Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 77485 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 310(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77485 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 310(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
I walked inside and was greeted by an array of beauty products. Everything had been carefully laid out with precision.
Nicolette gestured toward the various items. "We've got everything—makeup, hair tools, and of course, the dress you’ll be wearing."
My gaze was already on the obvious centerpiece. A dark red dress that seemed to pulse with its own energy. It was both alluring and daring, nothing like I had ever worn before.
“I’m supposed to wear that?” I pointed to the dress, not bothering to hide the fact I wasn’t a fan.
"Yes, and you’re going to look absolutely stunning in it," Esther assured me, her voice carrying a genuine sense of excitement.
Nicolette added, "Trust us, you're in good hands."
I withheld a sigh and eyed the dress again. It reminded me of something Anya would wear. My heart twisted at the thought of my best friend. She would be losing her mind by now. I wouldn’t have been surprised if she was camped out at the police station trying to do their job for them.
The sooner I got through whatever was coming, the quicker I could figure out how to make it back home. I looked between Esther and Nicolette, offering a tentative smile. “So, what’s first?”
"Over here," Esther instructed, gently guiding me toward a large glass shower.
“Everything you need is already inside. We’ll be waiting out here.”
I swallowed and nodded. Of course, they wouldn’t leave me all alone. I kept my back to them and quickly undressed, relieved when I glanced over my shoulder and saw they weren’t watching. I stepped into the shower and pulled the glass doors closed, shutting myself inside a temporary haven of privacy.
I shifted on the cool tiles and brushed my fingers across the sleek brassy fixtures. There were more handles than I knew what to do with. I finally managed to figure them out and adjusted the water until comforting warmth cascaded from a rainfall showerhead. Steam gathered on the glass and I slightly relaxed. I needed this more than I’d thought. The water seemed to carry away some of the weight my circumstances had dumped onto me.
I washed my hair with a shampoo and conditioner I’d never heard of before. It smelled good and it made my long waves feel like silk. I reached for the shower gel next. It was at least a name I recognized, but I hadn’t been aware Chanel made a line of hygiene products. For a moment, all I could do was stare at the bottle, my mind grappling with the reality of the situation.
Everything was brand new. As much as I wanted to deny they’d been bought specifically for me, my intuition said otherwise. The fact that Mr. Hawthorne wanted to make sure I was well fed and pampered only deepened the complexity of the situation. I finished my shower, struggling to reconcile his actions.
There was a fluffy towel and silk robe waiting for me when I stepped out. Once I was dry Esther and Nicolette went right to work styling my long hair into a half-up, half-down style that framed my face elegantly.
A light layer of makeup was applied, enhancing my features in a way that surprised me given how little had been used.
"You're looking stunning already," Nicolette remarked, her words accompanied by a genuine smile.
"You are,” Esther was quick to agree. “Now for the final touch!”
With careful precision, they helped me step into the alluring red dress. The silk fabric clung to my form, the boldness of the design leaving me feeling both exposed and strangely empowered. I thought the neckline on my uniform dress had been bad; this was downright scandalous.
I turned to face a large floor-length mirror. A slightly transformed version of myself stared back. My internal struggle resurfaced, bringing with it the weight I’d shed in the shower and a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Defiance and resignation warred within me.
I couldn't help but wonder what was in store for me, what secrets this evening held and would hopefully reveal. I knew no matter what was to come, if I had any chance of finding a way out of here, all I could do was navigate the path that lay ahead and hope it proved useful for reconnaissance.
CHAPTER NINE
Hours had passed since I’d last seen him. As I stood on the threshold of Mr. Hawthorne’s home, fading sunlight cast long shadows across his secluded property.
“We’re leaving?” I couldn’t keep the surprise or concern from my voice.
“Diabolus is waiting at our destination,” Nicolette explained not unkindly.
There was that moniker again. And I saw I still wasn’t going to get a straight answer as to where I was being taken. I stepped out and took a look around. On the other side of an expansive slate driveway, a large SUV was on standby.
The sight of it brought forth a mixture of nervous anticipation and trepidation.