Chapter Twelve
Aiden
GLASS TRUMPET VASES overflowing with white gardenias and violet roses line the stone staircase of the Palazzo Pisani Moretta. I greet guests as they step from their water taxis and gondolas into the hall.
After our meeting with Randolph, I left for the Palazzo Pisani Moretta for a final walkthrough.
Seraphina opted to stay behind and relax on the hotel’s rooftop terrace.
The night apart bothered me more than it should have, but I needed to keep my focus on the gala.
And it provided a perfect opportunity for me to have one last gift delivered.
A gift she’s wearing now as she stands by my side.
The black halter gown had been brought over, along with several other evening gowns that would have paired well with a mask for tonight’s event.
But when I saw this dress in a storefront just off St. Mark’s Square yesterday, I knew I had to buy it for her.
I glance over at her. The dress is comprised of swaths of orange, yellow and white fabric that cling to her torso and cinch at the waist before falling into graceful folds in a sweeping skirt trimmed in red.
Diaphanous sleeves give her a mystical flare, while the matching mask shimmers in the dim lighting.
She looks like a fire goddess come to life. Primal satisfaction curled through me when I walked into the hotel lobby and saw she had chosen to wear the dress. That and my ring on her finger mark her as mine to the dozens of tuxedoed men who are eyeing her with appreciation.
Except she’s not yours. Not really, a voice whispers in my ear.
No, she’s not. But in this moment, to the public, she’s mine.
Even if that perception may not extend to reality, I wanted to do this for her.
I can’t recall the last time I enjoyed buying gifts for someone, of discovering something that fits them just right rather than opting for the highest price tag.
And that was before she talked to Randolph.
I hadn’t planned on letting her take the lead.
But as soon as she started talking, I knew it was the right thing to do.
She knows my clients, knows what makes them tick.
I watched the older man’s face as she spoke, saw him soften as she spun a story of new lovers just wanting some time to themselves.
“Ready to go up?”
She looks up at me, her eyes bright green behind the fire hues of her mask.
“I am.” Her grin is infectious. “I’m excited.”
“I’m glad.”
And I am. It’s like seeing the masquerade through fresh eyes.
As we ascend the stairs, I allow myself a small smile.
My mother would have loved this. She’d always dreamed of visiting Venice, of buying a jeweled mask and attending a masquerade.
The proceeds from tonight’s benefit go toward a mentorship program for foster kids back in New York.
I started it in memory of her, to honor her hard work even though she never got to see it pay off.
The Grand Hall’s walls glow mauve from the lights placed along the baseboards.
Waiters pass through the crowd with silver platters of champagne, grilled scallops with black truffle dust, zucchini flower tempura and beef carpaccio rosettes.
Several buffet tables are arranged against the walls, including a raw bar with a tower of oysters and a caviar and champagne station.
A trio of musicians stationed at the far end fill the room with classic Italian songs as couples walk by, dressed in custom costumes or evening wear by brands like Chanel and Gucci.
“This is incredible.” Seraphina looks up at me with shining eyes. “You’ve done a wonderful job.”
Before I can respond, a hand clamps down on my shoulder.
“There you are!”
Cassian moves in front of me and grins. He’s dressed in black trousers and a black vest with a maroon-colored coat that falls almost to his knees. His black mask glitters in the dim light. Warmth flickers in my chest. It matters that he’s here.
I grasp his hand. “Thanks for coming.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” His gaze turns to Seraphina, his eyes widening appreciatively.
I bite back a growl. Cassian may play the field just as much as I used to, but I trust him.
He would never seduce a woman who’s taken.
But that doesn’t mean he won’t flirt. A thought I don’t care for as he grabs Seraphina’s hand and raises it to his lips.
“Good evening, sis.”
A startled laugh escapes Seraphina’s lips. “What?”
Cassian points to the emerald ring. “Your engagement.”
“Oh.” Her laugh is a little more strained this time. “Sorry.”
“It’s okay. Busy night.”
But I can see he’s digging. He doesn’t believe we’re engaged. Part of me wants to tell him. But the fewer people that know, the better.
He turns to Seraphina. “Would you like to dan—”
“Sorry, little brother.” I clap him on the shoulder. “The first dance belongs to me.”
“What was that about?” Seraphina asks as I lead her onto the floor.
“He’s being a nosy little brother.” I turn and capture one of her hands in mine, slide the other behind her back to her shoulder blade. “And an outrageous flirt.”
Seraphina chuckles. “Yes, I noticed that about him.”
I frown. “Oh?”
“When he’d come into the office, he was always very charming.”
