Page 65 of Princessa
The train ride back with Wendy was quiet. She wasn’t animated and lively like Camille. By the time we got back to the resort, I was dead on my feet.
“You don’t have to walk me up to my suite, Wendy. I’ll be fine on my own. Thank you for coming with me to Paris.”
“Very well, madam. I’ll check in with you tomorrow morning.”
On my way up the elevator, I texted Grayson.
Me:I made it back to the resort and am headed up to my room to go to sleep. Miss you and love you.
Grayson:Glad you made it back safely. Gigi is a doll. I saw the pictures you posted on Instagram. #DivaGigi. Can’t wait to see you tomorrow. Sleep well. Miss you, love you more.
Sliding my phone in my purse, I removed the key card to my suite. Since it was after 10 p.m., I didn’t bother picking up Diamond, thinking she and Emma were likely fast asleep.
Stepping off the elevator, I beelined right to my suite, inserting the key card in its slot.
I sensed a presence. Someone lurking in the corner.
“A-ra-bell-a. Royale.” The British-accented enunciation that slithered out from behind, made my skin crawl.
Spinning around, my eyes landed on a tall, slim blonde, with eyebrows hitched up and a scowl that made my heart scream.
Outfitted in a white, pinstriped suit, her blouse was unbuttoned just enough to showcase her bountiful cleavage.
She was a beauty: thin nose, fair skin, with a sexy mole on her lower left cheek.
The tall drink of water may have been drop-dead hot on the outside but her frozen spirit was spine-chilling, even from where I stood, thirty feet away.
As she sauntered near, gaze dragging over me from top to bottom, her lips curved up into a smile you’d see the devil give before buying someone’s soul.
“I must say,A-ra-bell-a”—her tone was taunting—“you’re a delectable little snack. Petite. Pretty face.” She slid her long and pointy fingernail along my cheek. “Gorgeous skin tone. I can certainly see why Grayson’s so dick-crazy about you.”
Iris Godiva. The Dragon.
I’d suspected it was her straightaway. But that bitchy aura only confirmed it.
“What doyouwant?” My voice was surprisingly controlled even though my knees were shaking.
“A little chat, dear.”She fingered my hair and I realized that smug smirk was a permanent resident on her face.
“Go on…”
She barked out a laugh. “Oh, no. I meant aprivatechat. Inside your suite? I’ve got a little something to show you. And believe me”—she leaned in and whispered—“it’s for your eyes only.”
I hesitated.
“Oh, come now, you’re not frightened, are you?”
I breathed, panic rising.
“Because,” she continued, her chuckle sinister, “I’m not here to harm you. I’m here tohelpyou. What I have to show you is rather…” She trailed off, red-lipstick-covered lips pursed. “Life-changing.”
Pivoting to face the door, I pushed down on the handle.
“Chop, chop, dear.” Iris palmed the door open from behind me, urging me to step all the way in. “I’ll need to make this quick.”
