The less you know about what naughty Littles do, the better.
Chapter Thirty-One
Annika stared into the full-length mirror and gasped.
She couldn’t believe that it was her!
Gone were the dirty, tattered clothes she’d worn only a week prior. In their place was a sleeveless, knee-length black sheath dress. Around her neck was a multi-strand pearl choker. Long black gloves covered the bottom half of her arms. Her hair was up in a French twist and accentuated by a tiara. The black pumps on her feet made her appear even a bit taller than she naturally was.
She looked—and felt—like Holly Golightly.
It was a dream come true. Too bad she wasn’t going out for an elegant night on the town instead of taking down a power-hungry madman.
“Damn, girl,” Harrison said. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m happily married. But you fell out of the pretty tree and hit every branch on your way down.”
Standing next to him in the bedroom—dressed in a police uniform—Matteo arched an eyebrow. “Yeah. Don’t forget you’re happily married while you’re escorting this young lady to the gala tonight. And don’t forgetshe’sgoing to be happily married tomesoon.” He hooked his thumb back at his own chest.
Harrison held up his hands in mock surrender. “Don’t worry. My Mommy is the only lady for me.”
“Speaking of Diana,” Matteo said, “where is she?”
“Eh, Stryker and I didn’t invite our Mommies on this little adventure. Kind of figure the less they know about what went on the better.” He winced. “Though I’m sure Nancy will tell them. After the fact, though. Always better to ask for forgiveness than permission.”
Matteo groaned and looked at Annika. “Ignore that advice, little girl.”
She giggled. “Yes, Sir.”
“But it all works out because you get to be my plus-one,” Harrison said to Annika. “And with those contacts in to change your eye color and the prosthetic chin and nose Lana’s about to put on you, there’s no way Edward Marlot will recognize you.”
“Too bad you have to get all that makeup and fake stuff on,” Matteo said. “You’re beautiful. I hate covering you up.” He turned to Harrison. “Mind if I have a moment with my cutie?”
The tuxedoed Harrison bowed. “Of course.”
Once the actor left the room, Annika found herself in Matteo’s arms.
“How are you feeling?”
“Like Holly Golightly!”
He chuckled. “You’re prettier than she ever was. But I mean about tonight.”
Annika reflected on the question for a moment. “Good. I think it’s going to work.”
“You don’t have to think. You can know. I’m going to keep you safe, little girl. Just stick to the plan. And if anything happens, wait for me.” He kissed her and then caressed her face. “I’ll never let anything happen to you, my love. Do you know that?”
“Yes, Daddy.”
He kissed her forehead. “I’ve looked for you my whole life. There’s no way I’m letting you go now. I love you.”
“Oh, Daddy. I love you, too.”
They kissed once more. A moment later, the door opened and Lana came in with the makeup and effects equipment.
It was time to get this show on the road.
The gala was in full swing by the time the limo rolled past a group of protestors and pulled through the gates and up to the giant complex.
In the front seat, Kendrick sat behind the wheel, wearing a chauffer’s uniform.
