The Brightest Star

Chapter 25

I'm still not privy to Dominic's plan to ruin Bianca but that doesn't change much. I'm excited. I love getting to dress up. Do my hair and makeup to perfection. I always have.

Mary had my dress steamed earlier this morning. She had this knowing smile on her face. Like she's just as eager to watch Bianca's downfall. I mean, based on her interactions with me I can only assume how much worse she must be to those she deems lesser than.

I was able to use makeup to cover the bruise Pietro left on my arm. I didn't realize how hard he was gripping when he grabbed me but the mark is still a deep purple. I finish off my hair with a burst of hairspray before going into the closet.

I stand with my hands on my lips scrutinizing the lingerie in front of me. The dress I'm wearing is made of a delicate silk which takes lace and anything with a clasp out of the question. Then it dawns on me; the perfect reward for whatever it is Dominic has been planning.

I skip over underwear entirely and let my robe fall from my shoulders. I carefully take the dress from its hanger and let the silk cling to my skin. I grab the shoes Marco picked out last night and tie them in place.

There's a shelf in the closet that is lined with perfume; easily a dozen bottles. But it's all the same kind. The same one I've worn since I was a teenager. I give myself a few spritz before leaving the closet. As soon as I enter my room, I yelp.

"Didn't mean to scare you," Leon says, casually sitting at the desk.

"Why didn't you knock?" I ask, gesturing to the still closed bedroom door.

"I did," he counters. "You didn't answer."

"So you just let yourself in?" I scoff.

Leon doesn't answer. Instead he grabs a box from the desk and stands. He approaches me slowly and offers the box. I look from the box to him and back before accepting it. When I lift the lid, my eyes go wide.

"Put them on," he instructs simply.

I take the gorgeous earrings from the box, admiring them in the light. The long sparkling strands sit on delicate silver. I carefully put them in and rush to the bathroom to look. They're absolutely gorgeous.

"Can't forget the necklace," Leon follows me into the bathroom.

He takes the matching necklace from the box and steps behind me. I move my hair over my shoulder to give him more room. He carefully clasps the necklace in place and my hand reaches for the jewels.

"These are beautiful," I breathe out, still looking at my reflection.

"They look good on you," he says, still standing right behind me. "You look amazing."

I look at his reflection and smile, "thank you, Leon."

"Are you almost ready to go?" he glances at his watch. "We're going to be late."

"Yeah," I turn and face him. "I'm ready."

He opens the door for me, his hand finding its place between my shoulder blades as we walk down the hall. This engagement party has been months in the making and the men are all running around in preparation. Some are to stay here and keep guard. Others are to attend the event either as guests or security I'm not quite sure.

Dominic waits in the foyer just in front of the doors. I smile when I see him. He fiddles with his cuff links, cursing under his breath. Instead of his normal suit he's wearing a tuxedo and somehow he looks even better. He's always gotten flustered at important events; prom, graduations. It's nice to see that part of him hasn't changed completely.