chapter SIXTY
The next day, Vittorio gave me a quick rundown of the members of the coven, who was on our side, who was on Samuel’s, and who he was unsure of. There were far too many in the last two groups. We decided to go to The Chapel that night; delaying it would do no good. We both wanted more rest, but couldn’t afford time to ourselves just yet. Vittorio also decided we both needed new outfits to wear for our reappearance at the club, something spectacular. He wanted to send me shopping with Sarah while he went on his own, but I refused to be separated from him. Partially because I was scared for myself, but mostly because I was scared for him. He agreed with no hesitation, sensing the prudence of staying together until this was all over.
Vittorio’s new outfit was easier to pick out than mine. He opted for a cream white velvet tuxedo, shirt, vest, and tie. He did not let me see him in it when he tried it on. I teased him for acting like a girl. I knew what he was doing, though. I would spend the day impatient to see him in the beauty of his new clothes, anticipation rising, then would spend the evening impatient to see him out of them. I grinned at his manipulations.
He insisted I buy a white gown as well. “White isn’t very goth, is it?” I teased.
“We need to make a statement when we arrive. White will set us apart from everyone, and will signify the new beginning for us.”
“And what new beginning is that?”
“Our new stance on the coven, against Clavius and his followers, and for justice and equality.”
I tried on half a dozen gowns, but none felt right. When the shop girl brought the last one for me to try on, I caught my breath. I had seen that dress before. It was the dress I wore in the dream I had of marrying Vittorio the night I met him. It was perfect.
Sarah again helped me with my hair. She arranged it in a partial up-do, and curled the strands that trailed down my back. She also advised me to keep my makeup simple and earthy this time, to help me stand out from the rest of the crowd. My black and purple-streaked hair was a stunning contrast to the pale gown and makeup.
A knock at the door as I finished applying my lipstick demonstrated Vittorio’s impeccable timing. Sarah went to let him in, leaving us alone. I turned from the mirror, excited to see him in his new tux. I caught my breath. Vittorio was always gorgeous, but tonight he affected me as strongly as he had when I first saw him. His thick, black hair fanned out in perfect contrast to his white tuxedo. He walked to me, gently pushed my jaw up, and kissed me. “Wow.”
“Is the wow for the kiss, or my outfit?” he asked.
“Yes,” I said, breathless.
He kissed me again.
“Wow,” I said again.
Vittorio pulled a small, long box from the inner pocket of his jacket and handed it to me.
“What’s this?” I asked, hesitant to accept what must surely be a very expensive piece of jewelry.
“Open it,” he insisted, pushing the box into my hands.
I discovered a gorgeous diamond necklace that must have cost twice what I made in a year.
“Is this real?”
He nodded. Of course it was; Vittorio wouldn’t give me cubic zirconia.
“Vittorio, I can’t take this.” I held it out to him.
“Why not?”
Why not, indeed? “It’s too expensive.”
“I do not think so. Nothing is too good for you.” He took the necklace from the box and stood behind me to fasten it around my neck before I could protest further. He led me to the mirror, where I admired its beauty.
“Thank you.”
“You are welcome, mio amore.” He kissed the side of my neck, and I inhaled his scent. My pulse raced, and my power called to him. “Now, mio amore, you will mess up your perfect hair and makeup. Am I that tempting to you?”
“Do you even have to ask?”
He smiled and chuckled in response, the way only a man can when he knows how completely a woman desires him. “Let us go now. There will be plenty of time for that later.” He held out his arm for me. “Shall we?”
I sighed in only partially mock disappointment. “If you insist. I love you, you know,” I said, and kissed him gently on the lips, keeping my power firmly in check.
“Ti amo, troppo.”