"None. You?"
"Not one."
He kisses my forehead. "Get up. We have a lot to prepare."
The day passes in a strange blur.
I shower, then do my hair and makeup with more care than I've ever taken.
Mrs. Silva helps, her face lined with worry even though Vaughn hasn't told her the whole plan.
"You look beautiful, dear," she says. "Like a princess going to a ball."
"Thank you, Mrs. Silva."
"Mr. Sutherland—he cares about you very much. I hope you know that."
"I do."
"Whatever happens tonight—you'll be all right. Both of you."
I hug her then.
This woman who's shown me kindness in this house.
Who's never treated me like property.
"Thank you. For everything."
She pats my back. "Go on now. Get dressed. He's waiting for you."
I go back to the bedroom.
Find the black silk dress laid out on the bed.
Put it on slowly, carefully, like armor, and look at myself in the mirror.
The woman staring back looks confident.
Elegant. Strong.
Like someone who knows exactly who she is and what she wants.
Like someone who's about to walk into a room full of predators and burn their whole world down.
I smile.
I'm ready.
Vaughn appears in the doorway.
He's in a tuxedo that makes him look devastating.
Powerful. Dangerous.
Perfect.
"You look—" He stops. "There are no words."
