Chapter 10
Vivian
I stare at my reflection in the bathroom mirror of my Manhattan loft. []
The bent wing on my back–my tattoo–reminds me daily; *bent but not broken*.[]
I trace the ink with my fingers, remembering the day I designed it myself, then had it done by a visiting artist Elena recommended. []
“You have an artist’s soul. Vivian,” Alessandro had said when he found me sketching in their garden one afternoon. “Why not use it?“]
At first, I tattooed only for the family. [
Valentino soldiers would come to the penthouse Alessandro gifted me, requesting designs that marked their loyalty, their losses, their victories. []
I was nervous at first–my hands shaking as I held the machine–but something about the permanence of ink called to me.[]
Every mark I made was a story. Every design was a second chance.]]
Word spread through the underground. The Black Rose Princess, they called me–Alessandro’s protected goddaughter who could turn pain into art. []
Within a year, I had enough clients to open my own studio. East Coast Ink & Gallery wasn’t just mine; Donny Valentino, one of Alessandro’s cousins, owned the building and offered me a partnership.
The Upper East Side location brought in society clients alongside our traditional ones.[]
I bought my own brownstone in Brooklyn–Elena cried when I told her I wanted my own space, but she understood.[]
I needed to prove I could stand on my own two feet, even while knowing the family’s protection surrounded me like an invisible shield.]
The studio became my sanctuary. Canvas paintings lined the gallery walls–my side hobby that occasionally sold. Dark, moody pieces that reflected the girl I used to be and the woman I was becoming.
Then Edward walked in eighteen months ago.]
He wanted a phoenix on his shoulder blade. “For rising from the ashes,” he said with a crooked smile that made my stomach flip.
Mahogany hair. Artist’s hands. A lip ring that caught the light. He was a tattoo artist too, looking for work, and Donny hired him on the spot after seeing his portfolio.
I told myself I wouldn’t fall again. That Carter had taught me everything I needed to know about trusting men.]
But Edward was different. Patient. Kind. He’d stay late to help me finish paintings. He’d bring ine tea when I worked through lunch. He made me laugh with his terrible jokes and feel safe with his gentle touches.
Six months later, we were engaged.[]
I should have known better.]
The memory of that day three months ago still burns: the supply closet door, Harlee on her knees, Edward’s face twisted in pleasure as he moaned HER name.[] Donny’s niece. Twenty–two and perfect and everything I wasn’t.[]
I shove the memory away and finish getting ready for work. The purple Victorian house I painted last month sold yesterday–another small victory. The house from my nightmares, transformed into something a collector wanted to own.[]
My phone buzzes. Elena]
*Cara please come to dinner tonight. You’ve been avoiding me.
I have been avoiding her. Avoiding everyone. The brownstone has become my cave, and work my only reason to emerge.
Another text I have something for you. A gift. Please.”
I can’t say no to Elena She saved me in ways that go beyond the physical. When I was recovering from Alessandro’s bullet three years ago, she sat by my bed every day, holding my hand, calling me–sister()
“Okay, I type back. *7pan7“]
Chapter 10
*Perfect. Dress nice.
|—
The Valentino penthouse still takes my breath away. Floor–to–ceiling windows overlook Central Park, and the interior is all marble and crystal and old–world elegance.
Elena greets me at the door in a stunning black dress, her dark hair swept up. “There’s my beautiful girl!” She kisses both my cheeks, then holds me at arm’s length. “Too thin. You’re not eating.”
“I eat.”
“Lies.” She loops her arm through mine. “Come. Alessandro is in his office. He wants to see you first.“[]
My stomach drops. Alessandro wanting to see me privately is never casual.[]
I find him behind his massive mahogany desk. His dark eyes assess me as I enter, and I see the flash of concern before he masks it.]
“Sit, girl.”
I perch on the edge of the leather chair across from him.[]
Elena tells me you’ve been struggling,” he says quietly. “This Edward. He hurt you.“]]
“It’s fine. I’m handling it.“]
“Are you?” His fingers drum once on the desk. “Because I could handle it for you. Very easily. He would simply… disappear.“]]
My breath catches. He’s not joking. Alessandro Valentino doesn’t joke about these things.
“No,” I say firmly. “Absolutely not.”
M
“He betrayed you.” His voice is cold, lethal. “Men like him don’t deserve to breathe the same air as you.“]
“Alessandro.” I lean forward. “I appreciate what you’re offering. I do. But…“[]
You think it makes you weak? To accept help?“[]
“No. I won’t let my pain turn me into someone who destroys lives, even if those lives deserve destroying.“]
Something shifts in Alessandro’s expression–respect, maybe, or understanding. He raises his glass to me. “You’re stronger than I was at your age. Than I am now.- -0
But if you change your mind…“]]
You’ll be the first to know. Thank you. For caring.“|
You’re family, V. That will never change.“]]
Elena appears in the doorway. Are you two finished with your private meeting? Dinner is getting cold.”
<-0
Over dinner, Elena watches me with knowing eyes. After Alessandro excuses himself to take a call, she reaches across the table.
He offered to kill Edward, didn’t he?“]
How did you-
“I know my husband.” She smiles. “And I know you said no. Which is why I have something else for you.“[]
She pulls out a sleek black envelope with gold edging “Before you say no to this too, just listen.“]
I eye the envelope suspiciously
“There’s a dub in Manhattan. Very exclusive. Very private. Tomorrow night, they’re having a special event–a masquerade party. I thought…” She pauses, choosing her words carefully. []
I thought it might help you remember that you’re still young. Sill alive. That your body is yours, and pleasure is yours, and you don’t need a man who betrayed you to feel beautiful.
open the envelope. Inside is an invitation to something called *Decadence and a delicate white mask covered in crystals.]
Chapter 10
“Elena, is this-“0
“A sex club? Yes.” She says it matter–of–factly, as if discussing a book club. “I’ve never been–that’s not my world–but Alessandro knows the owner. They’re very discreet, very safe. You wear a mask, you use a fake name, and you can be anyone you want for one night.“]
“I don’t think-”
“You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. You can just go, have a few drinks, dance, leave. Vivian…” She takes my hand. “You’ve been hurt twice now. First by that “stronzo* Carter, then by Edward. You’re building walls so high that no one will ever be able to climb them. Sometimes we need to do something unexpected to break our own patterns.“]]
I stare at the invitation. []
“Think of it as research,” Elena adds with a small smile. [
You’re an artist. Artists explore the human experience, *si*? Think of it as experiencing life. Connection. Even if it’s just for one night.“[]
This is insane.“]
“Good. Insanity keeps life interesting.” She squeezes my hand. “Promise me you’ll at least consider it. The invitation is for tomorrow night.“||
Alessandro returns then, and though he says nothing, I catch the slight nod he gives Elena. []
Your studio is doing well,” Alessandro says, changing the subject smoothly. “I’m proud of you. You’ve built something real.“[]
Coming from Alessandro Valentino–a man who built an empire through blood and strategy–those words mean everything.[]
“Thank you,” I whisper.
We finish dinner, and they don’t mention the invitation again. But later, as I’m leaving, Elena presses the envelope back into my hands.]
“Sometimes the best revenge is living well.” she murmurs.
།
