Page 99 of Die for You

Soon, the ballroom is filled. Gianna couldn’t throw a party without it being the biggest this town has seen. It reminds me of the one we attended when I was a child. When Gianna knew of the man who I met as a child was in attendance.

The need to hurt her only grows stronger.

When the crowd gushes and carries on dramatically, I know our host has made a grand entrance. Gianna does stand out from the rest. But her beauty was never questioned. It was her heart that was.

But it was soon realized by many that she does not have one.

Everyone rushes over to Gianna, wanting a piece of the ice queen. She laps up the attention, for she knows she’s now top dog. I don’t know how she’s done it, but she’s respected how she once was. Lenny is now the underdog.

I gulp down my champagne before placing the empty glass on a passing tray.

Gianna works the room while I subtly keep an eye out for Lenny. I also ensure Elena and the children are okay. They’re sitting quietly and obediently. Anger rolls over me because I too was as submissive as these innocent children.

I know what it feels like to be afraid all the fucking time of the adults who are meant to protect you.

Suddenly, the hair at the back of my neck stands on end.

A distinguished-looking man with immaculate black hair and a three-piece suit is slyly slithering closer to the stage. He is making small talk, but it’s a ruse for what his true intentions are.

I know that look.

I can smell the depravity seeping from his pores.

On the outside, he appears notable, but on the inside, he is a cesspool of filth. And his attention is riveted on Elena.

A server offers him a sandwich from his silver tray. The man graciously takes two napkins and places a sandwich on each. He then walks over to the stage.

He gestures to Elena, who instantly makes eye contact with me.

I frantically shake my head, a word of warning to stay put. I’m about to charge over, but Gianna and a woman with a ridiculous wide-brimmed hat step in front of me.

“Mary-Lou, this is Valentina.”

“Oh, you were right. She is beautiful,” Mary-Lou says in a thick Southern accent. “It’s so nice to meet you.”

I’m not really paying attention because I’m trying to see over Mary-Lou’s fucking hat. She is in direct line of Elena, prohibiting my view. Gianna notices my distraction immediately.

She’s about to turn to see what has captured my interest, but I step forward and quickly hug Mary-Lou. “The pleasure is all mine.”

Gianna smiles, and I am off the hook for now.

“Gianna told me she adopted you from this very orphanage. Imagine that.”

“Imagine that,” I quip, but she doesn’t read between the lines.

“Gianna’s kindness knows no bounds.”

I choke on air, but soon recover. “It was so nice meeting you, Mary-Lou, but if you’ll excuse me.”

Mary-Lou appears stunned I would want to flee such a pleasant encounter. What a moron.

I make a break for it, but Gianna grips my bicep, digging in her fingernails. I peer down at her fingers, arching a brow. My poker face has slipped, but Elena is in danger, and I made her a promise. I can’t be like every other adult who has disappointed her in the past.

“Is everything all right?” she whispers.

“I think I saw Bria,” I fabricate as this is the only excuse that’ll fly.

It works.