Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 75144 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 376(@200wpm)___ 301(@250wpm)___ 250(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75144 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 376(@200wpm)___ 301(@250wpm)___ 250(@300wpm)
When the sun breaks over the horizon, I carry my luggage to the front door, where I place the bags on the floor.
I head back to my room and take a quick shower before putting on the black jeans and sweater I chose to wear for the ceremony.
There’s no way I’m wearing white or a dress. I’m not making any effort to look like a bride.
I braid my hair so it’s out of my way before putting on makeup, which I consider my warpaint for the hellish day that awaits me.
I might not have a choice, but I sure as hell won’t make things easy for them.
As I stand up from my dressing table, there’s a knock at the door.
I remain quiet, but it doesn’t stop my unwelcome visitor from shoving the door open.
When Evinka walks into my private space with a garment bag draped over her arm, I start to shake my head.
“I won’t wear whatever’s in that bag,” I snap.
She places the bag on my bed, then lifts an eyebrow at me.
“Take it and leave,” I demand.
She shakes her head while crossing her arms over her chest.
Jesus, she’s probably here to force me into the dress.
I size her up, wondering if I can take her in a fight.
Before I can talk myself out of it, I lunge at Evinka. Within a split second, she somehow flips right over me as if she can fly, wraps an arm around my neck, and sweeps my feet from under me.
I slam down onto the carpet, and it takes a stunned moment to realize Evinka could easily kill me if she wanted to.
She loosens her arm around my neck, and her other hand begins to caress my hair comfortingly.
The soothing gesture is unexpected and makes the floodgates burst wide open.
When I let out a cry, she quickly moves around me and wraps me up in a tight hug. I didn’t realize how desperately I needed some form of comfort, and even though she’s a stranger to me, I cling to her as I break down.
I cry until empty sobs drift over my lips before she gently pushes me backward. Tilting her head, her eyes ask me whether I feel better.
It doesn’t change anything in my life, but the intense tension has lessened.
Her mouth lifts in an encouraging smile as she helps me to climb to my feet, then she points at the garment bag.
With my eyes locked on hers, I ask, “Will he hurt me?”
I watch as she pulls her phone out of her pocket and types something on it before turning the device toward me.
As long as you do as you’re told and don’t betray us in any way, you’ll be safe. Put on the dress. We’re running late, which is something Dominik hates.
When I’m done reading, she pats my shoulder before walking out of the room.
Evinka wouldn’t lie to me, right? There has to be some kind of woman code between us.
Shaking my head, I look at the garment bag.
She’s Dominik’s sister. Don’t try to find an ally in her.
Knowing I’m only angering Dominik more by keeping him waiting, I unzip the bag and remove the wedding dress.
God only knows where he got it.
Reluctantly, I strip out of my jeans and T-shirt before I step into the gown. I manage to pull up the zipper, but I struggle to hook the tiny clips.
Holding onto the back of the dress so it doesn’t fall off, I walk to the door so I can call Maeve to help me. When I open the door, it’s to find Evinka reading something on her phone. Her eyes flick to me, and she gives me a questioning look.
“I’m struggling with the clips at the back. Can you help?”
She nods and gestures for me to move back into the bedroom.
Evinka shuts the door behind us, and while she hooks one clip after the other, I glance down at the mermaid-style dress that fits me perfectly. It’s elegant and gorgeous.
When she’s done, she moves around me and glances up and down my body before smiling with a nod.
Then her eyes lock on my face and she points to my dressing table.
“Right. I must’ve cried off all my makeup,” I mutter.
I walk to the chair and sit down carefully. When I start to clean my face, Evinka takes a seat on the armchair by the window.
I give her a cautious glance before asking, “Have you always been mute?”
Thankfully, she doesn’t seem to be offended by my question as she shakes her head. Lifting her chin, she points at a scar that stretches around half of her neck.
God, whatever caused that scar must’ve hurt a lot.
Meaning the words, I whisper, “I’m sorry that happened to you.”
Evinka just shrugs before gesturing with her eyes at the dressing table.
I quickly reapply my makeup, and when I’m done, she gets up and comes to stand behind me. I watch her reflection in the mirror as she undoes the braid in my hair. Grabbing my brush, she pulls it through the strands, and once she’s done, she gives me a satisfied smile.