Page 23 of Shadows of Steel

A knock sounds at the door.

“Come in.” I call.

Luisa steps inside, her name tag glinting under the soft lighting. She stops abruptly, her mouth parting slightly as she takes in the sight before her.

“If you don’t mind me saying,” she breathes, “you look magnificent. This dress was made for you.”

“Thank you, Luisa. I’ll take it.”

After changing back into my own clothes, I make my way to the register, my bodyguards ever watchful, their presence a constant shadow. I settle the payment, leaving a generous tip for her before stepping out of the boutique and into the fading afternoon light.

As we reach the car, Giorgio, one of the men assigned to protect me, steps forward and opens the door. I slide into the back seat while Piero takes the wheel, he was assigned by my fiancé to watch over me. So there is no doubt, he’ll be by my side when we leave for Naples.

I bought this car when I first arrived in Italy, back when my plan was simple, travel the country, explore freely, live on my own terms. But I never got the chance.

I thought I had time.

I was wrong.

When we pull up in front of my apartment, Giorgio steps out and opens the door for me again. Piero follows, carrying my dress upstairs before giving me a brief nod and vanishing, likely taking up position by the door.

I head straight for the shower, letting the hot water wash away the tension clinging to my skin. I shampoo and condition my hair, exfoliate, cleanse, following my routine. There’s little else to do since I had a salon appointment just a few days ago. My waxing and nails are fresh, so I’m already good to go.

After my shower, I wrap a towel around my hair and slip into a silk robe. In my bedroom, I begin the process of drying and styling my hair before moisturizing and applying my makeup.

When I finally meet my own gaze in the mirror, my reflection is exactly as I intended, effortlessly striking. My makeup is subtle yet bold, just enough for a party. My hair,usually sleek and straight, falls in soft curls tonight. A rare change.

I sift through my closet, selecting a delicate lace bra and matching panties the same shade as my dress, before slipping them on. Then, I step into the gown I purchased, the fabric hugging my frame elegantly. To complete the look, I slide my feet into a pair of stilettos adorned with diamonds that encircle my ankles like shimmering cuffs.

A final glance in the mirror. A touch of perfume at my pulse points. I retrieve my clutch, exhale softly, and head for the door.

Let the night begin.

Chapter 9

Harlow

Piero is stationed right by my apartment door, his gaze lingering for just a fraction too long before he gives me a brief nod. I step into the hallway, closing the door behind me and turning the lock with a quiet click before making my way downstairs.

Outside, Giorgio is already waiting by the car, standing watch with his usual stoic vigilance. My heels echo against the pavement as I approach. Without a word, he opens the door for me, and I slide into the back seat. Piero follows, settling in beside me as we pull away from the building.

As we weave through the streets toward the restaurant, my phone vibrates with an incoming message. It’s from my cousin, Michael, he’s waiting outsidethe venue so we may make our entrance together.

Scrolling through my phone, I notice dozens of unread messages in our group chat. Sofia and Elena. Their names light up my screen in a flood of texts.

Sofia:You’ve all but disappeared. There’s been no way to reach you!

Sofia:Would it have been truly that arduous to inform us that you’re, at the very least, alive?

Sofia:Though I have to wonder, are you?

Elena:What in the world? Has someone died?

Sofia:No! But I can’t seem to get hold of Harlow. She’s ignoring my texts, calls, emails, I even sent a postcard…

Elena:I’ll refrain from commenting on that. But last I checked, didn’t she dispose of her phone?

Sofia:She did, but she recently got a new one!