Bound To You

19 | gala

B e l l a

I finally decided I would keep my distance from Nicolas until my parents arrived this Sunday. Yes, I know I said it before, but this time, I mean it.

I could totally avoid him for the next two days. I’ll stay in my room, I’ll read books and finish working on my new dress. But at night, when I’m lying in bed, staring at the blank ceiling, all I think about is the way his hands touched me. How it felt to have his lips caress my skin. My body would flush, and my heart would spike, and I ended up having to pleasure myself with the thought of his sinful hands all over me. Damn him.

When I roll out of bed this morning, I take a long shower and belt out lyrics to my favourite Taylor Swift music. Afterwards, I put on my bath robe and rub lotion into my skin when there is a light knock on my bedroom door.

My eyebrows draw together. Who could that be?

I wander out the bathroom and towards the door. When the door opens, my eyes widen when I see the rail of hangers full of clothes pushing inside my room.

I jump out of the way immediately. I spot the tailor who I met the first day I arrived, looking up and down at me, assessing my choice of attire.

“We don’t have much time. Have a look at these dresses and see which one you would like to wear for tonight.” she speaks, her thick French accent strong.

“Umm,” Staring at the beautiful dresses on the hangers, I wonder what on earth was going on. “I’m sorry... but what is happening tonight?”

Stella’s perfectly plucked brow rises, and she scoffs, giving me a distasteful look. “The winter gala, of course.”

Suddenly, the penny drops.

Of course, my mother has spoken endlessly about the upcoming gala when I chatted with her on the phone yesterday. My parents often show up at these events, but my little sister had a ballet show they decided to attend and wanted me to go with Nicolas instead. To be honest, I completely forgot about it.

I gaze at all the luxurious gowns on the rail, when suddenly an amazing idea pops in my head.

“I’m sorry, Stella. I really appreciate you coming all this way to help me but I won’t be needing a dress.”

***

I stare at my reflection, smoothing away any small creases I can see. I managed to find a pair of white pointed heels and a sparkly clutch bag to go with the dress.

When I hear a knock at the door, I take a deep breath and force my legs to move.

My long hair falls in thick curls, and I had spent extra time on my makeup. I knew many important people would attend this event. I knew I had to look appropriate and behave like a good mafia wife would.

My parents still expect me to look the part after all.

I’m surprised when I find Evelyn behind the door, smiling wide and holding a black box in her hand.

Her blue eyes turn into wide saucers when she stares at the dress I’m wearing. “Oh my God, Bella! You look stunning!”

I feel myself smiling.