Chapter 25
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Eleonora
I still can’t believe Nico agreed to let me come.
My heart hasn’t stopped racing all day.
I might see my sisters tonight, even if it’s only from a distance, even if I can’t speak to them. Just seeing them, knowing they’re okay, will be enough to put my mind at ease.
Maria has been helping me get ready for the past hour. Nico had several dresses sent up, all stunning, and the bold red one caught my eye first. But it would make me stand out too much. So I chose the deep emerald green instead. It's also elegant but and far less likely to draw attention.
Maria finishes pinning my hair into an elegant updo and steps back with a satisfied smile. “You look beautiful, miss.”
A knock sounds on the door. Maria excuses herself quickly as Nico walks in.
He’s already dressed in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo that fits him like it was made for his body.
The jacket hugs his broad shoulders, the white shirt crisp against his tanned skin.
He looks devastatingly handsome. The scent of his cologne, dark, woody, with a hint of spice, fills the room as he approaches.
He stops in front of me, eyes slowly dragging over my body in the silk robe I’m wearing.
“You look beautiful,” he says, voice low.
I feel my cheeks warm. “You haven’t even seen the dress yet.”
He steps closer, a small smirk tugging at his lips. “Doesn’t matter what you wear. You make everything look beautiful.”
He reaches for the emerald gown hanging nearby and helps me into it.
His hands are surprisingly gentle as he slides the fabric up my body.
When he moves behind me to zip it up, his fingers graze slowly up my spine, leaving goosebumps in their wake.
I can’t help the way I press back against him, my hips brushing against his crotch.
He groans softly, hands gripping my waist. “Careful, baby. Keep doing that and we’re going to be very late.”
I smile, a little breathless. “Sorry.”
He finishes zipping me up. We both turn to look at our reflection in the mirror.
The emerald dress hugs my curves perfectly, with a modest neckline and a slit that shows just a hint of leg. Nico stands behind me, tall and imposing in his tuxedo, one hand resting possessively on my hip.
My gaze drops to my neck.
The Caruso heirloom necklace is gone. In its place is a delicate new one, a thin chain with a single teardrop emerald that rests perfectly at the hollow of my throat. It matches the dress beautifully.
Nico notices me staring at it. His fingers brush over the stone lightly.
“You look perfect,” he murmurs against my ear.
I try to cover the hickey on my neck, but Nico immediately brushes my hand away.
“No,” he says, voice low and firm.
I sigh. “People are going to notice. I can’t go out like this.”
“Let them notice,” he murmurs, eyes darkening as he looks at the mark. “Let them see that you belong to me.”
I roll my eyes. “Caveman.”
He smacks my ass, the sting making me gasp. “Didn’t hear you complaining last night.”
My face heats up. He picks up one of the masks he had brought in, from the table and hands it to me.
“This is the one I want you to wear tonight.”
I look at it. It’s beautiful, a delicate black lace mask with gold filigree along the edges, shaped like wings that sweep upward at the corners. It’s dramatic and sensual, not the simple one I would have chosen.
“I don’t want this one,” I say. “I want a different mask.”
He smirks. “You lost the bet, remember? This is me collecting.”
I narrow my eyes at him, but I know I don’t have a choice. “Fine.”
He helps me put it on, adjusting it carefully so it sits perfectly. When I look in the mirror, I barely recognize myself. The blonde wig and this mask make me look like someone else entirely.
“Ready?” he asks, offering me his hand.
I take it. “Yes.”
We head downstairs. Marco is already waiting with several of Nico’s men. He opens the car door for us without a word, his expression carefully neutral. I slide into the back seat, and Nico follows, the door closing behind us.
As the car pulls away from the mansion, I turn to him.
“You still haven’t told me why Daniel isn’t my bodyguard anymore.”
Nico’s jaw tightens. He looks at me. “Is there a particular reason you keep asking about Daniel?”
I huff. “I’m just asking because it’s strange. He was there one day and gone the next.”
“He’s been reassigned. He no longer works inside the mansion. He’s on perimeter duty now,” Nico says flatly.
I blink. “Just like that?”
He doesn’t answer, clearly done with the topic. I let it go.
The rest of the ride, he gives me the rules.
“You do not remove your mask under any circumstances,” he says, voice serious.
“You do not wander off. You stay by my side the entire night. You do not speak to any of Gallo’s men, you don’t even go near them.
You do not speak to your father. You do not signal your sisters or try to make contact. Understood?”
I start to push back. “Can I at least—”
He grabs my chin, turning my face to his. “This is important, Eleonora. One wrong move I will drag you out of there and bring you straight back home. Do not test me on this.”
I swallow hard, then nod. “Fine. I’ll behave.”
He releases my chin but keeps his hand on my thigh the rest of the drive.
We arrive at the estate just after nightfall.
The premises are breathtaking, a sprawling, historic mansion lit up like something out of a historical novel. Tall stone columns glow under golden lights, luxury cars lining the long driveway.
Men in tailored tuxedos and women in glittering gowns step out of vehicles, their laughter carried on the cool night air. Everyone is masked.
Nico reaches over and makes sure my mask fastened. Then he puts on his own: a simple but striking black mask with angular lines and subtle silver detailing along the edges. It makes his eyes look even darker, more predatory.
He offers me his arm. “Ready?”
I nod, and we step out together.
Inside, the mansion is even more opulent. Crystal chandeliers hang from impossibly high ceilings, casting fractured light across marble floors and gilded walls. Classical music weaves through the air, mingling with the low hum of conversation and the clink of champagne glasses.
People move gracefully through the grand halls and my eyes scan the crowd instinctively.
And then I see them.
