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With the plan solidified, I ended the call with Gabe and took a deep breath.
I had a feeling things might get worse before they got better.
35
Daphne
This was a mistake. Surely it couldn't be too late to turn back. I could walk away from this. Go back to my life. I didn't have to subject myself to seeing my mother after all this time. But it wasn’t like I could not show up for Willow. And Drake needed me here to draw out Igno.
Remember, you agreed to help him so that he would pay for Gran.
But that was before we shagged. Before we knew what Massimo wanted from me. Before I'd started to see Drake as more than the assassin he was.
Yes, but does he see you as more?
That was the million-dollar question that I had no answers for.
I stood in front of the vanity mirror and stared at my reflection, my hands trembling. I had put on the dress Drake had chosen, the fuchsia one that I thought captured the spirit of the evening without being too ostentatious. It had a satin bodice that draped over my waist, and the skirt cascaded down in graceful pleats. When I tried the dress on, he’d hissed his approval. Just remembering the way his eyes drank me in was enough to make my skin flush even now.
I wanted everything to be perfect for tonight, but even the dress couldn't hide my apprehension.
Drake sat on the edge of the bed, watching me. "You look breathtaking, kitten," he said, his voice gentle and reassuring.
I bit my lip, forcing down the wave of nervousness that seemed to take over my body. "Thank you," I replied, my voice barely a whisper.
He stood up and walked over to me, his arm encircling my waist. "It's going to be all right," he said, looking into my eyes with an intensity that made my heart flutter. "You don't have to be scared. Everything will be fine."
I turned to face him, feeling more vulnerable than I ever had before. Tears welled up in my eyes as I tried to speak but failed. Drake pulled me into his arms and held me tight, his warmth radiating through me.
"What if I can't do this?" I asked, my voice trembling. "I thought I could, but my mother…" I trailed off, not wanting to bring her up anymore.
“You’re strong enough. I know you are.” He brushed a few strands of hair away from my face and gently kissed my forehead.
"You don't know her," I said with conviction. "I've been scared my whole life of her, of what she could do when she was angry."
“But you’re not that scared little girl anymore, Daphne.”
His words brought a wave of understanding and acceptance over me, and for the first time all day I was able to feel something other than fear. I nodded as tears silently streamed down my cheeks.
"I hate that I'm free of her and I'm still afraid," I whispered between sobs. Drake pulled me closer and held me until the tears stopped flowing and I felt strong enough again to stand on my own two feet.
"You are brave," he said softly, wiping the remaining tears away with his thumb. "And tonight is the night you get to be the brave person you are." He smiled at me reassuringly before taking a step back and offering me his arm.
But as soon as he wasn't touching me, the anxiety seemed to take over again. "I don't know if I can," I said, my voice shaking. I felt guilty for putting Drake in this position.
"You don't have to do this," he said, looking at me with concern. "I can get Massimo another way."
But I shook my head. "I need you tonight," I said. "And I need this to be over. When it is, I'd like to see if this could be something," I added, referring to our relationship.
Drake's eyes softened and he pulled me closer to him. "I'm here for you," he said, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead.
I took a deep breath and straightened my shoulders. I could do this. For my sister and for myself. I looked up at Drake, feeling grateful for his support.
"Let's go," I said, and we made our way out of the bedroom.
As we walked down the hallway, I felt a sense of unease settle over me. What if something went wrong?
Drake must have sensed my worry because he stopped and turned to face me. "I'll keep you safe," he said, his voice firm. "From anyone and everyone who tries to hurt you. Anyone who does will regret meeting me."
