Page 108 of His Two Hidden Masks

The dress was ivory and made of the most beautiful French silk. The skirt billowed just enough to make me feel grand, and a long slit stretched all the way to my upper thigh. I loved the way the dress hugged my curves.

White lace flowers covered the bodice and flowed into an illusion neckline of blooms and vines that climbed over my breasts, my back, and my arms. Leo hand stitched on gorgeous, lacy gardenias, adding the right level of sparkle to this glittering garden of a dress. It was a masterpiece of ivory and gold.

“I couldn’t dream this.”

Leo smiled and bit his lip. “You like?”

“I love,” I said.

“Check out the skirt,” Leo said, guiding my hands down the sides of my hips. “It’s got pockets.”

“If you were not gay, I would marry you right now,” I said. “Pockets. This is officially the best dress in the world.”

While I admired his creation, Leo changed into a white suit with a wide gold tie. We’d coordinated on purpose to make our lie about being dance partners totally believable.

I made final touches to my makeup. My face would be covered with a mask, but still, I added a cat’s eye liner, sparkling white eye shadow, and a deep red lipstick.

Outside the window, I watched the crowds of costumed partygoers cross the campo. People migrated toward San Marco in a steady line, like ants marching. It was Carnival rush hour.

“Bella, it’s time,” Leo said, holding out his hand. His white suit was cut perfectly. His sparkling gold shoes elevated the whole look.

I lifted my skirt and walked toward the door. Glancing back at my dresser, I saw Sara’s blue Murano heart. “Something borrowed, something blue,” I whispered, rushing back to slip the necklace into my pocket.

“Your mask, Bella,” Leo said. Both Roberto and I would wear masks that covered three-fourths of our faces. Mine was gold with ivory vines and flowers around the eyes, while Roberto’s was all gold.

Leo stood behind me and tied the mask onto my face.

“One last thing,” I said, pulling the necklace out of my pocket.

“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue,” Leo said fastening the silver chain around my neck. The blue heart glimmered, the pop of color magical against my dress of ivory and gold.

I took one last look in the mirror and smiled. It was time for the masquerade to begin.

25

Iclosed my bedroom door and we ran straight into my mother.

She stood at the top of the marble staircase, wearing her black, Carnival dress. My mother refused to wear traditional jewel tones, but she wore a hoop skirt making her look like a duchess from another time.

“Well, hello,” she said. Smiling, her eyes moved up and down my dress stopping at my chest. Her face paled.

I covered Sara’s necklace with my hand. Why hadn’t I waited to put it on until later? What had I been thinking?

She coaxed a few words from her throat. “Where did you get that?”

“I don’t have time for this conversation, Mama,” I said, walking past her to the marble landing. She grabbed my arm.

“You will make time,” she said. Hands shaking, her grip tightened.

“Not now, Mama,” I said, gently. My anger toward her softened. I knew we needed to talk, but my questions were not made for easy answers.

“We can’t be late,” Leo said, gritting his teeth in an awkward smile. “The ball, Bella?”

“You were in her room,” Mama said, her eyes locked on me. “I knew you were in there.”

I touched the necklace at my throat. “I was in Sara’s room, and I don’t know why you felt you needed to shut me out. I know it’s been hard on you, but you and Papa have not told me the truth, have you, Mama?” I swallowed.

“Bella,” Leo said, gently touching my arm. “The time.”

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