Page 52 of Unholy Vows (Original Sin)

“No, little nurse, I don’t think you do, and that bothers you more than anything.”

I pushed back from him, and he let me.

“I do hate you, and one day, you’ll get everything you deserve. I might have a complicated relationship with God, but I believe in karma. In the end, you’ll burn for your sins,” I said quietly but full of conviction.

He stared at me for a few beats before nodding. “Amen. Now, get out of here before I change my mind about letting you leave.”

My courage all spent, I took his advice and left, feeling his eyes on my naked back the whole way.

16

CHARLIE

“Ican’t believe the prisoner is getting out for the day. How exciting,” I grumbled, staring out the window of the bulletproof SUV currently driving along the AC strip, heading to Vito’s dress shop in La Leonora. I was being sarcastic, but honestly, being out in the fresh air and off Casa Nera grounds was pretty exciting.

Giada laughed. She sat next to me on the backseat. Her brother drove, and Sonny sat in the passenger seat.

“Well, if you make a break for it, I’ll be sure to tell your sister you abandoned her myself,” Giada murmured.

Like I needed the reminder that Lucy was locked up in Casa Nera while I was here. Even if I could escape, there was no way I could get Lucy out, so that was a no-go.

Rain hit the windows, and the wiper scraped the glass. Fall was sliding into winter, and normally, I’d be enjoying the decorations that were starting to go up and the air of excitement that filled the air. Christmas cheer was free, after all, and I loved it.

“This is stupid. I don’t need a designer dress. Who’s even attending this farce? What a waste of time.”

“While I share your sentiments about weddings, I’m tired of hearing you complain, so shut the fuck up,” Giada snapped. “You don’t have to remind everyone that this is against your will with every breath. I’m starting to wonder who you’re trying to convince.”

I rolled my eyes at her but dropped it. I was tired of complaining, too. It wasn’t going to help me, clearly.

We got out at the back of the casino and went inside. Giada looped her arm through mine, and Sonny and Elio followed closely behind.

Vito’s shop was lavish and stuffed full of extremely ornate, over-the-top dresses. His style seemed to be based on the “more is more” principle of design.

His assistant led me down a long corridor toward the dressing room while my disreputable-looking entourage sat in the waiting room. Vito wouldn’t allow them to get too close to the dresses.

I stepped into the room and the assistant drew back a curtain, revealing the half-finished dress and a set of underwear that had my eyes popping out of my head.

The underwear in question consisted of a white bodysuit that reminded me of a corset, with elegant boning to nip my waist in, a garter belt hanging from the bottom edge, and transparent lace that left absolutely nothing to the imagination. It was all cobwebs of handsewn lace, satin straps, and embroidery. It probably cost more than my old apartment’s monthly rent.

The assistant left, and I sank down on the pink velvet chaise longue. I stared at my reflection for a long time. My St. Anthony’s medal shone in the changing room lights.

“Are you a lost thing, bambina?”

“I’ve always been lost.”

Did I still feel lost? Everything I’d built for myself had come crashing down, and I was just trying to survive through it and come out the other side somehow.I’m starting to wonder who you’re trying to convince.

A soft tapping sound stole my attention from my spiraling thoughts.

I glanced around. It didn’t seem to be coming from the doorway. The sound continued. I got to my feet slowly, nerves jumping to high alert.

One wall had a gauzy curtain over it, and others were painted eggshell white, without even a window to tap on. I went to the curtain and drew it back.

Shock froze me to the spot.

There was not only a window there, but a glass wall with a set of French doors leading out to a tiny courtyard, with a chair and table. The courtyard butted up against a parking lot and a row of garbage bins. More shocking was the two people who stood in the courtyard, watching me.

Detectives Vane and Whitely. My heart all but leapt into my mouth, and my mind went completely blank.

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