Mara was ready before Nico arrived.
The red dress was on, zipped, and the slit arranged so it showed just enough leg without looking too indecent.
After three practice walks across the room, she finally mastered the impossibly high yet surprisingly stable heels. Her hair was swept up into an elegant twist, with a few dark strands left loose to frame her face. The makeup Elena had applied was still perfect.
The room was quiet now. Elena had left twenty minutes ago with a final once-over and a nod that said: You'll do.
Mara stood by the window, watching the estate grounds darken as the sun bled out, trying to slow her racing heart.
Them the door opened without a knock.
She'd learned to expect this, but her pulse still jumped as Nico stepped inside and stopped.
He wore a black suit with no tie, the top button of his white shirt left undone. The moment his eyes landed on her in the red dress, he went completely still.
He didn't say anything; he just looked.
