Page 10

Valeria
Drink this.
I’ll take care of you.
Sh, it’s okay, Valeria. Fuck, you’re so hot.
It’s okay, a few more—
I woke up with a gasp. Memories of that night playing in my head. The scent of cheap beers, the stench of smoke, the thick air. Sweat sheeted my body as I sighed, running my hands through my pajamas, feeling the satin bedsheets underneath me. I clutched the pillow and bit my lip when I made sure I had my underwear on.
Thank God.
“You are safe, Valeria,” I muttered to myself. “It has been a decade. You are safe. I am safe. I am okay.”
I laid back on the bed, askingSirifor the time. It was half past midnight. That meant I would meet Khalid in a few hours. Cuddling my pillow, I played his latest interview, falling asleep to his deep voice whispering in my ear, soothing me.
* * *
I wasa little nervous after sending the text to Brandon. Rejecting his idea to meet up for another date.
I reminded myself that I had to do it. I wasn’t attracted to him and after the time at his apartment and his smoking, I couldn’t date him.
The smell of roses wafted in my room, making me smile and relaxing my nerves. Khalid had sent a bouquet of roses that morning, with a letter in Braille for me. I was extremely touched by the gesture, the pads of my fingers moving over the little bumps on the card.
To My Sweet Rose, Valeria,
I hope you are ready to meet me today. If not, don’t worry, I have it all planned. Until then, take care of yourself.
Your Handsome Date,
Khalid
Grinning, I clutched the little card to my chest. I couldn’t wait to meet him.
Mabel helped me pick out a dress as I changed and took my time applying the makeup. When I turned fifteen, every girl in my school was obsessed with makeup, and I had asked Mabel to help me with it. Since then, I had taught myself to use and apply it. I had marked every product with Braille to know what I was using.
Fetching the circular tube with a textured droplet on the packaging, I swirled it open and gently applied the mascara. For the final touch, I took aDysonair wrap to curl my ginger hair in waves.
“How do I look?” I asked Mabel when she entered my room.
Her lips pressed on my forehead. “Like an angel. Khalid is going to forget he is a Prince after seeing you.”
I chuckled at her and applied light red lipstick at her suggestion. My finger traced the slight bruise on the upper right of my head. Hopefully, it won’t be noticeable.
Pinning the two locks of strands on the crown, I donned a comfortable, elegant dress. It hugged my lithe, tall frame, ending just above my knees. Mabel had commented that the navy dress suited me well and Prince Khalid would propose marriage to me just by the looks.
I sprayed my signature perfume and layered it with other subtle one so it would last longer, the scent of roses and freshly cut grass with a hint of spice.
Now I feel ready.
I felt nerves racking up my body as my driver drove me and Mr Benjamin toLazizrestaurant. It was well known for its luxurious interior and lavish cuisine. The cost of one course dish was more expensive than the heels I wore.
I fidgeted in the car seat, feeling the wooden box. A heavy and very expensive painter set to gift him and apologize for not arriving the day before.
“Will you be okay? Your cane is with you, right?”
I nodded at Mr Benjamin when the car stopped to a halt. “Would you please help me find the table?”