I walk out of the bathroom and look around the lavish room that’s been prepared for me. The deep-forest-green duvet on the overly large four-poster bed makes me sick. It’s the same color as the trees Lochlan, Lee, and I ran through to survive. The cream white curtains and rug only remind me how dirty my soul is now, and how I’ll never be clean and pure again.
My eyes finally land on a garment bag hanging on the handle of the chestnut armoire. Unzipping the bag, I take a look at the assaulting bright color I’m supposed to wear for whatever comes next.
I rip the dress off the hanger and grab my makeup bag, blow-dryer, and jewelry holder from my suitcase, which has been moved into this room, and head back into the bathroom.
Quickly blow-drying my hair, I tease my blonde locks to the side, using one of my golden barrettes to pin them into place. Next, I apply my makeup, swiping black eyeliner along my eyelids until the points are as sharp as the knife Lochlan secured to my leg. I dust my cheeks with blush and shape my eyebrows with expert precision.
I take a step back, admiring my reflection. I don’t look like someone who just murdered a man she could have seen a future with. If only there were a makeup brand to hide the stain on my soul.
The dress goes on next. The satin glides over my skin like a lover’s soft caress. I tie the halter top in place and run my hands down my body.The material is thin, but hugs my every curve, leaving nothing to the imagination. Usually, this is the type of dress I’d murder for.
Instead, the bright, vibrant red makes me want to puke. It’s the color of freshly spilled blood. The kind of blood I’ve seen much too much of lately.
I swallow my nausea and slip my black heels on, then dig through the jewelry I brought with me. I wish I had my dragonfly necklace; it would go perfectly with this dress. I’ll have to settle for a couple of gold bangles and a pair of pearl teardrop earrings that Capri got me at a vintage boutique a couple of years ago.
I miss her and Teagan so much it hurts.
There’s a soft knock at the door. My hour of mock freedom must be up. I open the door and see the same redhead servant waiting for me on the other side.
“May I come in?” she asks, glancing behind her nervously again.
I give her a strained smile and wave her in, shutting the door behind us. I check my hair in the vanity mirror one last time.
She pulls something out of her pocket and hands it to me. “I was asked to pass this on to you.” I take the black velvet bag from her waiting hand. “Oh, and this goes with it,” she says before handing me a small, folded-up piece of paper.
I open the bag first and find my dragonfly necklace inside. My lip quivers as I run my fingers down the bent tail.
She clears her throat and holds out her hand again. “May I help you put it on?” I turn and watch her in the mirror as she moves my hair aside and secures the necklace with gentle fingers.
I turn around and face her. “Who gave this to you?”
She smiles and points at the note in my hand. “A mutual friend. Someone who wants you to survive this,” she replies, reaching out and squeezing my hand hard before standing up straight again. “Now, I thinkyou’re missing one last thing. Give me one moment, and we will be ready to go meet Mr. Pierce.” She disappears into the bathroom.
I open the note and nearly faint at the words written on it.
Give him hell, lassie.
Lochlan wrote this? When? My mind spins in circles with questions as the woman returns from the bathroom. How did he find my necklace? He must have returned to that stupid escape room to collect it.
“Don’t ask me questions that Icannotanswer,” she whispers. The emphasis on her words rings clear as day. “But here, I think you need some of this to really pull the whole outfit together.” She hands me a tube of my red lipstick.
“What’s your name?” I ask as I head to the vanity to apply the lipstick. Surely she can answer that, right?
“Ashley,” she responds. “Ashley Sutter. If that’s all, Miss Lexi, I’ll be waiting outside. You should use the lights in the bathroom so you don’t smudge in this dull light.” Ashley’s tone is nothing but formal, but her eyes flick to the bathroom quickly before she continues. “Please do hurry. Mr. Pierce doesn’t tolerate tardiness.”
Why does that name sound so familiar? I nod and head into the bathroom to open the lipstick tube as she leaves the room. I stop short when I see a small piece of paper shoved inside and quickly open it.
There is a knife hidden underneath the seat of your chair in the dining room. We’re all counting on you to set us free. And beware, the walls have eyes.
I reread the note, then flush it down the toilet before returning to the mirror to apply my lipstick.
If Pierce wants to play, then I’ll make sure to give him a game he’s going to die to win.
Chapter thirty-three
Salmon-smelling sandpaper chafes my cheek. Nudging and nipping at me until I finally come to.
I open my eyes and startle when I see the tiny kitten sitting on my chest. She lets out a small meow of protest when I sit up.
