Chapter 20

Zoey

I step out of the clubhouse and into the fresh, breezy air. My nerves are on fire and my heart aches having to leave Backdraft behind, even if it's only temporary. Kayden and Cal flank me like my own personal bodyguards. The breeze from the ocean caresses my face, carrying with it the scent of salt and sand. I breathe it in, inhaling a deep calming breath.

Brie smiles at me, "Are you ready?"

I nod, my stomach filled with butterflies. I can't believe I'm actually doing this. We climb into a sleek black SUV waiting for us at the curb and we're off. The engine purrs to life, vibrating underneath us as we speed through the busy streets of Atlantic City.

The drive doesn't take long, and before I know it, we pull up in front of a trendy-looking clothing boutique. Brie hops out first, her heels clacking against the pavement as she strides to the door. She's like a force of nature, bending the world to her will. A moment later, the glass doors slide open and she waves us inside.

The store is dimly lit, soft music playing in the background. Racks upon racks of clothes in every color imaginable greet me and my breath catches in my throat. I've only ever dreamed of stepping foot in a place like this, let alone trying on the expensive merchandise.

"Go ahead," Brie says, gesturing to the racks. "Pick whatever you'd like. The more, the better."

I hesitate for a moment, unsure of where to even start. I reach for a royal blue gown that shimmers in the low light, the fabric soft as silk against my fingertips. It's a size too small, but I can't help but fantasize about wearing it, strutting into a room filled with important people.

Brie chuckles, as if reading my mind. "You'll fit into it, trust me. Besides, it's your night to shine, Zoey. Time to see what you've been missing."

Her words spur me on and I begin to browse, sliding hanger after hanger past my fingertips. I've never felt so alive, so free. I hadn't realized how much I've been craving this. To live my life on my terms, not my father's or the man I thought was my father. The realization that my whole life was a lie weighs on me but I refuse to let it ruin this moment for me. I might never get a chance like this again. I don't know a lot about Backdraft, but I can tell he doesn't have the wealth that Brie and Cal have. I don't need it anyway. The memories I'm making now will last me a lifetime.

An hour later, my arms are laden with dresses in all shapes and colors, each more extravagant than the last. Cal looks amused as he holds the fitting room door open for me, but he doesn't say a word as I slip inside.

Inside the changing room, I hang each dress carefully, surveying my choices. I settle on a deep red number, the fabric draping seductively from the hanger. I slide into the figure-hugging gown, the fabric caressing my curves in all the right places. I adjust the straps, and step in front of the mirror.

The girl staring back at me is unrecognizable. Her eyes blaze with determination, and her lips curl into a triumphant smile. I look like her, the girl from my dreams, the one who isn't afraid to take what she wants.

"Well?" Brie calls out from the other side of the door.

"I'm coming!" I reply, slipping into the exquisite heels she'd picked out for me. They're pinchy, but I'd suffer any amount of pain if it meant feeling this powerful.

The look on Brie and Cal's faces as I emerge from the fitting room is everything. Their jaws almost hit the floor and I feel a swell of pride. I feel like a modern-day Cinderella, swept away in this glamorous world of designer labels and endless luxury. But no matter how hard I try, I can't shake the feeling this isn't my fairytale. My heart aches for the leather and grease stains on Backdraft's blue jeans. The dirt caked to the soles of his boots.

"You're breathtaking," Cal finally manages, and even though I know it's part of the act, I can't help but blush.

Brie hands me a glass of champagne and I take a sip, savoring the cool, bubbly liquid as it slides down my parched throat.

"You were born to be a part of this world," she says, winking at me. I can't help but grin in response.

"Thank you, Brie," I manage to say, forcing a smile. "But, can I ask you something? Tell me more about my... My real father."

Brie hesitates, her expression turning serious. She pours us both another glass of champagne before settling in a plush chair. "Carmine Bianchi was... complicated," she begins, her voice heavy with memories. "He was a man of power and influence, but he ruled with an iron fist."

