“You call him ‘the devil’?”
She presses a spot of rouge to the curve of my cheekbones. “Yes. It’s an honor to.” Flashing me another loaded look, she adds: “He’s earned the title.”
Her ominous response sends a shiver across my shoulders. What has my beast of an uncle gotten me into?
When she steps to the side I have to blink again. I hardly recognize myself.
Working as a nurse meant long hours, sleep whenever I could get it and makeup-free skin. I’m not accustomed to seeing my face contoured to perfection, the skin dewy and glowing, my lashes so long I could swing from them.
The makeup bag snaps shut and she straightens. “This will have to do. Let’s go.”
I try to ignore the disappointment in her tone and follow her from the dressing room and back out into the main lounge.
This time Ifeelthe stares.
I swear the volume of talk drops a couple decibels, or maybe it’s just the pulse in my eardrum drowning out the sounds. But I can’t escape the feeling that my body is being eaten up with every step I take. And I can’t decide whether I like it or not.
I feel… attractive.
I also feel deeply uncomfortable.
The last time I felt attractive was in middle school, before my body was violated by someone I was supposed to trust.
Feeling eyes on my skin, caressing my thighs, admiring my cleavage, while I’m powerless to stop it, makes me feel like a victim all over again.
By the time we reach the host’s desk, I’m trembling.
“Hallie, this is Pfeiffer McAllister,” I hear Vivienne say. Itsounds far away though, as if my head has been filled with cotton.
A petite brunette with dark red lips and a nose ring holds out her hand. “Hi! Welcome to Velvet. I heard you were coming.”
“Y—you did?”
Vivienne clears her throat and speaks as if I’m no longer there. “Are you okay to walk her through the host duties?”
Hallie clicks her tongue. There’s a cute but rebellious edge to it. “Sure.”
“If she gets it within the hour you can head off.”
Hallie’s voice drops. “Really?” She leans into Vivienne’s ear. “I could really use the money, Viv. I was down to work the whole night.”
Vivienne lowers her chin a touch and smiles. So, she is capable of being nice. Just not to me.
“Diavolo’s orders. I’m sorry.”
My gaze drops to see Hallie’s hands wringing together. “Okay.”
When Vivienne lowers her voice, I turn my head but still manage to catch the words.
“Have you put your name down for the Angels? Like I said?”
“No. Not yet.”
“You should do it, Hallie. You might get a huge check. You could get out of your apartment, move away, go someplace new.”
“I’m not guaranteed a huge check, Viv. What if no one selects me?”
“You were selected last time.”