“I see.”
“He never did anything inappropriate,” she hastens to assure me.
I still don’t like the thought of Cassian flirting with her, of looking at her the way I look at her.
I follow the steps she taught me on the terrace in Cassis. Just like that night, I sweep her into a spin, savor the sound of her laugh as we twirl.
“I love the way the skirt of this dress flares out,” she says as we resume our box step. “It looks like dancing fire.”
“How did you get into fire dancing?”
She doesn’t answer for so long I wonder if she heard me or if she’s just not comfortable answering. But then, finally, she speaks.
“I started at Obsidian just to dance. After the trial, I struggled with my self-image. I’d see the fading bruises and hate my body, hate that I was so weak I saw myself as broken, undeserving.”
My chest tightens. The fury I usually reserve for New Field and its owner rears up, sends a quick spurt of anger flowing through. But her words resonate through me, too. It’s like hearing a playback of my own internal thoughts.
“Dancing started to help me feel more secure again. One day I saw another fire dancer. It was incredible the way she moved, the way she balanced art and fire.” She smiles.
“The first time I lit a staff, I felt…powerful. It was dangerous, but I could control it. Practice, commitment. I loved having that sense of control again, of knowing I could wield it as I combined it with dance. And,” she adds with a mischievous smile, “it’s fun.
Maybe you can take a class with me when we get back to New York. ”
“I already took a dance lesson from you.”
“Just once, and if you hate it, I won’t ever bring it up again.”
The music slows. We stop our box step and simply sway to the music. As I hold her close. I realize this is the most I’ve enjoyed any of the masquerades.
And ignore that vicious whisper that reminds me next year I’ll be alone once more.
Seraphina
I pluck a flute of champagne off a passing tray and take a long drink. The palazzo is warm and my dress, despite the filmy material, is starting to stick to my back.
“Congratulations on your engagement.”
I start and nearly drop my champagne. I whirl around, letting out a relieved sigh when I come face-to-face with Dominic.
“Good evening, Mr. Hawke.”
“Just Dominic. After all, we’re going to be family.”
My smile freezes.
“Well, Dominic, are you enjoying the masquerade?”
He grimaces. “Not exactly my kind of event.”
“But you show up for Aiden.”
Interest flickers in his eyes. “I forgot how observant you were.”
“Sorry. I shouldn’t pry.”
“No need to apologize. It’s a good quality to have.”
“I can see that, especially in your line of work.”
Dominic starts to answer, but his phone buzzes. He pulls it out of his pocket and frowns at whatever is on the screen.
“Everything all right?”
“Yes.” He taps out a quick reply, his frown deepening as the seconds tick by. Finally, he shoves his phone in his pocket and redirects his attention to me. “Sorry. Client.”
“Important to keep the clients happy.”
One side of his mouth quirks up, just like Aiden’s does. “Something like that.” He glances toward the crowded dance floor. “I noticed Aiden looks a lot happier these days.”
“I’m glad.”
My eyes roam over the crowd. I finally spot him talking to several people over by a huge gilded mirror. As if he can sense my gaze, he looks up and smiles. Even from across the room I feel a tug in my chest, a desire to go to him.
Dimly I realize Dominic is talking to me.
“I’m so sorry, what?”
“You really care about him.”
I still. The words are an echo of what I said to Randolph yesterday.
“Of course I care,” I manage to say. “I wouldn’t have said yes if I didn’t care for him.”
“A word of advice, then.” Dominic moves closer and lowers his voice. “He feels far more deeply than most realize. He just doesn’t like to admit it.”
I lean back, not sure what to make of this statement.
“He doesn’t share much,” Dominic adds quietly.
“No,” I agree. “He doesn’t.”
“He likes to portray himself as this cold, ruthless ass.”
I can’t help but smile. “True.”
“And he can be. But he’s also one of the most loyal, hardworking men I know. Just remember that when he’s driving you crazy.”
Dominic’s head suddenly whips around. His face tightens as his eyes narrow on the crowd.
“Excuse me, Seraphina.”
Before I can say anything, he disappears into the crowd, leaving me alone with my glass of champagne and my own muddled thoughts.
I don’t know if Dominic suspects our engagement is a ruse, or if he was simply making conversation.
But as I glance over at Aiden, I know Dominic was right about one thing.
Aiden does not give himself enough credit, doesn’t want to see himself as good.
I take a long drink of my champagne as I utter a prayer that maybe one day, even if it’s long after I’m gone, Aiden can finally look in the mirror and see the man instead of the monster he thinks he is.