I listen intently, sipping the bubbly elixir, desperately trying to reconcile the man Brie described as someone my mother would be with. "How did you meet Cal?"

Brie's eyes soften at the mention of her husband's name. "It's a long story, but in short, we knew each other a lifetime ago. I thought he was dead and submitted to a life I didn't want. Too heartbroken to fight. When I learned the truth, that Cal was alive, I left that life behind. Carmine never forgave me for that. He kidnapped me to force me to marry his son, Angelo, again. Cal rescued me and we've been together ever since."

"Wow, that's…intense," I mutter, my mind reeling. "I can't even imagine what it must have been like for you."

Brie shrugs, as if it's a distant memory now, "What's done is done. But I see so much of Cal in Backdraft, you know."

My heart skips a beat at the mention of his name. "You do?"

"Yes, Zoey. You two are kindred spirits, bound by something special. Something others wouldn't understand. I know you feel out of place here, but I see the way you light up when you talk about him. Don't you ever doubt that you belong together."

Her words fill me with both hope and despair. On one hand, it's comforting to know that she's giving me her blessing for a future with Backdraft. On the other hand, it only makes me miss him more.

"Now come on. There's more." Brie drags me out onto the street, the sun blinding me.

Cal takes the bags from my arms, kisses Brie on the forehead and whispers in her ear. She has such a tight hold on my arm that I can't help but hear, even in his hushed tone, "You're enjoying this too much, Princess."

She swats his arm playfully, "Hush. I always wanted a sister."

When Cal leaves to place the bags in the SUV, Brie steers me down the block and into a salon.

The stylist artfully curls my hair into soft waves that cascade down my shoulders and does my makeup in an understated yet glamorous style. I barely recognize the woman staring back at me in the mirror.

"You look stunning," Brie gushes, slipping her arm around my waist. "Ready to cause a stir?"

I gulp, wondering how I let myself get talked into this again. But as we step out of the building through a different door than we entered and onto the bustling boardwalk, my unease dissipates, replaced by awe.

The carnival-like atmosphere is intoxicating, from the flashing neon lights to the cheerful music spilling out of every casino. I find myself being ushered towards one of the ritziest establishments on the strip, with Cal and Brie behaving as if they own the place. And judging by the way people part like the Red Sea for them, maybe they do.

Whispers and stares follow in our wake, but I hold my head high, determined not to let my insecurities get to me. A bevy of photographers swarm us the moment we step foot inside, their cameras clicking in a blur of flashes.

"Look this way, Zoey!"

"How does it feel to be back with your family?"

Confusion grips around me. Earlier, I was told how dangerous it was for the world to find out about me, but now, they're leaking the story to the press. I don't understand the plan and now I'm even more worried. What if it's not just Domonic we lure with this charade? What if it brings real danger with it?

Cal shoos them away with practiced ease, guiding us toward a private table overlooking the dance floor. The place reeks of money and excess, everything screaming wealth and extravagance.

As I soak in my surroundings, sipping on a fruity cocktail that packs a punch, my thoughts drift back to Backdraft. I can picture him now, lounging in his faded jeans, nursing a beer. My heart aches with longing, and I have to blink back the tears that threaten to spill.

"Hey, none of that," Brie says, squeezing my hand. "We'll have you back with your biker stud in no time."

I muster a shaky smile, hating how easily she can read my emotions. "I just... I don't know if I can do this. What if Dominic..."

"Shh," Cal soothes, patting my back. "We've got you covered. Besides, Zoey, you deserve to experience life outside of that compound. You're meant for more than hiding. Enjoy it."

He's right but the fear still sits heavy in the pit of my stomach. Tonight, I'll allow myself to enjoy this once in a lifetime experience. Tomorrow, we'll deal with the fallout.

As the night progresses, I try to push away my fears and focus on the here and now. The music is electric, the people vibrant and alive. I even dance with Cal and Brie, laughing as we twirl across the dance floor, my gown swirling around my ankles. I'm acutely aware of the eyes on us and I remind myself that they're supposed to be.

