Page 103 of The Viper's Wife

In the privacy of the dressing room, I lift my hair, imagining what it might look like in a chignon, with earrings and a necklace, as I walk down the aisle. To Nico.

He’d wear a tuxedo, tattoos peeking out from his collar and sleeves. And he’d look at me like no one else in the world existed.

The way he looks at me makes me think anything could be possible.

I pull open the curtains, and my ladies cheer.

“Oh my god!” Lacey says, clapping her hands over her mouth as her eyes fill with tears. Mei wraps an arm around her, and they touch their heads together.

“You look beautiful,” Mei says.

I accept the compliment with a smile.

Alessia stands and gestures for me to step onto the pedestal in front of the couch. “Let’s see it in its full glory.”

Just as I step onto the pedestal, something slams against the boutique doors.

Lacey and Mei scream, before bursting into champagne-drunk giggles.

Alessia dives for her purse. “Stay there, I’ll check.”

I spot the glint of metal in her purse as she walks to the boutique doors, where curtains have been drawn for our privacy. She flicks one of the curtains back with the end of her gun and relaxes.

“It’s just Nico!” she calls over her shoulder.

Just Nicohas my pulse racing. I know we teased about bad luck, but we’ve had enough of that, haven’t we? I don’t want to risk anything.

Alessia flicks her fingers in my direction. “Go hide yourself.”

I gather my skirts, scurry into the dressing room, and snap the curtain shut.

I hear the doors open and Alessia and Nico talking in hushed voices. My body heats at the sound of his low rasp.

“Show’s over, ladies!” Alessia says. “Let’s let these two catch up, and they can join us for lunch after. My treat!”

The curtains part, and Lacey’s head peeks through, her cheeks flushed red. “You look seriously beautiful. You always have.”

I smile. “Are you trying to make me cry?”

She grins. “Maybe. See you soon.”

Sounds of movement and happy chatter float through the boutique before the door shuts.

I exhale in the complete silence.

I wait for a long time, my skirts in my fists and my heart in my throat.

Is Nico just past the curtain? Is he imagining what I look like?

I should get out of this ridiculous dress. We seriously don’t need any more bad luck.

“You can come out now,” Nico says.

“I can’t,” I shout, smiling. “It’s bad luck.”

“Come out, Valeria.” His voice sounds different.

My thoughts go to the worst—blood, he’s been hurt, something’s wrong.