Total pages in book: 119
Estimated words: 116875 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 584(@200wpm)___ 468(@250wpm)___ 390(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 116875 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 584(@200wpm)___ 468(@250wpm)___ 390(@300wpm)
Even in my imagination, the picture is weird.
So I let the fantasy die, like everything else. I imagine a cold, winter field. All life is hidden under the soil. I imagine it until I feel frozen.
Is this how my father feels? Is this how he keeps from letting his emotions show?
The night of the engagement party arrives all too soon. I wear an elegant gown that’s so dark green it looks black. The designer dress and my full face of makeup feel like armor. On the drive over, I’m lost in my thoughts. I wonder what happens when I enact my plan of vengeance. If I do what I’m about to do, many people will die. That’s what I want, right? The Vesuvios and Fraternitas locked in a bitter struggle.
Except… I don’t want Kaiser to die. I have to make sure that he stays safe. I should be one hundred percent focused on what I’m about to do, but I can’t be. I’m worried about Kaiser. I need him to be okay. I don’t want anyone to touch a single hair on his pretty blond head.
I care about him. He means something to me, and I want to protect him. How can I do that and still be a supervillain?
“Bella,” Kaiser’s calling my name. “We’re here.” I realize we’re parked outside the senator’s house.
I take a deep breath. Showtime.
“Where did you go?” he asks me softly.
“I’m here.” I try to put on a smile, but it slips away.
“No, you’re not.” He almost sounds sad. “You went somewhere. I wish you’d come back. Come back to me.”
Don’t leave me, I hear my childhood self scream. I slam the door shut on the memory.
“I’m here. I’m fine.”
He looks at me like he knows I’m lying.
I can’t look at him too long. The sadness on his beautiful face… it weakens me. I wish I could reassure him. Make him feel better.
“You don’t have to fight me, Bella,” he says, but I do. I do.
“I’m not fighting,” I lie. “I’m going to marry you. That’s what everyone wants.”
“I want you to be happy.”
There’s nothing to say to that, so I pull down the mirror and reapply my lipstick. “How do I look?”
“Beautiful. You always look beautiful.”
“Do you have the ring?” I keep my voice brisk.
He pulls out the black velvet box, then hesitates.
“You don’t have to do this,” he says.
I stare at him. Is he serious?
We’re parked outside a grand mansion in the most expensive part of Metropolis. We’re about to shake hands with a senator and his crowd, and then announce to everyone the date of our wedding.
“I thought tonight was important,” I say. “You’re going to meet later with the Vesuvios and plan a truce.” He told me St. James spent weeks trying to get the Vesuvios to sit down and plan a ceasefire between Fraternitas and them. They finally agreed to send a few representatives to the engagement party. Tonight.
“Yes.” But he looks troubled.
“Let’s get on with it then.” I’m ready for this part to be over. For all the bullshit to be wrapped up until I come face to face with the Vesuvios.
I hold my hand out for the ring. I’m wearing opera gloves. My skin feels slick underneath them.
Kaiser sees the gloves and hesitates.
“I’ll wear it over the gloves,” I say, and pluck the ring out of the box and slide it onto my pinky finger, where it fits even over the glove. “See? It fits. Unless you wanted to present me with it in there. Down on one knee, the works.” I frown, wondering if the theatrics will be better.
“Whatever you want,” Kaiser says. He sounds so serious, like he’s making a vow.
“This is fine, I guess. Good idea, getting me this thing. It’ll really sell the marriage.” Which will never be real, I add silently. I don’t look at him. I can’t. I need to get out of this car, but Kaiser’s not moving, so I open the car door. He catches my arm, gripping me over the glove. All the air rushes out of my lungs. He’s been so careful with me the past few days. I’ve missed his control, his touch.
“Bella.” Each syllable comes out like he’s wrestling with it. “Tell me what you want.”
“I want to go inside and get this over with.”
“Then tell me what you’re afraid of. I’ll take care of it.”
I shake my head. What can I say? I’m afraid of looking at you. I’m afraid you’ll figure out what I’m about to do and stop me.
I’m afraid I’m falling for you. That I’ll be too weak to go through with my plan. There are so many women I need to avenge. I can’t let one pretty man stand in my way. “I’m not afraid of anything. Not anymore.”
The senator greets us at the door.