Across the room, standing near a tall marble pillar, are Camila and Daniela. They’re with my father. Even with masks on, I know it’s them instantly. Camila’s posture, that slight tilt of her head when she’s uncomfortable, and Daniela’s nervous habit of touching the back of her neck.
Their dark hair is styled the same way it always has been for these events. The way they stand close to each other, protective even now, makes my chest tighten painfully.
Nico is saying something to me, but I can’t hear him. My entire focus is on my sisters. They look okay. Uncomfortable but alive. I want to run to them. I want to pull them into my arms and tell them I’m alright, that I’m alive. That I miss them so much it hurts.
Nico’s hand presses firmly against my lower back. “Eleonora,” he says quietly, voice low enough for only me to hear. “You promised. No contact.”
I nod slowly, tearing my eyes away. “I know.”
“It’s too risky,” he continues, guiding me gently away from that side of the room. “Your father is watching everyone. Gallo is here somewhere. One wrong move and this entire night could turn into a bloodbath. You stay by my side. Understand?”
“Yes,” I whisper, forcing myself to look forward. “I understand.”
He studies my face for a moment, thumb brushing lightly against my back. “Are you okay?”
I swallow the lump in my throat and nod again. “I’m fine.”
He doesn’t look entirely convinced, but he leads me deeper into the crowd, away from my sisters.
I’m in the same room as them for the first time in weeks… and I can’t even say hello.
We move through the crowd slowly, Nico’s hand firm and possessive on the small of my back.
The ball is in full swing. Some guests wear masks that barely cover their eyes, making it easy to recognize them.
I spot Matteo Gallo across the room, his sharp jaw and arrogant posture unmistakable even behind a half-mask.
I see other familiar faces from my father’s world. And then there’s my father himself, standing near a marble pillar, talking to a group of men. His mask is ornate but doesn’t fully hide the cold set of his mouth.
My own mask, combined with the blonde wig, keeps me safe. It covers most of my face, leaving only my lips visible. No one should be able to recognize me.
I try my best to stay engaged with Nico, nodding and smiling when he speaks to me, keeping my body close to his like he instructed. I don’t leave his side for even a second.
Until I see Camilla walking toward the powder room.
“I need to freshen up,” I tell Nico softly.
He’s in the middle of a conversation but glances at me. “I’ll come with you.”
“No, it’s fine,” I say quickly. “I’ll be quick.”
He studies me for a second, then signals to two of his men. “Go with her. Don’t let her out of your sight.”
I nod and follow the guards toward the powder room, my pulse racing faster with every step.
Luckily, when I step inside, Camilla is the only one there. She’s standing at the sink, washing her hands and staring at her reflection in the mirror.
Seeing her so close, alive, unharmed, just a few feet away, makes my chest ache with relief. My eyes burn. I want to run to her. I want to hug her so tight neither of us can breathe.
“Camilla,” I whisper.
She turns, frowning slightly behind her mask, not recognizing me yet.
“Who are you?”
I step closer, heart hammering. “It’s me.”
I reach up and slowly remove my mask.
Camilla’s eyes widen in shock. Her mouth opens, ready to scream my name.
I lunge forward and cover her mouth with my hand. “Shh! Don’t say my name. Please.”
She nods frantically, eyes glassy with tears. I slowly lower my hand.
“Eleonora…” she breathes, voice breaking.
We crash into each other at the same time, wrapping our arms around one another in a fierce hug. She holds me so tightly it almost hurts, and I bury my face in her shoulder, breathing in the familiar scent of her perfume.
“I thought you were gone,” she whispers, voice shaking. “We’ve been so worried. Papa has been… awful.”
“I’m okay,” I whisper back, holding her tighter. “I’m really okay. And Sienna is safe. She got away with Domenico. Nico doesn’t have her.”
Camilla pulls back just enough to look at me, eyes wide. “He doesn’t?”
“No. But you can’t tell Papa. If he knows Sienna is free, he’ll hunt her down. We need to keep her safe. Promise you won't tell him.”
“I promise,” she says immediately, squeezing my hands. “God, I’ve missed you so much. Are you really alright? Is he hurting you?”
I shake my head, forcing a small smile. “I’m ok. He’s… complicated. But I’m not hurt.”
We hug again, both of us crying quietly. “I have to go, before Nico notices I've been gone for too long,” I whisper, pulling back reluctantly. “I can’t be seen with you. Please tell Daniela I’m okay. And you both need not worry.”
Camilla pulls back just enough to look at me, her eyes searching mine with worry. “Are you sure? Are you really okay?”
I nod, forcing a small smile. “Yeah. I’m fine.”
She glances toward the door, voice dropping to a frantic whisper. “We have to find a way to get you out. There has to be something we can do to save you from him—”
“No,” I cut her off, shaking my head. “Running now would put Sienna at risk. We need to keep her safe. And… I don’t want to ruin Nico’s plan. He’s not… he's not all bad.”
I'm surprised at myself as the words leave my mouth. A week ago I was doing everything I could to escape him. Now I’m standing here defending him. Protecting his plan. I feel Camilla’s confused stare on me, questioning, but I don’t have time to explain the complicated mess inside my head.
“Eleonora, are you sure? What are you talking about? He kidnapped you.”
“I don’t have time to explain,” I whisper urgently. “But you have to promise me, you cannot tell Papa that you saw me. And you cannot tell him that Sienna isn’t with Nico. Please, Camilla. It’s important.”
She searches my face for a long second, then nods slowly. “I promise. Is there a way I can at least reach you?”
I let out a shaky breath. “I huh… you can send a letter to Nico’s downtown office. It will get to me.” I take out tissue and write the address with lipstick.
Camilla folds and places it in her bra and pulls me into another tight hug, her arms trembling.