Chapter 9: Hand of Sin

I have to have been sitting here for over an hour. My back hurt, and I could feel the layers of makeup on my face. Luckily, it didn't feel as bad or cakey as I always thought it would. It felt pretty comfortable and light, in fact.

My eyes were closed, as I figured it would be much better than seeing whatever they were doing to me. It isn't like I even know how to name them anyway.

Finally, I felt the probing around my face stop, and a soft gush of air hit me.

"We are done, ma'am. This is fifteen minutes to ten."

Slowly, I opened my eyes. My lips parted as I met my reflection in the mirror. I could see myself through it. The makeup wasn't life-changing, and I looked presentable at least. I leaned forward. My lashes looked thicker, and my eyes were highlighted. I never even knew I had hazel eyes, but I guess that was the least of my problems.

"Do you like it?"

I turned to her, then back at my reflection. My hair was up in a messy bun, one that looked more organized than my life.

"I do," I said, squinting at my reflection. "I can still... see myself."

"That was what Mr. Sin wanted. He wanted something that would only bring out your features but not change them. He probably already saw just how much potential your face had."

I rolled my eyes inwardly but said nothing more to that.

"Let's help you with your shoes, and then your dress."

I nodded. I loved dresses. I never had the opportunity to afford any, well except the one I was wearing earlier, but I have always loved the feminine allure that came with a beautiful dress.

I moved my leg out, and they helped me with my shoe. It was a high heel, but thankfully balanced, so it would be easier to walk in. I looked down at the top. Instead of a normal belt around my ankle, it had a string of pearls that fell in two semi-circles. It was black, a shiny black, and the pearls were a light pink.

Angela held my hand and helped me up, then handed me a small box. I looked down at the tag on it. It said underwear.

I gave a small laugh, then nodded and headed towards the walk-in closet. I opened the box, then slowly wore them. I had a hard time finding the arms and back clasps of the bra, however, until I realized it had none.

My brows furrowed. Did that mean my dress was backless?

I pushed that suspicion away. Of course, he wouldn't do that, would he?

'He would, Annalise.'

"Shit," I cursed under my breath, then wrapped the robe around myself and walked out again.

It reminded me of that one time I had tried being a stripper, but then ended up knocking a man out cold on the floor.

I forced a small smile as Angela brought out the dress, then urged me to drop the robe. I closed my eyes as I did, and she fitted the dress around me.

I was right. I could feel the lack of material on my back even though my eyes were closed. I kept them closed till she slowly brought buttons together, and I felt a lace covering the skin of my back.

I gave a sigh of relief. It was probably just transparent.

"All done," she said, then stepped away.

I opened my eyes, then turned slowly towards the mirror. I was right about the back. The dress itself was pale pink, and the lace was the same color. And even more transparent, with buttons running down to the small of my back. It did leave the tops of my back open, however.

Slowly, I turned to the mirror, taking my reflection in. The dress was simple and sat on my curves like it was made for me. It fell into beautiful satin waves down to my feet. Nothing too elaborate, just perfect for a formal breakfast.

I smiled, my hands running over the material. It felt heavenly, and I felt my eyes mist up. Never in my life did I even entertain this thought. So what if it was for five months? So what if it would all end?

A knock came on the door, and Angela smiled. "I hope you like it, ma'am."

"Thank you," I whispered, my hand coming to my chest.

"Oh, wait. We almost forgot this."

My brows furrowed, but she came to me with a necklace and earrings, and I helped her put them on me. It was the perfect blend of simplicity and class.

Annalise, damn.

"And this," she said, then took my left hand and slowly slipped the ring in.

I looked down at it. I am married. For five months to Sin.

I took in a deep breath, then walked towards the door. It was probably the attendant from earlier coming to remind me about breakfast.

I could hear Angela and the rest start packing up while I walked to the door. I took in a deep breath, then opened the door.

My smile immediately faltered, as instead of the attendant, Sin was standing by the door. He was towering above me, his eyes cold, his lips pursed.

I swallowed, my eyes slowly blinking, my hand leaving the door knob.

"Sin."

He let his eyes slowly leave my face and then took me in, his brow raising. He then looked back up to me, then gave a small nod. Slowly, he gave me his hand.

I met his eyes. They betrayed nothing, and I couldn't even tell if I looked up to his standards or not. Knowing him, however, from the little I have seen, he wouldn't take me with him if I didn't look the way he wanted me to.

I looked down at his outstretched hand, my lips parting a little. I met his eyes, then slowly bit down on my lower lip, and for the second time today, I took it.

God help me, so I don't get too used to taking the hand of Sin.