Chapter 9.

NORA CARUSO. I woke up with my heart hammering against my ribs, my eyes darted to the bedroom door, it was still hanging slightly off its hinges, Nikolai hadn't needed to hit me to prove his point, he just had to show me how easily he could shatter my defenses. I rolled out of bed, my body feeling heavy. I went into the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face and taking a bath. A sharp knock on the door made me jump. "Come in," I called out, my voice tight. Maya, the young maid from yesterday, stepped into the room. "Good morning, Madam," she said, keeping her eyes lowered. "Good morning, Maya. What is that?" I asked, eyeing the black bag in her hand suspiciously. "Mr. Volkov sent this up. He requests that you wear it, he said you are leaving the house shortly." "Did he say where we are going?" I asked, walking over as she unzipped the bag. "No, Madam. Just that you needed to be ready in thirty minutes." Maya pulled the dress out, and my breath hitched. It was stunning, and terrifyin