“You’ve misunderstood me. I’m a catch, girl.”
I laughed heartily.
“In another life,” he added.
And that sucked the wind right out of me.
“If it’s that bad, you can always change your life. Our decisions, paths, and futures are not final until we die.” I leaned in and placed a kiss on his lips. “Don’t count yourself out just yet. I think being with you will be one of the best decisions I’ve made if you stop pushing me away.”
“You should be a politician.”
I frowned. “Why?”
“You give me hope when there is none.”
My mouth dropped. “Well, thanks, I think.”
“We’re attending a masquerade ball in four hours.”
I gasped and squealed all at once. “On the arm of the finest dark prince in all the land,” I purred.
He bit his bottom lip, trying to suppress his smile. “Yes, well, that is not too far from the truth.”
“I bet it isn’t, because who is better than you?”
“Is that a question I’m supposed to answer?”
“No.”
“Good.”
I loved his conversation…when he gave it to me.
“You’ll need to change your appearance and use an alias. Will you be okay with that?”
Surprised, I nodded. “Whatever you need.”
“Mmmmmm.”
“Who am I?”
“Caterina Bianchi.”
“That’s a beautiful name. Does it come from someone you know?”
He was in his head for a while before he spoke.
“No. When I was a boy, I’d entertain silly thoughts of a family. Caterina would be my daughter’s name if that life had been for me.”
“Wow. I will hold the name close to my heart.”
He nodded once. “You’ll have a small team of helpers to get you ready. Everything you need for your transformation is available to you.”
“Is there anything else I should know?”
“The ball we’re attending is hosted by a powerful family. They are not as relaxed as you.”
“Oh. So, should I be uptight or be myself?”