The Invited

Chapter 5 - Just Between Us

Luca held Evie's hand lightly as soon as they stepped out of the vehicle.  Evie knew this wasn't how things normally went, but she had no intentions of complaining.  The overwhelming desire she felt for Luca was making her fingertips lose feeling.  There was a short cobblestone pathway between the parking area and the large mansion that stood before them.  Evie nervously pulled at the hem of her dress as Luca led her up the path to the door.  

She must have known Evie was nervous because a small squeeze of her hand snapped her into reality.  "Bella, please don't worry.  This is just a part of the process."  Evie allowed a small smile to tug at the corners of her lips as she nodded her head slightly.  It was easy enough for Luca to say.  This wasn't a defining moment in her already privileged life.  This was genuinely life-changing for all of the girls that would be gathering here today.  The door opened as they stepped up to it and Ana was waiting to welcome them inside.  

"Evangeline, please, follow me".  She was quiet but Evie heard the same firmness her own mother's voice held.  It made her eyes well up with tears, but she quickly shoved them away.  Now was not the time to get sentimental.  Evie let go of Luca's hand and curtsied, instantly cursing herself for the awkward movement as she turned to follow Ana.  Her face flushed even more as she heard Luca chuckle behind her.  This was going to be the death of her, she just knew it.  

Ana led her deep into the heart of the mansion with quick strides.  Evie tried her best to soak in her surroundings, making note of the high ceilings lined with elegant organza draping and stringed lights.  "Come, Evangeline.  We must get you settled quickly."  

Evie blushed and turned her attention back to Ana as she led her up a winding staircase.  Delicate strings of light lined the staircase as well, mesmerizing her.  They came to an abrupt halt as soon as they stepped onto the next floor.  Ana pulled a key out of her pocket and unlocked the door immediately to the right of the stairs.  The door was shut behind them and Ana continued ushering her through.  This room seemed to be more of a hallway that led to another area.  The room was lined with beautiful, dark paintings, which Evie wished she could stop and really appreciate.  

The walk across the room took less than 30 seconds but it felt like a lifetime.  Ana took the key out of her pocket once more and unlocked another door.  "Here we are, darling.  Please, go inside."  

Ana followed Evie into the room, closing the door behind them as Evie admired the space.  The ceilings were even taller here, if that was even possible.  A beautiful wrought iron bedframe sat in the center of the room, clad with intricate carvings.  The bedspread was stunning and exactly to her liking.  The most gorgeous black comforter was spread across the bed, the intimate lace details standing out with the bold lighting in the room.  The sheer curtains were also black, lined with floral detail, which Evie could not get enough of.  

"Is it to your liking?"  Ana stood by the door, her hands clasped in front of her.  

"Hm?  Oh, my, it is more than I could have ever imagined.  It is so strange; it is almost like it was made for me".  

Ana smiled, "Yes, well, that would be silly, wouldn't it?  You are the last to arrive, so you have a little less time than the other girls.  The gala begins at 6 pm.  You are expected to be downstairs no later than 5:45 so we can escort you all to the banquet hall.  All clothing has been provided for you, so please dress in a sleek gown this evening.  If you need anything, just pick up that phone by your bedside and press zero.  It will lead you directly to me."  

Evie glanced at the large clock on the wall, noting that it was already 5 pm.  "I must get ready immediately! Oh my goodness!  Thank you, Ana, truly."

Ana nodded and excited the room.  Evie didn't have time to look around and admire everything, she really was in a time crunch.  She went to the door that was labeled as "dressing room" and opened it timidly.  "Holy shit."  

The dressing room was basically another room in itself.  Everything appeared to be organized by style, type and color.  Pants had their own section.  Dresses were distinguished by what appeared to be more casual versus more elegant.  There was an entire wall dedicated to purses, wallets and jewelry.  The shoes of course had their own section as well.  Evie quickly shook the shock out of her mind as she went directly towards the dresses that appeared more elegant.  Much to her surprise she instantly noticed a black silk gown which she quickly pulled from the hanger.  The dress had a slit up one leg and appeared to have light rouging around the waistline. Gorgeous lace cap sleeves were the only pop the dress had.  This was definitely the one.  

Evie found a vanity in the corner of the dressing room and immediately got to work touching up and editing her make-up look.  She touched up her powder and found a dark red lip which she donned with a sinister grin.  She added a black smokey eye and slipped into the gown.  She made her way into the room to check out her appearance in the enormous mirror that sat on one of the walls and was pleasantly surprised.  The rouging covered her tummy area nicely.  The gown stopped mid-calf and the slit kissed her upper thigh.  This was a bold and risky dress, but she felt absolutely stunning in it.  

The phone rang suddenly, taking her attention away from the mirror.  She stole a glance at the clock as she hurried to the phone, it was only 5:35.  She still had ten minutes before she was due to be downstairs.  "H-hello?"  She answered nervously.  

A breathy chuckle came from the other end of the line.  "Ciao, bella.  Are you settling in well?"  

Evie felt a tightness in her core that she was not familiar with.  Her heartbeat quickened as she swallowed heavily.  "I am, thank you.  I am just about ready." 

"Go to the door beside your dressing room with the keypad."  Evie looked at the dressing room and immediately to the left was in fact a door with a keypad on it.  She set the phone down gingerly and tiptoed to the door, knocking on it lightly.  

The door opened just barely, and Luca's hand snaked from behind it.  "Evie, I don't want to ruin the surprise, but I just wanted to touch you one last time before this evening."  

Evie gulped heavily and traced her fingers along the muscular hand in front of her.  "What are you doing here?"  

Luca chuckled again.  "This door connects to my room, bella.  I will be right beside you.  But for now, I will see you soon.  Let this stay between us, okay?"  

And just like that the door closed and Evie was left with a wetness pooling in between her legs that she didn't have time to worry about.  She sighed deeply and a knock at the door drew her attention.  The door opened and Ana stood before her.  

"Time to go, Evangeline.  After the gala I will show you the entrances you are to use."  Evie nodded and quickly followed Ana out of the room.  She had no idea what was to come but she knew she needed to shake this desire she had for Luca, fast.