Zain stuck to Grace like glue as she roamed around the estate, even outside, but not past the gate.

"Don't you have better things to do?" Grace groaned.

"Generally, yes, but this is my job at the moment," Zain replied.

"Why are you staring at me now?"

"Because I'm surprised you'd come out here after what happened earlier. You don't even seem that shaken up."

"It's not the first time I've been shot at, and I doubt it'll be the last."

"True, but still; even others who have been in the mafia for a long time can get anxious for a while after an incident. They usually get paranoid and jump at every little thing, but you barely react when I try to startle you."

"About that. Could you not try to startle me? It won't do anyone any good."

"We'll see." Zain looked at his watch. "Time to get back or Mary will want to kill me." He nudged her back towards the house. "At least I let you go outside."

I feel like a dog he took on a walk. And I didn't get to find out much about this place; only that it's huge inside and out. Really wish I could give him the slip. She had tried a few times, but he always seemed to find her in no time at all.

"Quit dragging your feet. You need to get ready for the party." Zain nudged her again. "Don't make me carry you there; you know you don't like being carried like a sack of potatoes."

She jerked away from his hand. "I'm going, I'm going," Grace huffed and sped up. Definitely not choosing this one. What if the others are worse, though?

They headed upstairs and stopped when they spotted Mary in the hall, hands on her hips, and tapping her foot.

"Where were you two?" Mary pointed at them. "I was expecting you to be here an hour ago, and now we have to rush before the party starts."

"Uh... Didn't know the timing for it, sorry." Grace's cheek twitched when she tried to force a smile. Terrifying, like an angry mother is.

"I'll be right out here. You two have fun." Zain hummed and leant against the wall.

"Don't you have to get ready too or something?"

Zain adjusted his tie. "If you haven't noticed, I'm always well-dressed and ready for a sophisticated party."

It's a mafia party; how sophisticated can it be?

Mary took her hand and guided her into her room. Lying on her bed was a beautiful, wine-coloured sleeveless dress. A pair of matching high-heels sat on the floor nearby.

"Uh... Do I have to wear that?" Grace pointed at it.

"Of course. Is there's something wrong with it? Do you dislike my tastes?"

"Oh, no, no; it's not that. It's just... that looks form-fitting." And not easy to move in. I like being able to manoeuvre without worrying I'm going to rip something. "Like it'll really hug me."

"It will, and the good thing is, you have the body for it." Mary poked her stomach. "Unlike me, you're quite firm. You must either work out or have amazing metabolism. Considering your job, I'd say you try to keep in shape."

"You're right about that. I generally put in a fair amount of time every week at the nearby gym. I'm going to miss that."

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

"The family owns a gym too, you know? I'm sure once things have settled, you'll be able to use it."

"But how long will that take? How long will they keep Roger locked up as a hostage?" Grace huffed and sat down on the bed beside the dress. "All this change is so overwhelming, and it doesn't feel like it'll get better anytime soon."

"You'll get used to it, and things will get better, eventually. Now, are you going to change, or do you need help?"

"Uh... I'll change." Grace swallowed hard.

"You look gorgeous." Mary clapped as she admired her own work on Grace.

Thankfully, only a little makeup, but I feel so uncomfortable despite the nice fabric. I feel too... exposed. "Can we have something that is thicker or covers more? How about a jacket to put over it?"

"That would ruin the look."

"But..." Grace trailed off at the glare Mary was giving her.

"I put a lot of thought and effort into this dress; you will wear it."

"Effort?"

"I made it especially for you for today."

Grace frowned as she thought about it. "Wait... When did you have time to make this? And why does it fit? I haven't had my measurements taken."

Mary was about to leave before saying anything, but Grace stepped in her way.

"What's going on?"

Mary sighed and rubbed her temples. "Ahem, much like the party tonight, everything has been planned for a while. We acquired your measurements through the place you had your uniform tailored."

"As in stole it." Shouldn't be surprised at all, but I didn't know they kept that on file. "You understand this is creepy, right?"

"I know, but how else were we supposed to get measurements? I don't think you'd let us willingly take your measurements, and it took longer to bring you here than they anticipated."

"I know you're not the one that orchestrated it, but I'm still peeved." She pointed at Mary.

"Getting angry at her won't do you any good." Zain opened the door.

"Wasn't that locked?"

Zain stopped in his tracks when he saw her. "Damn..." His eyes trailed slowly down her. "I didn't expect you to look this good."

"Um... Thanks?" Grace turned away from him. "What are you doing here?"

"You can leave," he said to Mary, and closed the door behind her. Zain approached Grace, who was staring in the mirror, and stood right behind her.

She glanced at him in the mirror. "What do you want?"

"Ouch, such hostility." He held his hand over his heart. "And here I brought you something to help you feel safer in that lion's den."

Grace's eyes narrowed. "What would that be?" That can't be good, can it? It's not like he'd trust me with a real weapon yet.

He pulled out a lace thigh holster from the bag she hadn't noticed he was carrying, small handgun included.

Her eyes widened, and she turned to face him. "You got me a gun?"

"Wow, such a sparkle in your eyes now. Was worth it to fight for you to get this."

"What are you talking about?"

"The boss said you didn't need it, and it's a risk, but considering the guests, I'd say you're better off with a way to protect yourself. That said, I know you've always got your fists and know how to use'em."

"Just my fists? More like my whole body."

"Touché."

"Thank you for getting it for me." She reached out to take it, and he held it away. "What are you doing?"

"Let me put it on for you." He knelt down and tapped his thigh, telling her to put her foot on him.

"Are you kidding? I can't let you do that." She went to step back, and he grabbed her ankle.

"I insist." He pulled her foot onto his lap, and she had to resist the urge to kick him. He slid the lace holster up her leg, pushing the dress up as she bit her lip. Zain got up to her thigh.

"Oh!" She clamped a hand over her mouth and twitched back.

He glanced up at her and smirked. "Sensitive spot? Good to know." He chuckled and adjusted the holster to sit properly. He grazed his fingers just above the lace on her inner thigh.

She twitched again. This time, she kicked him away, flat on his butt. "What the hell was that?"

Zain rubbed his stomach and laughed. "I couldn't help myself; I was in sweet, forbidden territory."

The red on her cheeks deepened. I should've known he'd try something! But seriously, why'd my body have to respond?! "I think you need to learn how to keep your hands to yourself."

He stood and brushed his suit off. "Well, I could've, but why would I want to? I definitely got something out of it."

Grace glared up at him. "Careful there; you might end up getting yourself hurt if you keep doing that."

He smirked. "I don't mind; it's worth it."

"Are you like this with all women or what?" Grace huffed and smoothed her dress down.

"Only you, it seems; most other women aren't as fun to tease."

"I don't think teasing—"

"We should head to the party now," Zain cut her off, and offered up his arm.

Time to face the music, I guess. "From a tease to a gentleman," Grace mumbled and took his arm. "Where is it taking place, anyway?"

"Where? Didn't I tell you?"

"No; otherwise, why would I ask?"

"It's here in the grand hall."

"Are you guys crazy or cocky? Who the hell invites other mafia families into your home? And since when is there a grand hall?"