Page 214 of Barbi and the Villain

“I appreciate you trying to comfort me, but I almost got raped today,” I tell him sternly. “Do you think I’d want to lose my virginity right after such a traumatic event?”

“I know, I’m sorry.” He embraces me from behind. “But look on the bright side. You opened your fourth gate today. You are almost there.”

I freeze. A cold feeling of dread spreads down my spine.

What the hell?

33

That odd moment is quickly forgotten as we continue with my training for the remainder of the week while also planning for our presence at the masquerade ball.

“I have managed to find the list of attendees,” Nyk says as I take a break from my training. “I have already taken care of some inconsequential ones, and we will go to the ball in their stead.”

“Are you sure we will not get caught?” I frown.

He smiles.

“I have everything planned out, Barbs. We will be in and out. I only need to gather some information on my family’s state of affairs to know where to strike next.”

“Oh. So there won’t be any confrontation at the ball?”

“No. This is just reconnaissance. Once I have the necessary information, we can make our exit, and we can focus on your descent into the lake. Although you have opened the fourth gate, I want to personally test you to make sure you are ready,” he adds.

“Okay. You know best.”

He seems pleased with my words.

“Come. Let me show you what I got us for the masquerade.”

He leads me upstairs to our room. On the bed, a large pink box awaits me, with a smaller white one next to it.

Giddiness erupts inside of me as I hurry forward.

Nykander leans against the doorframe, watching me with satisfaction in his eyes.

I all but rip the cover of the first box, my breath leaving my lungs as I stare at the most gorgeous dusty shade of pink I’ve ever seen. Taking out the dress from the box, I lay it over the bed, marveling at the rich details and the flattering silhouette.

“Wow, Nyk! I have no words. Where did you get this? It’s absolutely gorgeous!”

“I knew you’d like it,” he mentions as he comes in. “Put it on. I want to see you in it.”

I quickly kick off my training gear and put the dress on. Nyk helps me tie the corset at the back and snap all the buttons in place.

The dress is a regency-style one with a high empire waist and a flowing silky skirt made out of multiple layers of the softest material I’ve ever felt. The bodice has embroidery all over the chest area, depicting a bucolic hunting scene in different shades of pink. But what’s even more impressive is the fact that there are three small dogs embroidered on it—our dogs.

“You had this custom made, didn’t you?”

He smiles, and that’s confirmation enough.

The next box contains the shoes. They are a satin pink with a three-inch heel and a similar embroidery on the front of the shoe. I put them on and immediately I feel like a princess who’s just stepped into a real-life fairy tale.

“This is wonderful, Nyk. Absolutely wonderful! Thank you so much. It’s the best gift someone’s ever given me!” I tell him as I twirl around the room, letting my happiness spill forward.

“There is something more,” he adds.

Moving to the bed, I realize there is one more small box. Opening it, he removes a black and pink lace mask from within. He places it over my face and moves behind me to tie it off at the back of my head.

“You are beautiful, Barbs,” he murmurs, leaning in to lay a gentle kiss on my shoulder.

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