Page 67 of Reckless Desires

Still holding onto me tightly, she laughs but sniffles. “No one broke my heart, babe. I just got to witness how others live, and it makes me sad.”

When she loosens her grip, I step back. “I didn’t think people in Ireland were in bad shape.”

There is a stillness in her eyes. “I guess we don’t always know what’s going on. I’m just grateful to be here. We are lucky to live this way.” For a second, I seem to lose her, but then she snaps out of it. “Anyway, tell me what you like or don’t like about the dress before I make some comments.”

For the moment, I get my sister back. “You’re right about the color. It does nothing for me. Maybe I should dye my hair.” I pull at my red strands.

“Don’t you dare!” Lily says. “You’re the only sister who got grandmother’s hair color. Changing it is like erasing her.”

I’ve never heard Lily say something like this. “Okay.”

“Also, this mermaid look is out this season.” She pauses to think, and then a smile crosses her face for the first time since she’s been back home. “I have something for you.”

Lily goes into her closet and pulls something out of a garment bag. She hangs it off the door, unzipping the garment bag to showcase the dress inside. I recognize this dress. She got it from her trip to Paris.

“Lily,” I gasp. “I can’t.”

“You can. This shade of yellow would look amazing on you.” She brings me the dress on the hanger.

The floor-length satin gown has an A-line silhouette, a square neckline, and slim adjustable straps. Horizontal pleating runs across the bodice and continues through the waist, hips, and front of the skirt, creating a continuous textured flow across the design. The lace-up back finishes with a self-tie bow and a side leg slit.

I try it on, and when I step out, this time Lily is the one who gasps. “You look stunning.”

I stand back on the platform. Lily takes my hair, debating what style would work.

“I like you with short hair,” I say out of nowhere. “I know you loved your long hair, but this suits you better.”

“Thanks, Serafina. I think so too,” she says.

Chapter Forty-Six

Killian

“Remember to smile,” I joke with Donal, who is unimpressed that I dragged him with me to this event.

Security is checking the guest list as people enter to ensure only people invited are let in. The ballroom is alive with laughter and people holding a glass of champagne, and the air is filled with the scent of expensive cigars and perfumes. Crystal chandeliers glimmer above the well-dressed guests mingling with one another.

“Is this why you enjoy rubbing elbows with the Costello family?” Donal comments.

“I much prefer a bar setting,” I reply. “But charity galas are meant to be lavish. Brings in people with endless money. Shows you who the elites are. It’s always nice to know who has deep pockets in this city.”

I spot Darius in the corner speaking to his wife, Stasia. The only time I see a smile on his face is when he’s around her. Not far off is Cameron slow dancing with Selene. The man is a mush around her. As I proceed to walk through the crowd, I spot a woman surrounded by men. As I pass them, I see it’s Liliana. For a moment, my breath hitches. She’s in all her glory. Her now short chocolate brown hair, perfectly styled in waves, accentuates her face, which is now adorned with makeup. I almost didn’t notice it was her. She was beautiful when she was a disaster, but now that she’s all dolled up, I see why men line up to court her. Looks like the pain she was in has subsided.

Donal and I walk up to the bar and order a round of whiskey neat.

He nods in Liliana’s direction. “Is that her? You’d never think it was if people saw her a few weeks ago.”

“I’m sure she’s happy to be back in her expensive clothes and jewelry.” I take a sip of my drink.

“Killian,” Darius greets, his tone smooth but edged, as he approaches with a confident stride.

“Darius. Stasia.” I nod to each of them.

His sharp, tailored black suit complements his wife’s black crystal-beaded gown. There is this unspoken tension—a thin veil of camaraderie laced with distrust.

“Thank you for bringing our Lily back,” Stasia says. “And for keeping the occurrences a secret.”

“I don’t think anyone would want people to know they were trafficked,” I reply just as Cameron and Selene join us.