Page 42 of Worship

Lenore turns to Gabriella, a grateful smile spreading over her lips. “Why, thank you. It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”Except me.“Now, Elise, would you like to go first or your bridesmaids?”

“Bridesmaids, please. I can browse while they change. I’m not quite sure what I want.”

“Of course.”

“This is my maid of honor, Olivia, and my little sister, Heidi,” she introduces us, and for some reason, it makes me think of Nicole. My real sister, who Gabriella insists doesn’t exist, wondering if she’s gotten married to Nicolas yet. He didn’t mention while he was threatening me. Though, I know love isn’t what put that cheap diamond ring on her finger. It’s just a front to hide the lies.

“Let’s get started. I couldn’t help overhearing you mention a few of the colors that are, in fact, in this season’s collection. I will take your measurements first, Olivia, and then Heidi next before we look at some dresses.”

Lenore takes Olivia away. After she finishes, she and Elise look at dresses while Gabriella stays with me. Though, I have sneaky a suspicion she’s guarding. “Smile, would you?” she says through her teeth as Lenore makes her way over to us. “You look miserable.”

“You’re next, Heidi,” Lenore says, taking my measurements with a white tape. “I think an off the shoulder gown would suit them both. Especially Heidi, such a delicate frame, and a popular choice.”

“Yes, I agree,” Gabriella nods, though I wonder how she really feels about me getting a compliment.

After choosing a few dresses for us to try on, I follow Lenore into the changing rooms. “Are you sure you don’t want help?”

“I’m sure.” The last thing I want is someone like her seeing the scars tarnishing parts of my skin. After she leaves, I lock the door.

Knowing there’s no way to get out of this, I start undressing and grab the first dress on the rail; an off-the-shoulder pale rose one. After putting it on and zipping the side, I slip on the heels Lenore provided and sigh as I observe myself in the mirror.

“You look beautiful, baby girl,” Blake says behind me, large arms encircling my waist. Ice-cold eyes slide up and down my reflection and makes me instantly sick. “Fuckable.”

He kisses my neck, and I bow my head, tearing my eyes away from the sickening sight of us in the mirror. He grabs my throat viciously, forcing me to look back into the mirror.“Stop Blake—”

“Look at yourself, baby girl.” His tongue glides up the side of my throat, his eyes locked with mine on the mirror’s surface. “This body of yours could kill a man.” He pushes me forward, slamming me into the glass. As he presses into me, I weep. “And you do kill me. You kill me and send me to heaven every time I slip right into your tight cunt.” He yanks up my dress. “Watch me go to heaven, baby.” He jerks my panties to the side, the fabric cutting into my hips. “Watch me die.”

A light knock on the door snaps me from my thoughts. I breathe out, realizing my entire body is shaking.

“I’m…I’m not ready,” I shout, thinking it’s Lenore come to check on me. There’s no reply, and when I glance over my shoulder, a chill rushes down my spine, despite knowing it can’t possibly be anyone other than one of the girls. Knowing I’m being silly, I walk over to the door and twist the lock. “I said I’m not—” My mouth drops. “Milton?”

Clashing with the pearl décor wearing all black, Milton stands before me. He steps forward, and I stumble back, my heart racing as he closes the door behind him and locks it. “You can’t be in here.”

“Nice dress.”

“You do realize Gabriella and Elise are just outside. You need to leave before they know I’m in here with you.”

“There was a break-in,” he reveals, leaning his back against the wall, his hair slightly mussed from the wind outside

“What?”

“Nicolas. Someone smuggled him in during visiting hours, and your door was left unlocked that night after I’d left clear instructions for it to be locked. When he was done with you, he got out without detection, so you know what that means?”

I swallow hard.Shit. “He has someone on the inside.”

“Yes, which complicates things for me.” Because the whole building heard me shout his name, and if it’s true that Nick has someone on the inside at Stonehill, he knows Milton is alive.

“What are you going to do?” I ask.

Leaning off the wall, he slowly walks around me, eyes scanning the length of the dress I’m wearing. “Why did you ask me for help?”

There’s a knock and the doorknob rattles. I gasp, but it seems Milton locked the door after him. “How’s it going in there, Heidi?” It’s Elise.

“Answer her,” Milton mouths, not moving.

“F-fine!” I call out. “Sorry, I’m still changing.”

“That’s okay. Olivia hates the pink one.” She sighs. “What do you think?”

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