Page 57 of The Cost of Corruption
I wasn’t sure that was me quite yet—but damn, if I didn’t want it to be.
“This color will look amazing on you,” Liv said. “It’ll make all those golden flecks in your eyes sparkle.”
Would it? I didn’t know about that, but I was willing to give it a shot.
“Okay,” I said with a nod.
Liv’s excited laugh filled the room. “Matteo’s going to lose his mind when he sees you. Oh, and I think I saw a pair of shoes that would pair perfectly.”
An hour later, she was putting the finishing touches on my hair and makeup.
“You must have had a toy box full of dolls as a child,” I commented as she swept back a tendril, securing it in place with a golden pin. “I always feel like one when you dress me up like this.”
I watched her reflection in the mirror smile as she shook her head.
“Nope,” she said. “Unfortunately, I was too serious for this kind of stuff when I was younger. I didn’t start to enjoy it until I got together with Gabriel.”
That surprised me. “You’re very good at it. And I appreciate the help. I’d hate to think what I’d look like if I had to figure this out on my own.”
“Oh, you’d be fine,” she said, her words far more kind than true. “It just takes time and practice. You’ll get it in time.”
“IfI don’t go back to the convent,” I said.
For a second, Liv’s hands froze in my hair. It was the first time I’d mentioned which way I was leaning out loud. Hell, I was just beginning to toy with the idea myself.
“Oh…so, you’re thinking of staying?” she asked, trying to sound casual but failing miserably. I’d never heard her voice so high and tight before.
I knew whatever I said next would be relayed to Gabriel and the housekeeper Letizia, and probably even Matteo before I’d even ordered my first drink at the club.
“I think—” Before I could finish that thought, the sound of a familiar engine pulling into the back carried up to our third-floor window. I practically sighed in relief. “I think Matteo is home.”
Standing up from my seat, I gave myself one last glance in the full-length mirror.
“Another amazing job,” I said to Liv before sashing toward the door.
“Don’t think I’m letting you off the hook that easy,” she called after me. “You’re going to have to answer me sometime.”
“Sorry! Can’t hear you,” I lied, already out the bedroom door and headed toward the stairs.
But even as I rushed down the steps to meet him in his car, I knew Liv was right.
I would have to answer the question someday…and someday soon.
But not today.
And sure as hell not tonight.
The middle of the dance floor was pure madness—and Ilovedit.
Even though Matteo and I were surrounded by a sea of people, all of them jumping and moving to the seemingly endlessthumpof the music, all I could feel was him.
He stood behind me, his hands wrapped around my hips, his torso pressed flat against my back as I bounced to the rhythm. With every twist, I felt his body slide against mine. With every grinding motion of my hips, I felt his body react. All while the deafening electronic beat made it impossible to think about anything except this moment.
It was a new kind of bliss I’d never experienced before. And one that I didn’t want to give up.
Not now.
Not ever.
