Page 92 of Gamble with Me
Valeria
The makeup I chose for the party looked much better in my head than on my face. Perhaps a mask would be a better choice. The bruise was hard to cover, and my hand still slightly trembled after the last encounter with my husband to draw the perfect lines.
I couldn’t get rid of the tremor in my fingers, with the anxiety bubbling in my stomach. I thought he wouldn’t come home, but I had no idea what I would do if he showed up.
I risked another beating. Chester wouldn’t let me go out if he saw me dressed like this.
My short black party dress was provocative and ripped in a few places. Because of the strategic holes, my lacy black bra was visible. My long legs were enfolded in fishnet stockings and complemented with four-inch high heels. My red hair fell down my back in big waves and framed my face, completed with a big black hat with flowers.
The skull makeup was a great addition to this outfit. The original idea was to come to the party like a witch, but my beaten face required more colors than expected. So, I inspired myself with my stalker’s creations, matching my mask with his. I believed Zyon wouldn’t miss the opportunity to enjoy his favorite disguise in public.
However, I deeply regretted not visiting a salon. The nasty welt on my jaw was hard to hide, stressing me out. I looked into the mirror every five seconds, checking to see ifsomething hadn’t fallen off. I used every possible color and powder I found at home to conceal it, but I still couldn’t calm down.
Still, I hoped it would be okay. At the Halloween party, there shouldn’t be too much light. Zyon, his brothers, or anyone else wouldn’t get the chance to see the bruises. I just needed to avoid places that were too illuminated.
Checking my appearance in the mirror for the last time, I put the invitation into my purse and left the apartment. I chose to take a taxi just in case I drank alcohol. My plan required a clean head, but I already knew I would need some liquid courage. It’s not every day you’re going to confront a mob boss about stalking and kidnapping you.
The driver stopped before the entrance to the Starlight building, which was crowded with people in masks. I clutched my purse nervously, slowly getting out of the car.
Walking toward the security guys, I felt the guests’ excitement. They were in a great mood, even standing in the long line outside, waiting to be checked. But I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling. I impatiently tapped my fingers against my thigh, regretting not taking a thicker coat.
The heaviness of my situation was gradually falling on me, making me edgy. Even when I knew Zyon was my stalker, he could still refuse to help me. If he considered our affair a momentary distraction, he wouldn’t waste his time with my problems.
My heartbeat increased rapidly when uneasy scenarios attacked my tired mind. I’d claimed to trust my stalker when he tied me to his bed. He killed a man who he considered a threat to me. I believed he cared for me, but what if it was only my deepest wish and he would reject me?
My marriage was a problem Zyon didn’t need. His fight with my husband would only escalate if he helped me leave him. I was a burden he would surely want to get rid of quickly.
Not to mention, I had a daughter. Chester had rights as her father. I didn’t have money for a lawyer that would crush my husband. Did I expect Zyon to take care of everything?
Fuck, I should’ve thought about it better.I mentally sighed, unsure what I was doing in the line anymore.
My hands trembled, squeezing the purse like it was my lifeline, and everything around me blurred. Tears welled in my eyes when the helplessness overcame my body as my plan collapsed like a house of cards.
But I couldn’t return home and hoped everything would turn out better. I had only two choices: continue inside and ask Zyon for help, or run home, pack Zara and my things, and disappear while Chester celebrated Halloween outside with his buddies.
I was a mess. I’d thought about this at home as if it was already done. The photos confirming my assumptions were like a message from God. Yet, no one said Zyon would take me in.
My worries and insecurities almost pushed me to my knees. I was so sure about it in the safety of my apartment, but standing face to face with the possibility of my plea being denied, I barely held myself together.
“Valeria.”
A deep voice tore the thin tread of my thoughts, and I looked at the tall, dark silhouette on my left side.
“Why are you waiting in the line?”
I squinted my eyes, distinguishing only the contours of the body before he stood in the light.
“Oh, hello.” I smiled, my heart missing a beat when I looked at the familiar skull makeup. I hoped it was Zyon who found me, but it was one of his brothers, most probably Malin. “I need to give the security my invitation.”
“You don’t need to wait,” he rumbled, taking my hand. He led me toward the massive, enlightened entrance, ignoring the guards.
We passed the double door and metal detector without being stopped by anybody. Before I could take a deep breath, I was in the long entry hall, and my heels clicked on the shiny marble floor.
“Wait a second,” Malin mumbled, halting his movements abruptly and frowning at the closed door on the right side. “I’m sure I saw your chubby friend here.”
“Chubby friend?” I echoed, but he only waved his hand and swung the door open.
A half-naked, yellow-haired girl with the longest legs I’d ever seen squealed, covering her pink underwear with a towel.
