That same hollow tenderness in his voice.
"Gabriella, you're just too stubborn. If you'd simply do as you're told, why would I ever let you suffer like this?"
My stomach turned. I shifted away, dodging his touch.
The jacket fell to the ground.
Dominic's expression darkened, his eyes turning vicious.
"Gabriella Robinson. My patience has limits."
He seized my chin, forcing my head up.
"Now. Go change into that dress. Immediately."
"When Millicent makes her entrance, you'll be behind her, carrying her train."
"And if you dare ruin this..."
A cold smirk crossed his face. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a jade bracelet.
My grandmother's jade bracelet. The only thing she'd left me before she passed.
"Dominic! Give it back!" I lunged for it, desperate.
He raised his right hand high, his gaze merciless.
"Carry her train, and I'll give it back."
"Otherwise, I'll smash it right now."
My grandmother had slipped that bracelet onto my wrist on her deathbed. It was the last thing I had left of anyone in this world.
Dominic's fingers tightened around it. One slip, and the jade would shatter against the floor.
"I'll count to three."
He stared down at me.
"Three."
"Two."