Page 64 of Ruthless Vow

“Ohhh…” I say. I don’t know why I thought he’d be leaving me behind. Maybe because I haven’t left the house and grounds since the night Danila drove me into the desert with the instructions to end my life. Maybe because Sabina definitely will not want me at her party.

“You’ll be safe,” Leo says. “It’s Sabina’s engagement party. The entire Russo clan will be there along with the mayor, the governor, the chief of police, heads of other families. Security will be tighter than a noose around a rat’s neck.”

A charming comparison.

“It isn’t my safety that’s giving me pause. I don’t relish the thought of an evening surrounded by hundreds of people.” I’m the very definition of an introvert.

“I want you there, so you will be there,” Leo says. “Now, pick a dress.”

Panic stirs. “Pick a dress? How can you trust me to pick a dress to wear to your sister’s engagement party? As yourdate? Have you never seen the dresses I’ve chosen?”

I have no sense of fashion, no idea what looks good on me. Oh, I can choose appropriate gifts for my boss to give a woman—jewelry, purses, scarves, clothes. But dress myself in an attractive way? I never had the chance to develop a style, to know what suits me or what looks good.

“Do as I say, Nicole. If nothing here appeals, I’ll have more options sent over.”

I move to the garment rack and study each gown in turn. I immediately push aside the dresses that are ivory or champagne. Though I know that both those colors suit me, Sabina is the bride. I won’t be wearing anything even remotely close to white.

Finally I choose an emerald green silk sheath with a halter neckline. There’s a gold-toned applique detail at the neck that looks like a teardrop. The back is low and draped, the slit on the side high. The label reads Tom Ford.

There are no sequins or sparkles. No ribbons or bows. It’s simple. Even plain in a way. I like it.

I put it on while Leo watches, his dark eyes glittering.

I pair it with neutral strappy sandals—the heels not too high because I’ve never quite mastered the knack of balancing on stilettos—and a simple clutch. I study my reflection in the full-length mirror.

“This one?” I say, hesitant.

“Are you asking me or telling me?” Leo says.

I shake my head. “I don’t trust myself. I don’t know if I’ve made the right choice. I don’t know if—”

“Do you like it?” Leo cuts me off.

“Yes.”

“Do you want to try some of the others?”

Again, I look at my reflection. Finally, I say, “No.”

He reaches into the pocket of his suit jacket, pulls out a folded slip of paper, and holds it out to me. I take it, unfold it, and read,green silkwritten in Leo’s bold, masculine hand.

“What would you have done if I had chosen one of the others?”

“I knew you wouldn’t because this one is perfect for you. You can trust yourself, Nicole,” he says, rising from the chaise lounge and walking to stand in front of me. “You can trust yourself to know what you do and don’t like. To be who you want to be.” Then he presses a kiss to my forehead and leaves the room.

I stare after him, tears stinging my eyes. How is it that despite his ridiculously controlling nature, he makes me feel like I’m the one in control?

“You are beautiful, my little wolf,”Leo tells me as we step from the limo the following night.

And for the first time in my life, I feel beautiful. Not just because of the dress and shoes and makeup. But because before we left the house, I looked in the mirror and liked what I saw.

“Not as beautiful as you are,” I say.

Leo is stunning in a classic black tux of the finest Italian wool, with hand-stitched edges and peaked satin lapels. The trousers are slim with satin stripes down the side seams. His black bowtie is silk, his cufflinks platinum and diamond.

Sabina and Roberto chose Chateau Rooftop and Nightclub for the party. As we exit the elevator, we’re greeting by a view of the iconic Eiffel Tower replica, the Fountains of Bellagio, and the glittering lights of the strip. The space is a mix of modern and classic, with plush lounge seating, firepits, all lit by a soft glow from the modern chandeliers. There are flowers everywhere, whites and ivories accented with blush pinks and silver. White-gloved staff members offer the guests champagne as they arrive.

Everything is beautiful. I’m thrilled for Sabina that she found a party planner to help her execute her vision. And I’m glad that Leo trusted me enough to help with the guest list because there were a number of names left off, including some that would have created ill will had the oversight not been remedied in time.

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