Page 75 of Bound in Obsession
People move gracefully through the grand halls and my eyes scan the crowd instinctively.
And then I see them.
Across the room, standing near a tall marble pillar, are Camila and Daniela. They’re with my father. Even with masks on, I know it’s them instantly. Camila’s posture, that slight tilt of her head when she’s uncomfortable, and Daniela’s nervous habit of touching the back of her neck.
Their dark hair is styled the same way it always has been for these events. The way they stand close to each other, protective even now, makes my chest tighten painfully.
Nico is saying something to me, but I can’t hear him. My entire focus is on my sisters. They look okay. Uncomfortable but alive. I want to run to them. I want to pull them into my arms and tell them I’m alright, that I’m alive. That I miss them so much it hurts.
Nico’s hand presses firmly against my lower back. “Eleonora,” he says quietly, voice low enough for only me to hear. “You promised. No contact.”
I nod slowly, tearing my eyes away. “I know.”
“It’s too risky,” he continues, guiding me gently away from that side of the room. “Your father is watching everyone. Gallo is here somewhere. One wrong move and this entire night could turn into a bloodbath. You stay by my side. Understand?”
“Yes,” I whisper, forcing myself to look forward. “I understand.”
He studies my face for a moment, thumb brushing lightly against my back. “Are you okay?”
I swallow the lump in my throat and nod again. “I’m fine.”
He doesn’t look entirely convinced, but he leads me deeper into the crowd, away from my sisters.
I’m in the same room as them for the first time in weeks… and I can’t even say hello.
We move through the crowd slowly, Nico’s hand firm and possessive on the small of my back. The ball is in full swing. Some guests wear masks that barely cover their eyes, making it easy to recognize them. I spot Matteo Gallo across the room, his sharp jaw and arrogant posture unmistakable even behind a half-mask.
I see other familiar faces from my father’s world. And then there’s my father himself, standing near a marble pillar, talking to a group of men. His mask is ornate but doesn’t fully hide the cold set of his mouth.
My own mask, combined with the blonde wig, keeps me safe. It covers most of my face, leaving only my lips visible. No one should be able to recognize me.
I try my best to stay engaged with Nico, nodding and smiling when he speaks to me, keeping my body close to his like he instructed. I don’t leave his side for even a second.
Until I see Camilla walking toward the powder room.
“I need to freshen up,” I tell Nico softly.
He’s in the middle of a conversation but glances at me. “I’ll come with you.”
“No, it’s fine,” I say quickly. “I’ll be quick.”
He studies me for a second, then signals to two of his men. “Go with her. Don’t let her out of your sight.”
I nod and follow the guards toward the powder room, my pulse racing faster with every step.
Luckily, when I step inside, Camilla is the only one there. She’s standing at the sink, washing her hands and staring at her reflection in the mirror.
Seeing her so close, alive, unharmed, just a few feet away, makes my chest ache with relief. My eyes burn. I want to run to her. I want to hug her so tight neither of us can breathe.
“Camilla,” I whisper.
She turns, frowning slightly behind her mask, not recognizing me yet.
“Who are you?”
I step closer, heart hammering. “It’s me.”
I reach up and slowly remove my mask.
