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Mia

The next day.

“Mia, I’m so glad that you’re going to stay with us for a while since your Mama is going to be out for the month. Don Elio is sometimes thoughtful, right? He didn’t want you to be alone in that big house,” Valentina says, smiling.

I look at her, and I wonder if she really thinks that.

“You don’t think that he wants to control his assets? I mean, I have to be pure for my husband, right?”

“Geeze, Mia, I think that he does care. But you’re right, that could be true,” Valentina nods.

“Yeah, so what are we going to do today?”

Valentina's cell beeps, and she looks at it.

“Don Elio wants to talk to me. So, we can decide after I talk to Don Elio.”

“Okay.”

Valentina walks out of the room. I lean back on the chair and look out the window at the guards walking around the grounds. At least here, I feel safe, and Valentina and I try to have fun.

After about thirty minutes, Valentina returns, and she looks odd. She appears surprised, or should I say shocked.

“What’s wrong?”

Valentina walks over to me and hands me the paper. I read the paper, raising my brow to look at her.

“It’s the schedule for the next three weeks. I’m going to get married. I need to go select my wedding dress and dresses. Would you be my maid of honor?”

“Oh my god, it’s happening?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Yes, I’ll be your maid of honor and I’m here for you through every step.”

My heart pounds faster, my chest feels tight, and I inhale deeply. I can’t cry. I need to be strong for her and for me because I know that I’m going to be next.

“Awesome. Did you see that we get to go to the new club tomorrow night,” Valentina asks.

“Yes, that should be lots of fun.”

“Yeah, I think so. Are you ready to go shopping,” Valentina asks, smiling.

“Yes, can I pick out the maid of honor dress?”

“Yes, and you help me pick out the wedding dress,” Valentina says.

“Let’s do this. We have a lot to do.”

The next day.

I pull on the new dark red dress that looks so damn good on me. The material clings to my curves. It’s a halter top, fitted, and the skirt ends just above my knee. I toss my shoulder-length hair, fluffing out the curls. I spray the new perfume on and then grab the red lipstick. This is going to be so much fun.

“Are you ready,” Valentina says, walking into my room.

“Yes, let’s go.”

We walk out of the house and get into the black SUV. The Soldiers take us to the club, and we get there in about thirty minutes. The line is long, and I chew my lower lip. I don’t know if we will get in.

“Oh my, look at the line at the club,” I squeal, looking out the window.

“Wow, will we even get in,” Valentina says, gathering her brows.

“I hope so.”