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Atme.
Panic strikes in my chest. I’m way out of my league. What made me think I could not only blend with these people, but stand out in the crowd?
Breathe, I tell myself.
It’s not me on display tonight. Not really.
I check my reflection in one of the ornate mirrors, and I’m shocked to find I don’t even recognize the woman staring back at me. I’ve spent my life dressing for comfort, for defense. Heavy boots to run and kick; leather and denim, thick eyeliner, a ‘Don’t fuck with me’ glare. Growing up in the Barretti crime world, I learned fast how to take care of myself, using my clothes and makeup to say I wasn’t one of the girls they passed around for fun, or a hot fling on a Friday night.
And if that didn’t get the message across, the switchblade in my pocket would.
But tonight, there’s nothing harsh or threatening about me.
My hair falls in soft waves around a face that feels naked, even though I’m wearing layers of subtle makeup. Pale shimmer on my eyelids, a gentle blush on my cheeks. I’m fresh-faced and wide-eyed, with just a hint of mascara and pink lip gloss. And my dress…?
It’s white. Pristine. Swooping off my shoulders in a modest sweetheart neckline, silk petals breezing in a floaty skirt around my bare thighs—a far cry from all the showstopping skin-tight numbers here tonight. My strappy sandals are delicate, fastened at the ankles with jewel-encrusted straps that match the simple diamond bracelet hanging off one wrist.
The effect is startling. I seem innocent. Young.Expensive.
I look like a stranger. The old Avery is gone.
But maybe it’s better this way, I decide, turning away from the mirror. Because that version of myself turned to ashes the moment the man I love took his own life, trapped in guilt and shame over his gambling debts.
Debts held by one man.
Him.
Heads turn as Sebastian Wolfe strolls into the villa. Not with revulsion or hatred like he deserves, but excitement. Awe.
Desire.
I stare, taking him in. It’s hard to believe this is the first time I’ve laid eyes on the man in person when he’s consumed every waking thought of mine for weeks. But I can tell that the photos online don’t do him justice. They can’t capture the arrogant edge to his icy blue-eyed stare, or the way his perfectly tailored suit drapes over his lean, 6’2” frame as he saunters through the room. It’s not just his wealth on display, but his confidence, too. He’s a grown man, twelve years older than me, radiating power and dominance. Every inch an apex predator. The top of any food chain.
But even the deadliest animals can be brought down with a well-timed shot to the heart.
My resolve hardens, and my grip on Nero must have too, because he squeezes my hand in comfort—and warning.
“Welcome, everyone.” Sebastian says, in a cut-glass English accent. He looks around the villa like he owns it. Which, I guess he does, since he’s picking up the tab for this little get-together. “I won’t bore you with the formalities, you all know the rules. Bates here will collect your proof of funds as your entry pass, and we can get the game started. Let’s have some fun.”
There’s applause and laughter, but I feel my fury rising, just being in the same room as the man.
“Easy,” Nero murmurs. “Remember, this is only the beginning.”
He’s right. All great journeys begin with a single step. And so, I force myself to take a glass of champagne, and follow Nero to the card table. My eyes down, demure. Nervous. But inside, I’ve never been more determined of anything.
Because I made a vow, the day I found Miles’ body swinging from the rafters. I’m going to destroy Sebastian Wolfe’s life.
The way he’s destroyed mine.
2
AVERY
The high rollerstake their seats at the table, and the rest of us settle in to watch. I perch on a chair just behind Nero, positioned directly across from Sebastian’s seat, so I’ll be directly in his eyeline. He’s still circulating, shaking hands and greeting friends, and I force myself not to look at him.
Because now comes the real test. My dress, the makeup, the wide-eyed way I’m glancing around the room, it’s all designed with one purpose in mind.
To make him want me.
