Chapter 9

Madame Rossi worked a complete miracle. I stared at my reflection in the tall mirror. I did not recognize the woman staring back at me.

My long blonde hair was gone. It was dyed a deep, dark brown. It was cut into a sharp, sleek bob. I wore a stunning emerald green silk dress.

It hugged my curves perfectly. A delicate black lace mask covered the top half of my face. I was no longer Helena. I was Isabella. I was Inigo's wealthy new fiancée.

Inigo stood right behind me. He wore a sharp black tuxedo. A matching black silk mask rested on his face. He looked incredibly handsome and dangerous. He placed his large hands gently on my bare shoulders.

His touch sent a warm shiver down my spine.

"You are absolutely perfect," Inigo whispered. "No one will ever know the truth."

We drove to the massive grand ballroom in the center of the city. Bright crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling.

A live orchestra played soft classical music. The room was packed with the absolute elite. Everyone wore elaborate masks. It was the perfect place to hide in plain sight.

"Remember the plan," Inigo murmured. His warm breath brushed my ear. "Paula keeps the vault key in her small silver clutch. We need that physical key to access the fake passports. We need the proof to destroy them."

I nodded slowly. My heart hammered wildly against my ribs. We walked down the grand staircase together. I spotted our targets almost immediately.

Troy and Paula stood near a massive champagne tower. Paula wore a bright red dress. She held a small silver clutch tightly in her left hand.

Troy looked completely miserable. He drank heavily from a crystal glass. He scanned the room with paranoid, angry eyes.

The orchestra suddenly began to play a slow, traditional waltz. The host announced that all couples must join the dance floor.

Inigo turned to me. He offered his large, warm hand. I took it without hesitation. He pulled me gently onto the polished wooden floor.

He placed one hand firmly on my lower back. He held my other hand in the air. We began to move. We moved in perfect, fluid harmony.

The physical proximity was completely overwhelming. I could feel the hard muscles of his chest pressing against me. I could smell his expensive, spicy cologne.

My breath caught in my throat. I looked up into his dark eyes. The intense heat between us was absolute and undeniable. It was not a fake performance for the crowd. It was pure, burning desire.

"You are shaking," Inigo noted softly. His dark eyes searched my face.

"I am terrified," I admitted.

"I will not let them hurt you," Inigo promised fiercely. He pulled me a fraction of an inch closer. "You are safe with me. I will protect you and Arthur with my life."

My stomach did a wild flip. I completely forgot about the dangerous room. I completely forgot about Troy and Paula. I only felt Inigo. I wanted to stay in his arms forever.

The music swelled loudly. The dance floor became incredibly crowded. The moment for action had arrived.

"Now," Inigo commanded quietly.

He spun me expertly across the floor. He aimed me directly toward the edge of the large crowd.

Paula was walking past the dancers. She was heading toward the ladies' powder room alone.

I let go of Inigo. I stumbled forward intentionally. I crashed hard into Paula.

Her silver clutch fell to the polished floor. It popped open instantly.

"I am so incredibly sorry," I apologized quickly. I dropped to my knees. I gathered her expensive lipstick and her gold compact mirror.

My fingers brushed against a cold, heavy metal key. I palmed it immediately. I slipped the key into my own hidden dress pocket.

I handed the closed clutch back to Paula. She snatched it angrily from my hands.

She did not even look at my masked face. She just scoffed loudly and stormed away.

I stood up. I took a deep, shaking breath. I had the key. The first part of the plan was a complete success.

I turned around to find Inigo. I needed to tell him we were ready to leave.

A heavy hand suddenly grabbed my bare shoulder.

I spun around in pure shock. It was Troy.

He wore a dark blue mask. His eyes were bloodshot and wild. He smelled strongly of expensive whiskey and stale smoke.

"May I cut in?" Troy asked smoothly.

He did not wait for an answer. He pulled me forcefully against his chest. He began to lead me across the dance floor. My blood turned to pure ice.

I was dancing with my absolute worst nightmare. He did not recognize me. My dark hair and the black lace mask hid my true identity completely.

"You are a fantastic dancer," Troy complimented quietly. "I am Troy. Troy Smith."

I forced a polite, fake smile. I did not speak a single word. I was terrified my voice would betray me immediately.

"You are very quiet," Troy noted. He let out a loud, dramatic sigh. "I apologize if I seem distracted tonight. I am going through a terrible, unspeakable tragedy."

I stared at him.

"My beautiful wife passed away recently," Troy lied effortlessly. His voice dripped with fake, agonizing sorrow. "She took her own life. And now, my precious baby boy is missing. Someone kidnapped my innocent son."

"It is a living nightmare," Troy whispered. He looked down at the floor. "I just want my son back. I am a completely broken man. I do not know how I will survive this pain."

I wanted to scream. I wanted to claw his lying eyes out. I kept my face perfectly still.

I continued to dance with the devil. I prayed the song would end quickly.

The slow music finally faded away. I tried to step backward. I tried to step away from him. I needed to find Inigo immediately. I needed to run.

Troy did not let go.

He gripped my arm tightly. His fingers dug painfully into my bare skin.

He pulled me back against his hard chest. He leaned in incredibly close. His nose brushed against my neck. He inhaled deeply.

I froze in absolute terror. I had forgotten one crucial detail. I was wearing my signature jasmine perfume.

Madame Rossi did not change my scent.

It was the exact same perfume I wore every single day. It was the perfume I wore on our wedding day.

Troy stiffened completely. His bloodshot eyes widened behind his dark blue mask.

He stared directly into my eyes.

"Helena?" he whispered.