The evening continues in a blur of small talk and false laughter. I'm on autopilot, desperately trying to remember my lines, my true identity, and my mission: to lure Dominic out of hiding.

Finally, exhausted, we return to our table, where a plate of food awaits me. I pick at it absentmindedly, my gaze drifting to the door, searching for any signs of Domonic.

"It's going well," Cal says, his voice low so as not to be overheard. "He'll show himself. I promise."

But I can't shake the feeling that if this takes too long, I might lose myself in the glitz and glamor. That the old Zoey, the one who didn't care about designer labels or attention, would be gone forever. And as I look at Cal and Brie, I wonder if the risk is worth it, if exposing Dominic erases the girl I once was.

The night flies by in a blur of lights and endless champagne. It's only when the crowds start to dwindle that Cal decides it's time to call it a night.

"Come on, Cinderella," Brie teases, nudging me with her elbow.

I giggle, clinging to their arms as they guide me out of the club, feeling more alive than I have in years.

As we make our way down the boardwalk, I pray this night will sustain me through whatever comes next. Because deep down, I know that once Dominic finds me, my fairytale will end and possibly my life.

We reach the high-rise hotel and I suddenly find myself reluctant to go in. I don't want this night to end. I don't want to be alone.

"You okay, Zoey?" Brie asks.

I force a smile on my face. "Yeah, I'm just... I don't know, I'm just sorry the plan didn't work. Dominic didn't show."

"Hey, it's only been a few hours," Cal says. "There's always tomorrow."

"Yeah," Brie adds. "Now, get some rest. We've got a big day tomorrow."

As they head off to their suite across the hall, I unlock my door and step inside, locking the deadbolt behind me.

I pour myself a glass of water and sit down on the edge of the bed, running my fingers along the lace-trimmed nightgown Brie had insisted on buying. It was brought to the room for me, just like all the other clothes.

"You're going to kill him in that," she'd said, winking. I blush at the thought and quickly change out of the gown replacing it with the silky fabric.

Spotting the clothes I was wearing when I left the clubhouse folded neatly on the dresser, I reach into the pants pocket and pull out the cell phone Backdraft gave me. He made sure to disable the lock screen and remove the passcode so it's easy to find the contacts list and locate Backdraft's name. It doesn't ring long before Backdraft's gravelly voice answers, sending waves of heat straight to my core.

"Little Lamb, you okay?"

"I'm fine." I run my fingertips over the silky fabric, wishing he was here. "I'm just missing you."

"I miss you too." The ache in his voice is more than I expected but it's nice to know he's starting to let his guard down with me. "Tell me what you're wearing."

I blush at the quick turn of the conversation, but I play along. I draw the covers back and describe the nightgown I'm wearing. He growls and I can hear his breaths getting short and raspy. The room heats up as our conversation takes a steamy turn. I tell him the way it feels against my skin and he whispers the naughty things he wants to do to me. His words make my toes curl.

"I wish you were here," I whisper, my body aching for his touch.

"I'm already on my way, Little Lamb."

"You know where I am?" The butterflies in my stomach flutter. "How?"

"I've got my ways," he says, the cockiness I love seeping into his voice. "I need to feel you, Little Lamb. I'll be there soon."

I'm about to protest, to tell him it's too dangerous, when the line goes dead.

"Shit," I mutter, my heart pounding in my chest.

I bolt out of bed, rushing to the window to see if I can spot him down below. Has he been here all along?

Even though it's late, the boardwalk is still lit up like a runway, but I don't see any sign of him. My heart is in my throat as I pace around the hotel room in anticipation of Backdraft's arrival. The silky fabric of the nightgown rustles with every step I take and I nervously smooth it out. I hope he likes it, because I feel like a princess. It just so happens my prince is a biker.

There's a faint knock at the door, and my heart drops to my stomach. My breaths come in shallow gasps as I make my way over to answer it, my legs trembling with anticipation. I unlock it with shaking hands, pulling it open to greet him.

"Dax."

But it's not Backdraft standing there. My blood runs cold, fear gripping my heart like a vice.