Going to my closet, I look through my options. It’s a date so I should wear a dress, but part of me wants to not dress as nice.
Do I want to impress the Italian?
He hasn’t called you. Why are you clinging to his memory?
The thought comes out of nowhere. Is that what I’m doing?
Kai’s declaration that I’m his has been weighing on my mind, but since our date, he hasn’t tried to reach out.
Each day that passes makes my heart sink even further, making me realize I like him more than I should.
When did I start falling for him?
A flash of memory from his lips pressed against mine invades my brain.
I’m infatuated with him because he was my first kiss. That’s it.
Shaking off my thoughts, I grab a navy blue dress that falls past my knee. The top portion covers my breasts while the sleeves go down almost to my elbows.
It’s the perfect conservative dress.
After applying some light makeup, I look at myself again.
My hair is falling down my back. I didn’t bother to do anything special.
Will he think I’m pretty?
Why do I care what they think?
My own thoughts plague me. This deep-rooted need to be accepted and liked by others is overshadowing the fact that I’m being forced to marry a stranger. I don’t want to marry any of them, but the need to please others is so ingrained in my DNA that I can’t help the wave of insecurity that fills me.
“Cleo, you ready?” Callum knocks on the door.
“Yeah.” I look at my clock.
Thirty minutes on the dot.
When I open the door, I smile at Callum. “I thought you said I had an hour?”
He chuckles. “You said you only needed thirty. I figured we can take the long way and discuss some things.”
I tilt my head to the side, intrigued. “Okay. Let me grab a clutch.”
Walking back into the room, I slip on a pair of flats and grab my purse, throwing some light makeup inside along with my cell phone.
Callum escorts me down the stairs, but before we make it to the front door, my father’s voice calls out from behind us.
“Where are you going with my daughter?” father demands.
Callum turns, pushing me behind him.
“She has her date with the Italian.”
“I’d like to speak with my daughter alone, Callum.”
Callum shakes his head. “We cannot keep the man waiting. You can speak to her later. Come on, Cleo.”
I don’t get a second to question Callum because he’s pushed me out the front door.
