Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 59432 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 297(@200wpm)___ 238(@250wpm)___ 198(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 59432 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 297(@200wpm)___ 238(@250wpm)___ 198(@300wpm)
I breathed it in, reminding myself I was alive. Even if my life belonged to another for some ridiculous expanse of time, I was alive and I would fight to stay that way. I ran my hand along the scars on one of my wrists. I wouldn’t break. I wouldn’t go willingly into darkness. Never again.
***
I spent the rest of the day in my room. Thankfully, I was able to talk Laura into bringing me a sampling of books from the library downstairs. The books were older, but well worth reading, especially the few bodice rippers she’d found.
I’d wanted to wander around the house and investigate, but I kept getting the mental image of two knights in armor crossing their swords in front of me and blocking my way. More than that, the thought of running into Lucius without anyone else around was a chance I wasn’t willing to take.
Vinemont didn’t summon or visit me at all, which was a relief. He’d gone into town, apparently, to handle some official district attorney business. Sure. I supposed the work of railroading innocent citizens was a constant, thankless job.
When Laura brought my dinner, I asked if she could get me some painting supplies. She promised to make my request to Renee. If I were going to spend all my time hiding in my room, which was my game plan so far, then I would need plenty to keep me occupied.
The night passed without incident or even a hint of Vinemont.
The next morning, I was already up and dressed in a light sweater and jeans when the knock came at my door.
“Come in.”
Instead of Farns, it was Renee. She was still dressed in all black with the white collar, and her dark hair was arranged in flowing waves.
“Good morning, ma’am.”
“Morning, Renee. And please call me Stella. What happened to Farns?”
“He’s with Mr. Sinclair all day. I’m with you. I hope that’s all right.” Her gaze dropped to the floor.
“Oh, no, no. I didn’t mean it that way at all. I was just curious. I’m happy to see you again.”
After the words fell out, I realized they were true. I was happy to have someone to talk to. Maybe I could even call her a friend, such as they were in this new world.
She raised her face, her smile making her luminous in the morning light. “I’m happy to see you, too. I must admit, I asked to be assigned to you as soon as I heard about your arrival.”
“Why?”
She put her hands in her skirt pockets. “I just feel like we may have some things in common is all.”
“Oh, so you hate Sinclair Vinemont, too?”
She laughed. It was an open, inviting sound that held nothing back. “I certainly don’t, and I don’t believe you do either.”
I leaned back against my bedpost. “Pretty sure I do.”
“Well, in any case, you have a big day and an even bigger night. I’m here to help you through all of it.”
“You told me about the ball tonight. So, what are we doing today?”
“Getting ready, of course. Mr. Sinclair gave me explicit instructions on how he wants you prepared. He ordered your gown the night you arrived, and he picked out your jewels and accessories with me this morning.” She walked to me and took my arm. “You are going to be the most beautiful Acquisition they’ve ever seen.”
I pulled my arm from her grasp, anger rushing through me like a wildfire. “You’re excited? About putting Vinemont’s property on display before some other loathsome people just like him?”
She returned her hands to her pockets. “I was only trying to…” She shrugged and met my eyes again. “I can’t undo the contract. I can’t stop the ball or anything else that goes on, but I can help you if you’ll let me. I can see you through until the end when your year is up and you can leave. That’s all I want to do.”
The earnestness of her words struck me like a bolt to my heart. She was right. I had signed the contract and now I was bound to it. If she wanted to help, then I would be wise to let her. I only wished I knew more about the Acquisition. Still, I would take whatever allies I could get.
“I’m sorry, Renee. I’m just…”
Emboldened by my apology, she took my arm again. “I know. Like I said yesterday, I understand. Now, let’s get you to the spa.”
I almost fell back against the bed. “The spa?”
“Here on the property, of course. Mr. Vinemont called in professionals from all over the country for this. You’re going to get the royal treatment.”
She pulled me out into the hallway and down the front steps.
“What does this entail, exactly?”
“First, breakfast.”
I dug in my heels and stopped despite the angry rumble of my stomach. “I don’t want to see them.”