if he knew the effect he already had on me. I tried so hard to resist at first, but now all of that's gone out of the window. I need him. I crave him. I can't be without him. I tell myself as long as he doesn't find out, I'll be fine. And I can hide it. Well... I can at least try.
I have to.
Since he left yesterday, I've completely shifted from my passion-crazed person. The fact that I begged for him to come inside me is far away from my mind now, because he chose to put this distance between us. I didn't ask him to leave. He decided to go all by himself, which makes it especially hurtful.
Waiting for Eleanora to show up, I start to sketch again. This time, my inspiration takes me to my past and I sketch out a scene from the docks where I first met Adrian. I remember that day so clearly, as if it just happened. But a lot has changed in the decade that's passed. I can never trust Adrian or myself again. Not after we slept together... And I just let it fucking happen. I didn't even try to stop him.
Breathing a sigh of relief, I peel my back away from the wall as my maid enters the room.
"Is he back?" I breathe. "Did he come? Is he alone? Did he miss me?"
Eleanora smiles tersely.
I can tell there's something off.
But she can't tell me. Instead, she shoves another letter into my hands.
The paper holds my brother's handwriting. Right now, I don't care about the letter. I'm too obsessed with Adrian to care about my brother's news. I stuff it in my pillow to read later, ignoring Eleanora's advice to chuck it in the fireplace. I go back to the window to look at Adrian again, but the driveway is empty now. I wonder when he will come see me.
I wait and wait, but he doesn't show up.
Hours later, Eleanora appears with a cream card on a silver platter.
I tear through the envelope to read it as fast as I can.
I'm back. I'll see you at dinner tonight. Eleanora will escort you downstairs. There will be guards, so don't try anything stupid. -A
My eyes widen as I read those words. He's actually going to let me have dinner with the family? I'm so desperate for human contact even the thought of seeing Bruno again, doesn't worry me. All that matters is that Adrian will be there and I won't be locked between four walls again.
I spend the rest of the day getting ready to head downstairs for dinner. Eleanora helps me with my makeup, hair and outfit, making sure I look as polished as I possibly can. I put on a scarlet red dress with a corset bodice and even spray some expensive perfume on my wrists and the back of my neck.
Following Eleanora downstairs, I feel my heart hammering in my chest. This is really happening. I'm about to sit down as part of their family. Is this Adrian's way of telling me he's ready for the next step? Does he still want me after everything that's happened? A small ray of hope awakens inside me, shining brightly through the darkness of the past few weeks.
Maybe things will change... maybe happiness will finally come for me.
I enter the dining room where several men are already sitting. Some of them glance at me. One smirks.
Bruno just keeps talking as I walk to a chair and take a seat. I don't dare speak. I'm not even brave enough to look at the men who decide my fate alongside Adrian.
"Good to see you've joined us, Marzia," Bruno says.
I risk a look at him, giving a small bow. "Thank you. I was happy to be invited."
"Ah, there's Adrian now."
I look over my shoulder, my chest tightening as I see him walk inside. He looks as handsome and darkly menacing as ever.
Behind him, there's someone who seems to burn so brightly, she lights up the room. The girl is blonde with blue eyes. Her skin is pale and she's impossibly beautiful, like a doll.
My lips purse as she steps forward and takes Adrian's hand in hers. I get up, my hands forming fists as I search Adrian's face for answers.
"Meet Nicoletta Carlucci," Bruno grunts. "Adrian's bride-to-be."
My blood fucking boils. I stare at the girl who beams at my man with excitement. My heart is hammering in my chest, threatening to break through my ribcage and