I frowned, tilting my head to admire it. I looked sophisticated and demure. Not exactly how I would've done it, but I was eternally grateful for Suzette's help. "I'll be dancing and spending the day in high humidity. Doesn't it need to stay up without ruining your masterpiece?"
Her lips curled into a smile. My heart stuttered at the flash of calculation in her eyes. What is she up to?
"It doesn't have to be up for long. Besides, let me worry about all of that." With that cryptic comment, she turned to grab the packages from the bed. "Thank you, ladies. I can take it from here."
I stood, carefully stepping over the tiles, trying not to smudge my toenails. Suzette upended a bag onto the mattress.
My stomach flipped. Littered on the white bedspread, looking sinful and entirely too kinky, was black, lacy lingerie. But it didn't stop there. Black stockings with a garter belt, a delicate bow stitched into the sheer material, along with a black leather corset with blood-red velvet ties.
My eyes flew to Suzette. "What is this?"
She glowed. "I figure you're going to be the virgin bride, dressed all in white, but the moment Q takes it off-he'll find his esclave again. Don't you want to wear it for him?"
I picked up the boned corset, inspecting the intricate sparrows stitched into the leather. Tears pricked my eyes again at the direct symbolism that I was one of Q's birds. The only one who stayed for him.
My heart winged thinking of tonight. I couldn't wait to have him in bed again.
"It's beyond beautiful. But won't it show under the dress?"
Suzette shook her head. "No. Leave all the worrying to me. It's time to get you ready. We don't have much time." Shoving the gown from my shoulders, she demanded, "Strip. I need to add concealer to any bruises you still have and dress you in an outfit that'll make any master hard."
"Your body is mine. Your pain is mine." Q's voice cut through my thoughts. What would he do when he saw the lingerie? Would he cut it off or leave it?
Apprehension filled me. What if the sight triggered Q's darkness? What if he won't wait any longer? My back tensed, very aware of his innuendoes and veiled promises. Q would expect more from me tonight. It was our wedding night-he wanted to claim something he hadn't claimed before.
I swallowed hard. It was irrational to be so afraid, but I was. Nerves tripled my heartbeat.
Suzette didn't notice my silence. "I see the way he looks at you, Tess. He won't be able to contain himself."
I laughed. Q containing himself? Never. He operated with passion and rage and dark energy. There would be no containing him-or denying what he wanted.
But he's hurt.
My eyes widened. I didn't need to be afraid of tonight. There was no way Q would be up for our usual sex. He was injured. I breathed a sigh of relief. "I doubt he'll be reacting all that much, Suzette. He's not exactly in a condition to attack me."
Suzette unthreaded the corset. Her eyes glinted with the same deviousness as before. "Whatever you say."
What the hell is that? My spine stiffened, sensing a hidden agenda. "What are you up to, Suzette?"
Her lips spread into a wicked smile. "You'll see. It's a surprise-for both of you." Twirling me around, she pressed the warm leather corset against my middle. "The first part is my gift to you. The second … " her voice trailed off. Her fingers tugged on the velvet stays, lacing me inside.
"The second … " I prompted.
Her voice was far away, seeing things I didn't know. "The second part is for him. Purely for him."
Goosebumps spread over my skin. The thoughts I'd had of a traditional wedding, complete with rose petals and ring bearers, suddenly seemed like a fantastical illusion. Q had put Suzette in charge. He'd put a woman who'd lived with him for years, who'd lived through horror, in charge of a romantic event.
Did she even know the meaning of romance? Had the word been beaten and raped out of her leaving her tainted toward fairy-tales?
Trust her. Let her do this.
Expelling a shaky breath, I whispered, "If it's for him then I'm sure it will be amazing and he'll love it."
A minute ticked past, silence heavy between us. She finished securing my corset, then hugged me fiercely. "Thank you for trusting me and not asking questions."
"Thank you for organising my wedding."
We shared a smile. I didn't care what she'd planned. In a few short hours, I would be Mrs. Mercer and nothing could ruin my happiness.
"Come on. Let's finish. Can't have Q waiting." Suzette passed me the stockings.
"You know him better than that, Suzette. He'd be down here dragging me over his shoulder if I'm a minute late."
Suzette laughed. "In that case-we better hurry."