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Sienna

I should’ve known that I wouldn’t be sitting in the limo with Nico. That should’ve been obvious when I agreed to this plan. It’s not like they lied to me. They explained I was going to be a plus-one, nothing more.

Well, they didn’t add thenothingmore part. That’s all me. But the point is the same.

“How are you feeling?” Gianna asks. “Before you answer, let me tell you that you look absolutely stunning.”

I plaster my most convincing smile onto my face, hoping that it looks somewhat convincing. “I feel great. This dress is going to take some getting used to, though.”

“It must be worth it to know how absolutely delightful you look.”

“I never imagined a person like me would go to a gala… especially not one run by the mob.” I smooth my hands over my stomach, feeling a little sick. “Nico said it was the Russians, which means that it was their people, right?”

“Viktor took over toward the tail end of the war. There’s no telling if he was involved.”

“If he was, he deserves to pay.”

Gianna smiles tightly. “It might be better to keep sentiments like that to yourself, dear.”

“Don’t worry. I’m not going to blow up Nico’s date.”

“Sienna…”

When Gianna uses the chiding tone, weirdly, I sort of like it. “Mom used to say my name like that when I was in a mood.”

“It’s a good thing I’m here then, isn’t it?”

“I didn’t mean that – I know it’s not a date. But…”

“It hurts to think of him with someone else?”

I look out the window and happen to catch sight of a beggar with a cardboard sign and a ratty old hat turned upward to accept donations.

“That easily could’ve been me about a hundred times along the way of my journey. I should know better than to complain.”

Gianna looks at the homeless person. “The world can be a cruel place. But Nico is one of the good ones.”

“I believe you,” I say, and I mean it.

Yesterday, I went shopping with Gianna and then sketched a picture of Nico’s old crib, which Gianna has kept since he was a baby. It was an interesting piece with unique challenges. In the evening, Nico and I had sex, made love, or something in between.

He wasn’t as possessive as the first time, but he still took the lead, and I liked that.

“Just remember, tomorrow, I only want you.”

I told him I would do my best. And if it got too much, I’d make an excuse and have someone drive me home. It shocked me how easily I said the part about the driver, as though it was the most natural thing in the world.

Soon, the limo pulls up to The Adolphus. The building is all elegance, carved stone, and tall arched windows. The doorman opens the door before the car stops moving. I step out, and the air shifts. It smells like wealth, somehow.

Gianna smiles at me and takes my arm, and we walk toward the entrance together.

Inside, the lobby stretches wide and high, marble flooring, with gold detailing on the ceilings. Staff move silently like they’ve been trained not to make a sound. We follow the rush toward the ballroom.

It’s all light and space. The ceiling soars. Crystal chandeliers blaze overhead. The walls are pale and grand, lined with gold. Every table gleams. Every guest looks like money. It’s not just impressive. Honestly, it’s overwhelming.

“Are you okay, dear?” Gianna says, touching my arm.

I look around at the men in their suits, the women in their expensive gowns, feeling like the odd one out. That’s until I spot Nico looking at me from across the room. Even with the distance separating us and people walking back and forth, I can tell he likes the dress I’m in.