my God, I am exposing myself.
I note with shock how the cool couture of before has descended into mere strips of fabric that have slipped over every inch of flesh they were meant to be protecting. My breasts are now on either side of the fabric as it slips in the V between them. The skirt has turned around, exposing my well, you get the picture, and I have never been so embarrassed.
I shrug out of Nico’s jacket, barely registering his kindness in giving it to me. He definitely did me a favor though because the paps will have got more than they bargained for, and I could be the star of the dark web overnight.
I note how weighty his jacket is, and as I hang it carefully on a hook, my heart stills when I detect something heavy inside the pocket. I really don’t mean to pry, but curiosity takes over, and my fingers close around the cool metal of a gun.
“Fuck!” I drop it back into the pocket and back away, staring at the jacket as if it’s about to open fire at me.
He has a gun!
Why does he have a freaking gun in his pocket? I know it’s New York, but what the actual fuck?
I back away and attempt to control my breathing as I remonstrate with myself. He’s obviously wealthy; he must use it to defend himself. He is merely exercising his right to bear arms. I should do the same, although there isn’t really a gun-shaped pocket anywhere in sight on this excuse for a dress.
It’s okay. All is good. He’snota murderer.
I give myself a stern talking to and note the bath water has almost reached the top, spurring me into action.
Whoever this dark lord is, is no concern of mine because more important things are happening, like the bath waiting for me as the lifesaver it is.
As I strip away what’s left of the naked dress, I lower myself into the water and gasp with pleasure.
I love Nico whatshisname. He is my guardian angel, and whoever he is doesn’t concern me now. I am officially living in a fairy tale, and when the clock strikes twelve, it will all be over. Carriages await, and I’ll call Aston. This is my night, and it may have begun weirdly, but it’s all plain sailing from now on in.
I wish I weren’t conscious of the time and regretfullyleave the hot bath, my flesh tingling with pleasure as I drip hot scented water on the porcelain tiles that are heated underfoot. As I swamp my body with the hot toweling robe, I can’t resist grabbing the phone from my purse and recording a quick video.
“Guys, you are never going to believe where I am.”
I pan the camera around the room and giggle, “Only the Diamond Hotel New York.”
I slap my hand against my face and grin with awe. “This place is amazing. I mean, this is the penthouse. Can you honestly believe that? I am about to go to the Diamond Ball, and quite frankly, I know how pretty woman must have felt.”
With a slight giggle, I whisper, leaning closer. “I’ll film it if I can, but guys, I am living the dream right now. Remember to subscribe so you don’t miss amazing content like this.”
I wink and close the screen with a huge smile on my face as I imagine the views that video will get me.
I slip my phone in the pocket of the dressing gown and, grasping my belongings, I head through the door that Nico told me to go to next.
Two women are waiting, and it makes me jump.
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
One of them steps forward.
“We don’t have long, but I’m here to fix your hair. I’m Diane. Sarah will fix your makeup and then we’ll help you on with your dress.”
“It’s, um, fine, I can–”
I don’t get to finish my sentence, and before I can catch my breath, I am pulled into a nearby chair, and the woman starts furiously brushing my hair from the tie that has done a dismal job in creating a messy updo.
Sarah creams off my silver glitter makeup with a slight grimace and clicks her lips with disapproval. She is blocking the mirror, and as they set to work on me, there is no time for polite conversation as they sigh and huff their disapproval as they work what I hope is magic on my face and hair.
Ten minutes and a dash of heavily scented perfume later, they drift to the side, and I blink in shock at my reflection.
