The next evening, I dress myself with military precision. Every inch of my outfit, my makeup, my hair—it’s all chosen with one aim in mind.

It’s armor.

Because if Victor Pierro breaks my heart after tonight, if he gets what he wants then turns me away afterward… I will never let him see how much that hurts me. That’s my promise to myself.

My lingerie is dark purple silk; my dress is steel gray with a high neckline but a plunging back. I slide on my highest, stabbiest heels and slick my lips with red. My dark hair is swept over one shoulder. The black trench coat is the final...