Page 43 of Tainted Ties

Roman was here.

An unwanted butterfly took flight deep in my stomach, knowing he was near.

I made it to my door when my foot caught on something.

What the hell?

Haunching down, I found a large black rectangular box with a silver bow on it.

I picked it up and entered my room, examining the box suspiciously before setting it atop my bed.

Giving into curiosity, I untied the bow and opened the lid. There was a note on top of the contents inside. Plucking it out, I read the neat handwriting.

Inside, you’ll find what you need for tomorrow. Be ready at 6 p.m.

Gianna had mentioned to me this morning that there was a huge event taking place tomorrow evening and I had a suspicion that this gift was related to that.

Pulling the tissue paper away, I gasped at the vibrant color of the fabric.

I held the gown in front of me.

It was beautiful, but I couldn’t wear it.

If I wore it, that meant I obeyed his command,again.

Gifts from the devil always came with a price, one that I wasn’t willing to pay.

Grabbing the scissors from my bedside drawer, I began creating my masterpiece.

I was done being compliant and helpless.

Roman might’ve bound us together through tainted ties, but it didn’t mean I’d go down easily.

Chapter15

Roman

It was six in the evening, and my intolerable wife was nowhere to be seen.

Gianna rushed down the stairs with weary eyes, coming to a stop in front of me and huffed. “Donna testarda.”

I opened my mouth to question her about what she meant when the sounds of rustling diverted my attention to the top of the stairs.

Fuck me.

My breath caught in my throat as Aurora descended the stairs, holding my gaze with every passing step.

Now I understood why Gianna had called her a stubborn woman. She had tailored the gown, leaving scraps of the dress barely covering her.

The burgundy gown trailed long with two slits running up each leg to her hips. The bodice was tubular, lifting her perky breasts.

My skin ran hot as my pulse beat at a rapid pace.

Aurora turned slightly, giving me a view of her naked back and the two dimples decorating the small of it.

My head bent low as I gave into a smile. Beautifuldefiantsiren.

Then irritation rippled through me, thinking of all the men who probably wanted to do the same things I did.

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