Page 68 of Blood & Snow
I want that normal life, where I help with dinner and homework and tuck them in.
And I want it without struggling anymore.
I don’t need his money.
I could find a job with meager pay and we'd be fine.
But I can't say no to him.
I hang my head for a moment, rub my temples.
After sleeping with him he might find it difficult to pull the trigger, but I’m not stupid.
He won't hesitate to remove me the way he removed his former cleaner.
I won't be that victim tonight and ruin the holiday for my family.
I stand and head to my bedroom to get ready.
The dress fits perfectly, hugging my curves without being tight.
The earrings catch the light when I move my head.
I study myself in the mirror and barely recognize the woman looking back.
She looks expensive.
Kept.
Especially when I slather on makeup from an expensive palette he bought, top it off with my hair braided loosely and a spritz of perfume.
Irina knocks on my door.
"Going out?"
"Work event. Holiday party at the hotel."
She eyes my outfit.
"That's quite a dress for cleaning floors."
"It's not a cleaning event. It's for all the staff. Management likes us to look professional."
Another lie.
They're coming easier now.
But they still make me feel sick to my stomach.
"When will you be back?"
"Late. Don't wait up."
I pick up the clutch Xander bought that matches the dress and pull my mother's black lace shawl from my underwear drawer, one thing I have left of her.
Irina gives me a critical eye as I pass her and head out to the kitchen.
I kiss the children goodbye and grab my coat.
