my dress, she slips the black stiletto heel over my foot, which fits snugly, followed by the other, then pushes upright again. “These are not just random guests he’s invited. They’re very powerful.”
I recall Lucian’s comment a while ago, about the men being important. I imagine a lot of important men come and go in this place, so what makes these so exceptionally unnerving to her?
“I’ll be on my best behavior.” Smiling, I take one step toward the bathroom to blot some of this obnoxious lipstick, but feel a tight grip of my arm.
“It’s not like that, Isa. These men are … dangerous.” A flicker of remorse dances across her face, and it’s then, I realize she’s trying not to divulge too much.
“How are they dangerous?”
“I can’t say much. I won’t, so don’t ask. But stay by Lucian’s side. And if one of these men try to proposition you, tell him your debt is with Lucian.”
“What?”
“Trust me.” Her fingers squeeze my arm, emphasizing the urgency in her eyes.
“Is this the secret group thing you told me about a while ago?”
“Yes. And no more questions.”
“Just one more. Please. Why did you go through so much trouble, making me look like this, if I’m to avoid drawing attention to myself?”
“Because Lucian demanded that I help you look elegant for the evening. But I’m afraid, even he couldn’t anticipate that you’d look like this.”
“Like what?”
“Food for the sharks.”
I have to remind myself not to wring my dress, as I stand outside the door of the atrium, palms sweating and trembling, while the clamor of voices on the other side tells me it’s a full house.
A couple walks toward me, arms linked, wearing masks, and evening attire that I imagine cost as much as this dress the woman at the boutique insisted I charge to Lucian’s credit card. The man’s stare through the holes in his mask lingers long after they pass, forcing me to turn away as I recall Giulia’s warning.
Damn this dress. The consultant, as she called herself, wouldn’t take no for an answer, when I insisted on something less flashy and … sexy. I’m certain it was the most expensive in the shop, as Lucian had apparently told her, before I arrived, to spare no expense. Even Makaio shifted uncomfortably, when I emerged from the dressing room wearing the thing.
“Breathe, Isa.” They’re just people. Human beings who sat on toilets sometime today looking as undignified as everyone else. It was a saying Aunt Midge used to have about the haughty tourists she encountered at the The Shoal on occasion: They shit in toilets like the rest of us. Crude, but it’s always put things into perspective for me. Aunt Midge was good for that, never letting others make her feel inferior.
“Isa? Is that you?” At the sound of Rand’s voice, I glance up to see him approaching in a black tuxedo, and catch the widening of his eyes through the mask. “Oh, my. You look … stunning. Why are you standing out here? Master Blackthorne requested you play piano this evening, did he not?”
“He did. I’m just … trying to settle my nerves.”
“Well, come on, then. I’m sure he’ll be very anxious to know you haven’t backed out on your promise.” He bends his arm toward me and jerks his head. “Shall we?”
“Of course.” Linking my arm in his, I take another long inhale and stand in the entrance of the atrium behind the couple who passed me moments ago.
Breath hitches in my throat as I take in the beauty of the room within. Lights have been dimmed enough that the hundreds of lit candles give the room a soft flicker and glow. The various-sized lanterns overhead are falling stars against the night sky, and the glow of lights winding through the vines only adds to the ambience. From the curved steel beams overhead, what look like birdcages hang over the crowd below, though it’s hard to make out what’s inside of them. Around the room stand a few more cages on pedestals, and though I can detect something moving within, I can’t identify what they are.
A small line forms where Makaio runs a metal detector over each guest, before checking what must be an invitation and allowing them to pass.
The man in front of us cranes his neck, looking back at me, and I catch the corner of his lips lift with a smile--the sight of which has me turning away to avoid eye contact. Thankfully, the masks do a