Right, I’m probably just being paranoid. Still, I can’t bring myself to finish what’s left of the meal, and turn my attention to my new outfit instead.
Reaching for the folded fabric, I realize I’ve been given a white floor-length dress. It’s stunning, and appears to be averymodern and simple take on a Georgian-style dress with a tapered waist and wide skirts ... not to mention how deep the neckline is.
I’m just starting wonder how the heck I’m supposed to even get into it, let alone why I can’t find any underwear among all the garments when the door behind me swings open.
“Need some help?”
My heart thuds against my ribcage at the voice.
Spinning around, I clutch my towel tightly to me as I glare at the man who’s just entered the room.
It’s Luci.
6
Luci
“What are you doing here?” Evi hisses, unable to keep the venom from seeping into her voice.
“Like I said, I’m here to help,” I say, closing the door behind me.
“Don’t come any closer!”
She takes a step back, clutching the towel to her body with one hand while the other is raised in warning toward me.
“I promise, I’m not going to hurt you.”
“I don’t believe you.”
I blink, surprised by how much it stings to hear her say that. I quickly shove this feeling aside.
I’m not supposed to be able to feel. Certainly not to this extent. Not after everything I’ve done to get here.
“You don’t have to believe me,” I say, stepping closer even as she backs away. “I’m still here to help.”
She shakes her head.
“Where’s Valentine? Does he know you’re here?”
“Of course,” I answer, again surprised that her distrust is bothering me so much, “he’s the one who sent me.”
She eyes me warily, still not believing a word I say.
“I thought you were supposed to go back to Dante and Seven.”
“I did.”
“Then … they’re still alive?” she gasps, her eyes lighting up with hope.
“Yes.” My brow furrows as I tilt my head to the side. “Why do you seem so surprised?”
“If they’re still alive, then I don’t know how you are. You’ve betrayed them just as much as you’ve betrayed me. You should be dead.”
“Like it or not, they still need me.Youstill need me.”
She snorts at this, turning away as she refuses to look at me any longer.
“I don’tneedyou. I never needed you. You kidnapped me, remember?”