Chapter 10 #2
I laughed when appropriate, even batted my eyelashes as if on cue. With a glass of champagne in my hand, I made certain I was seen, my laughter heard, and pictures taken when the moment was right. Finally, the formal introductions began to ease, people dancing to the music.
I’d hidden my bag in the maze of landscaping where I knew no one would find it. A last moment of rebellion before my fantasy faded into sweet but distant memories.
As discussed, when I gave the okay with a single nod to my bestie, she headed for Tomaso. The one thing about men was that they were mostly predictable.
He was very happy with being approached by a beautiful young woman. In his mind, he was picturing an increase in power and standing if he became so lucky as to marry into the family.
The truth about the world in which I lived and thrived was disgusting.
I moved into the shadows, undetected, yet I waited by the fountains to ensure I hadn’t been followed.
With my nerves in an uproar and my heart hammering so loudly it echoed in the swell of my ears, I finally found the courage to grab my bag and head through the maze toward the man I might never see again.
There was no certainty he hadn’t already left, but with the tingling crackle of current flowing through my system the closer I came, I was hopeful he hadn’t.
My riskiest move had been to fulfill a promise, racing to unlock the padlock just in case I was cornered and unable to do so later.
I pushed my way through the last group of foliage, glancing behind me one more time before flicking on the flashlight.
Seeing that the lock had been shifted made my heart fall.
But I had to know for certain.
I’d tried so very hard not to become emotional the last few days and fighting tears as I approached the door was horribly painful and embarrassing. However, the most captivating realization of all was that I was in full control of my destiny.
Even if only for a little while.
With a heavy sigh, I opened the door and peered inside, eager yet anxious.
Would the powerful but very dangerous man accept me?
This time, a light was thrown onto me, but the brightness didn’t stop my fur baby. She raced around me, offering tiny squeals of delight.
“What are you doing here, moy malen’kiy tselitel’?” His voice was even gruffer, the deep baritone something that I hoped I would remember and hear softly in my dreams. He dropped the light while I lifted mine just enough to be able to see his expression. “I told you not to come back.”
“I don’t follow your orders, Kazimir. I’m a woman now.”
He pulled to his full height, his eyes growing wide from seeing me in the dress. Very slowly, he shook his head. “Go.”
“I’m not going. I had to see you one last time.
” I dropped the bag, closing the door behind me.
“You didn’t leave. I wasn’t certain. I think you were hopeful you’d see me.
Weren’t you?” I could tell he’d left the building.
For the first time, he wasn’t covered in dirt and sweat. “You look different. So handsome.”
“I showered in the bathhouse. You shouldn’t be here.” He had a difficult time looking at me.
I was getting to him.
Laughing, I realized the sound indicated how nervous I’d become around him.
He was wearing the clothes I’d gotten for him, black trousers and a shirt that would allow him to fit in.
I’d even managed to steal a pair of shoes from my father’s closet that he’d never miss.
“I know this doesn’t mean anything, but you’re not going to send me away. ”
“You look… amazing,” he managed, every muscle still tense. The moment between us was different and I couldn’t seem to take my eyes off his rising and falling chest. Yet I knew the moment he noticed the bruises. “Who did that to you?”
In two long strides, he was standing inches away, his entire face pinched in rage. “I’m fine.”
“Tell me. Now.”
When I shook my head and tried to look away, he gripped my chin, but where Marco’s touch had been disgusting, his was gentle, more than I’d thought possible for such a ruthless man.
“Tell me, little angel. Please.”
“Marco. He… It’s really okay.” Yet I shuddered just thinking about the words Marco had said.
“Did he…”
Every breath he took was raspy. I placed my hand against his chest. “No, he didn’t touch me that way. He just…”
“I will kill him.”
A little thrill tore through me. “No. It’s okay.”
“No man touches what…” He sucked in his breath, purposely looking away. “You need to go.”
“Not yet. I’ll leave when I am ready.” I was more insistent than before. “You look so handsome. So handsome.” He didn’t want to let the ugliness go. His magnificent eyes were filled with liquid venom. “It’s my birthday party. Please. Just… be with me.”
His deep breath continued to be labored. “Happy birthday, Rafaela.”
“Thank you.”
“Every woman deserves to be told her birthday is special.”
He’d called me a woman. A little giddy inside, I dropped the bag, horrified I’d chicken out. No. I refused. I’m come here with a purpose in mind and nothing was going to stop me. Including myself. Pulling away, I concentrated on what I was doing.
Kazimir didn’t try to stop me while I yanked out some flameless candles I’d brought and barely flinched when I pulled out a blanket.
“What are you doing?” Every syllable, every sound he made was laced with a dark, predatory growl.
When everything was set up, including the split of champagne, I returned to a standing position, more nervous than I’d been in my entire life. Even before I walked closer, I began to untie the sash on my dress, keeping my eyes locked on his. “Giving myself a gift.”
“Rafaela.”
“Ssshhh…” I answered in return. With the sash free, I slipped my hand under the material to unbutton the single fastener holding the wraparound dress closed.
Once freed, I licked my lips, fighting anxiety, but not because of what I was about to do.
Because I was nervous about what he’d think seeing me this way.
His chest continued to rise and fall, every muscle in his body tense. As he narrowed his eyes, I noticed his nostrils flaring. When I placed my fingers on my shoulders, pushing the material down my arms, his jaw clenched tightly.
With the dress kicked to the side, I removed my shoes, finding more courage given the wild look in his eyes.
“Ty chertovski prekrasna.”