Page 135 of Marks of Rebellion

Rescued me? He abducted me.

She points in my face. "That look will get you killed or committed."

She's right. "I'll apologize when I see him."

"Good. Do it in front of Carlos." She glances down at the lawn. "Must have been the wind last night. It was powerful."

I step into the bedroom to move away from the topic of the petals and remove the dress off the doorway hook. "If you're done with me for the day, I need to go figure out what shoes and jewelry I'm wearing."

She hesitates but then leaves, and I sigh in relief.

I sit on the bed and gaze out the window, smiling again at the red petals.

Esther comes in and tells me that I need to have my hair dry for the stylists. I shower, put a robe on, and do as instructed.

A team of stylists I've never met before comes in.

Where are my old people?

They do my hair and makeup then help me zip my dress. I choose the matching electric-blue four-inch Jimmy Choos that Carlos bought me for my last birthday.

They leave. I open my jewelry box to figure out what to wear.

Carlos enters the room. "Vanessa."

I spin and tell myself not to break down. I cannot show any weakness tonight.

He steps closer. "Wow. You look amazing."

"I need to put my jewelry on." I turn back to the box.

He puts his arms around me and positions his hard body flush to mine.

I freeze.

My hair is in long curls but pinned back on one side. His lips graze my neck, and I jump.

"Are you ever going to let us be us again?" His voice is soft and not the aggressive tone he usually speaks to me with.

Don't make him mad.

I need to protect yourself.

"Vanessa?" It's a rarity, but he doesn't raise his voice and waits for me to respond.

"I need time. A...a lot happened...not just with you."

"Santiago is dead. I killed him for touching you."

He thinks Santiago hurt me.

I told Santiago too much. It's going to come back to hurt me.

Wait.

I spin. "He's dead?"

"Yes. I ordered it."