MAYA

I hurried back in, my heart hammering. Back in the dressing room, The Hammered Silk Slip was stuck. The silk had caught in the clasp. "I can't get it down," I called out, my voice tight with panic. One of the assistants hurried in, her fingers working quickly to free me.

Why is he being so difficult? I wondered, my skin flushed from the effort. Is he doing this to punish me for telling Julian he grabbed Isabella by the neck?

The third dress was much heavier. "The Hunter Velvet," Madam Verragio announced as I emerged. "A structured, corseted velvet gown. It is a dress for someone who wishes...