I laugh. “For the ceremony? No. For what comes after? Yes, a little. You know, fear of the unknown…” I finish with my dress. Cole puts his arms around me.
“Well, as long as you don’t burst into flames, we will handle whatever comes,” he says quietly. “All of us,” he adds, looking at Devon.
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
T he next morning is really busy with another round in the spa and then getting ready. Nico brings us Feeders, which are greatly appreciated, and we all calm down a bit after that. One Vampire with nerves sets off the rest in enclosed spaces and I am nervous. As I said before, not for the ceremony, but for whatever this Power wants me to see or do next.
Deciding to wear my hair up to show off the marking on my back, which is now so big it has the tip at the base of my neck and the bottom point at the small of my back. My halter dress shows off the entire thing. If I have to have it, I might as well flaunt it.
Bunching my hair up and twirling it into a severe bun, I push the pins in as the boys watch me again. I like them watching me, I decide with a small smile. My deft fingers complete the hairdo in a matter of minutes. I smooth it back and smile in the mirror.
Cole smiles back, slow and sexy. “I’ve never seen you with your hair so…” I raise an eyebrow at him, “… away from your face,” he finishes.
I chuckle at him. “You like?”
“Always,” he breathes.
“Help me with my dress?” I ask Devon.
He nods and stands. I do too. I take it from the hanger and hand it to him. Taking off my robe, I’m naked underneath. His eyes heat up, but he holds the dress up for me to step into. He pulls the thin ice blue satin up over my hips and over my breasts, clasping the thin halter strap behind my neck. I smooth out the fabric and turn. The soft, slinky material fits tight across my breasts, showing a fair bit of cleavage, tight to the hips and falls elegantly to the floor. The back is wide open with the material starting again just above my hips. With my blonde hair swept up, I look like an ice princess and that was the desired effect. Cole is just standing there gaping at me.
“Well?” I say stepping into a pair of silver peep toe Louboutins.
“I knew you would look amazing, but fuck, Liv. I have never seen anything more beautiful than you are right now,” Cole says.
I smile smugly. No false modesty here. “Thank you,” I say, taking the compliment.
“I don’t feel worthy,” he whispers to me.
“Oh, you are more than worthy, my love. You are my destiny,” I say simply.
He kisses me gently, not wanting to ruin a painstaking couple of hours on messing up my hair and make-up.
“Necklace, please,” I say.
Devon grabs the box off the dresser and opens it.
He takes out a single six-carat diamond pendant on a platinum chain and holds it up to the light. “That is just gorgeous,” he says moving behind me and placing it around my neck. It fits in perfectly with the dress. I have already poked my earrings into place so all that is left is the diamond bracelet that Cole places on my right wrist as my charms are forever on my left. This team work is wonderful and it sends a thrill shooting through me.
“I cannot wait to see the look on that bitch’s face when she sees you,” Devon says. I giggle, and Cole, in spite of himself, lets out a loud guffaw. Trust Dev to know exactly what to say to make us laugh.
“Nico’s downstairs waiting,” Devon says after looking at his phone.
Handing my phone and a credit card to Cole to hang on to, I pick up my dress, so I don’t trip, and we make our way downstairs. The reception is full, and all eyes turn to me as we walk past. I take great delight in the admiration.
Nico is waiting
outside with CK’s limo. He stares at me for a moment with that same look he had in Monte Carlo. He sees me watching him and the shutters come back down.
“Liv, you look wonderful,” he says briskly.
I incline my head in thanks as Cole grabs my elbow while I lift my skirt to scoot in.
Once settled, we set off. My nerves return so we sit in silence on the short ride. Using the same process in reverse for exiting the car, I swish both my feet around to the floor to step out with the help of Cole taking my hand.
We make our way into the building, to find Giulia waiting for us.
She grins when she sees me. “Liv, you look fabulous,” she gushes. I smile my thanks as she hands visitor’s badges to Cole and Devon. “You don’t need one now!” she exclaims to me with glee. I smile as she pushes the button to the elevator. “Mr. D’Arcangelo said to bring you right up so we can start,” she says, stepping in as it arrives, and we follow.