Chapter 30
BELLA
“Izzy,” Luca calls from the hallway.
“Ugh,” I groan as I shove my Izzy cheat sheet under my pillow. “What does he want now?”
“Izzy,” he repeats, his voice growing closer. “Baby, are you in there?”
“Of course I’m in here, fuck-face. You’ve got me under house arrest. Where else would I possibly be?” I mutter under my breath, pushing myself upright.
“Yes,” I say softly, smoothing my expression before the dickhead opens the door. “I’m in here.”
“Good,” he says with a sickening smile. “Put this on for me.”
He tosses me an ugly blue skirt and a sparkling golden top that says—fuck no.
“The Revenants?!” I bark before I can stop myself. “What the—”
Breathe, bitch. Don’t overreact.
“I mean, babe!” I correct quickly, forcing a small and curious smile. “Where did you find this?” I nearly gag on the high pitched squeal that comes out of my mouth.
“Had it for a while, love,” he says, letting his emerald eyes roam over my body. “I need you to change into it and then meet me in the living room.”
“What for?”
“There’s just something I need you to do for me.” He winks. “It’ll be fun.”
Sure it will.
“I promise,” he adds before hurrying out of the room.
I change quickly into the monstrosity of a uniform and throw my hair up into a high ponytail. Growing more and more thankful for the fact that we have Rico each time I glance at my reflection in the mirror.
This thing is hideous. I guess now I understand why Maddie Rae and her little mean girl ducklings always have bitchy attitudes. I would too if this is the kind of shit they forced us to perform in.
Damn. Is this place making me soft for Maddie? I need to get the hell out of here. Now.
I grip the corner of the vanity and shove it to the side so I can check the back. It screeches along the hardwood, carving fresh scars into the floor.
Thirty-four.
Thirty-five.
I trace the newest mark with my nail before sliding it back into place. Thirty-six days. Cade’s trial.
“Guys, I hope you’re watching,” I mutter, peering back at my reflection.
“Wish me luck,” I whisper to Zeke’s red swan before pushing away from the vanity. Smoothing my skirt, I fix my face and step into the hall.
When I get to Luca, he’s—not to anyone’s surprise—lounging in a chair in the center of the living room. Perched on it like a king on his throne with his arms draped lazily over the back and his legs spread wide.
Luca rises and casually strides toward me, smile widening with each step. He reaches out his arm and yanks me into his chest, wrapping me up with no escape.
“Seeing you in this uniform again, my love,” he says, lips grazing against my ears. “Brings more joy to my soul than you can imagine.”
Well… don’t I just love that for you, asshole.
I pull back slightly and glance up to meet his eyes. “What is this about?”
“I want you to dance for me,” he murmurs, taking my hand and guiding me to the chair. He plops down and gently brushes his finger up my thigh.
“Just like old times.”
Old times, my ass.
He nods to someone behind me. I peer over my shoulder to see my brother holding what looks like some sort of small bluetooth speaker.
“Zeke?” I whisper, retreating a step from Luca. “What are you doing here?”
Luca grabs me by the arm and yanks me back into his orbit before I can get too far. “Be a good girl now, Izzy,” he rasps, licking his lips, clearly begging me to slit his fucking throat.
If only I had a knife.
“Come here.”
I look over my shoulder once more and lock eyes with Zeke. He gives a pointed look and a small nod before he turns on the speaker.
I guess it’s showtime.