UNHOLY DESIRE

DEIRDRE

An hour passed after Matteo left, and he never returned. He had reminded me to be outside by 7, and it was already 6 p. m.

I tried to ask him where he went, but I never received a response to my text. I even called him, but he didn’t pick up the phone. I couldn’t help but wonder if he was avoiding me. Maybe. But then, I couldn’t think of anything I did wrong to deserve being ignored. Or perhaps I did.

Sighing, I walked towards the full-length mirror, took off Matteo’s shirt, and slipped into the dress.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

Its fabric, a lustrous, bright blue satin, seemed to capture the essence of the deep, cerulean sea. The sequins were meticulously arranged in intricate patterns, glimmering like a thousand stars. They caught the low light in a dazzling display, casting prismatic reflections that danced across the room.

As I touched the elegantly tailored bodice, my gaze moved to the sweetheart neckline that accentuated the curves of my torso. Delicate straps adorned with tiny crystal beads framed my shoulders, adding a touch of ethereal grace

The dress reached just above my thigh, fitting like a second skin, accentuating my curves perfectly.

I marveled at how Matteo managed to find the perfect size for me. It was not like I was on the bigger side, but I doubted he could have guessed the size without some help.

I tried to zip it up, but my hand barely reached the back. I groaned in frustration, trying a little harder, but it seemed almost impossible to get the zipper.

I left it be and focused on my makeup. I wanted something subtle since I would be hiding behind a mask, although I hadn’t seen it yet. At the same time, I wanted to do something out of the ordinary, something I rarely did.

So, I spent another half hour on my makeup. I went for something bold and captivating.

My eyes were the focal point, adorned with smoky, dramatic eyeshadow in shades of deep plum and charcoal, creating an alluring, mysterious gaze. I left out the falsies since I barely needed one, as mine were voluminous.

The piece de resistance was my lips, painted in a deep, velvety red to make it appear more alluring.

When I was done and satisfied with it, I brushed my hair back, lifted it up, and put it in a messy bun.

Turning in front of the mirror, I caught sight of my back. I still hadn’t zipped up, and Matteo was nowhere in sight to help me. Even if he were, I doubted I would have asked him.

A knock on the door snapped me out of my thoughts, and I approached it. Matteo stood outside, dressed in a tailored black tuxedo adorned with a subtle sheen that caught the light just so. The jacket hugged his frame, accentuating his broad shoulders, while the crisp white dress shirt beneath added a touch of sophistication.

One of his hands was in the pocket of his perfectly fitted trousers, while the other held out a flora mask that was adorned with hand-painted blossoms in soft pastel hues.

“You changed your outfit,” I murmured, taking in Matteo’s slicked-back russet hair and the pair of well-polished black patent leather oxford shoes he was wearing; then my gaze traveled back up.

He looked incredibly attractive. Right at this moment, with him standing before me, I had the urge to walk up to him, tear off his tuxedo, tug off his burgundy tie, and press my hand against his defined abs that was hidden by the shirt.

“I did,” Matteo replied, and my eyes reluctantly left his face. “Would you prefer me to stroll around naked?” he quipped.

“No,” I frowned. That wasn’t why I asked. It was because I didn’t know where he had changed.

Yes, there were many cabins on the large ship – I had been told it might be the largest in the region – but I couldn’t help but imagine him with someone else. I guess it was normal for me to feel paranoid, given that he wanted to make things work again, and seeing him with another girl would violate our agreement.

“You’ve been gazing at me for quite some time, Tesoro,” Matteo murmured, approaching me. “Do you have something on your mind?”

I shook my head and nodded simultaneously, then turned my back to him and pointed to the zipper. “I can’t reach it.”

“I’ll help you,” Matteo said simply.

He guided me into the room gently, closing the door behind him, and grasped the zipper, pulling it up. I was about to step away when he held me back, and my back met his chest. Matteo’s hand found the pin holding my hair in place, allowing it to cascade down my back.

“I wanted it up,” I said, my voice a bit lower than intended. But it wasn’t entirely my fault. With Matteo’s hand on my waist and moving downward, it was hard to think straight.

I took in a deep breath as it lingered on my exposed thigh, and Matteo whispered in my ear, “I love your hair down, princess.”

His head ventured further towards my thighs, and I instinctively closed my legs.

“You shouldn’t go any further,” I warned him before his hand could reach its destination. When it did, he swiftly turned me to face him.

“You’re not wearing any underwear?” He looked puzzled.

“It’s pretty obvious,” I replied.

Matteo’s gaze narrowed as if he’d just caught me doing something he didn’t approve of. He guided me to the wall, his hands on either side of me.

“Why are you heading to the party so… underdressed, Deirdre?” His voice was low.

I pushed against his chest, needing some breathing room. “Why does it matter to you?”

“Why should it matter?” Matteo scoffed, then threw his head back and let out a dark chuckle. “You’re the mother of my child, Deirdre, and you’re going around barely dressed and…”

“You tore my underwear the first time we met,” I blurted out, cringing at how foolish it sounded.

What did it have to do with not wearing any now? I asked myself, but the only plausible reason that came to mind was wanting something more.

“I couldn’t find one that suits the dress,” I explained once more. Matteo scrutinized me, seemingly deciding whether or not to believe me.

“Why do I feel like you’re not telling me the truth?” he said.

“I am,” I murmured. “Feel free to check my things if you want.”

I gestured towards my bags, but Matteo shook his head, rolling his eyes.

“Fine, just stick close,” he grumbled. “And let me be clear, Deirdre. If you try anything, there will be consequences.”

“Agreed,” I said.

I didn’t know anyone at the party, and I’d probably end up alone like I always did when I went to events with Matteo. I never really fit in. And I doubted I would fit in now.