The Brightest Star

Chapter 12

I've been cooped up in my room for days now. It feels wrong to just go about my life like nothing happened. To pretend that a week ago I didn't find my brother murdered in his living room. But I'm tired of sulking.

Everyone copes in their own way. I know it won't fix everything but shit maybe it'll make the dull ache in my chest go away, even temporarily. I nod to myself and climb out of bed.

Step 1: shower

I walk into the bathroom and turn on the shower. The room begins to fill with steam and I strip my days old clothes, tossing them into the hamper. I step into the burning water and let it wash over my head.

There's not much thought as I clean myself. I use all of the luxurious shower products until even the air surrounding me smells like roses. I turn off the shower and wrap a towel around myself.

I do a quick skincare routine before grabbing my hairbrush. I frown at myself in the mirror; my hair is basically a bird's nest. It takes longer than I'd care to admit but I'm able to brush out all of the tangles.

Step 2: hair and makeup

I pull out the fancy hairdryer and begin blow drying my hair. My blonde locks lighten as my hair dries. I twirl the ends up, making loose curls, before turning it off.

I open one of the drawers in the vanity to reveal a large array of expensive makeup. I throw on the basics; mascara, blush, and lipgloss. I look at my reflection and nod to myself.

Step 3: cute outfit

I walk over to the closet and prop my hands on my hips. I look over the racks and racks of clothes. I need something that feels like...me.

I grab a short, baby pink dress and look it over. I select some underwear that I quickly exchange the towel for. I slip into the shimmering fabric and zip it up. I shuffle over to the wall length mirror and a small smile finds itself on my face.

I put on a pair of strappy heels before looking in the mirror again. I look fucking amazing. The dress hugs my curves in all the right places and the red bottomed heels make my legs look long.

Step 4: get drunk

I open the door to my room only for my brows to furrow. There's no guard standing here.

I look both ways down the hall but don't see any of Dom's men. I shrug and continue through the house. I navigate the confusing hallways until I find the dining room. There's a couple dozen men spread throughout the large room, sipping on beers and talking.

I walk past them and into the kitchen. It's late, well past dinner time, and only one maid remains in the kitchen. Her gaze snaps up when I enter and she smiles.

"Would there happen to be a collection of booze anywhere?" I ask her.

"Sì," she smiles, "follow me."

She walks over to a door in the corner of the kitchen and I follow behind her. She flicks on the lights and my eyes go wide. The back room is huge with shelves upon shelves of liquor. Every kind of booze I could ever want is here; vodka, tequila, rum, whiskey. There's even a cooler in the back with cases of beer.

"Grazie," I offer the woman a smile.

She smiles back before walking away. I walk around the room, grabbing a bottle of vodka and a six pack of beer. I flick off the light as I return to the kitchen.

"I put shot glasses in the dining room," the maid says with her back to me, "there is juice in the refrigerator."

"Thank you," I say as I walk past her.