ALISSA
"It's nothing like that," said Alissa.
"Oh, pish tosh!" Madame V laughed gaily. She gestured toward the big, red couch on the opposite side of the room. "I want every juicy detail. Sit down, Alissa. We'll chat."
Madame V sashayed to the couch, obviously expecting her to follow without protest. Her heart knocked inside her ribcage. If only she could convince Madame V to leave her alone. What folly it had been to wear the dress! She'd wanted to feel pretty, to be pretty, and that vanity had led her into the clutches of Madame V. Alissa unclasped the necklace and put on the ring. The chain she slipped into her dress pocket. True had told her no one could take the ring from her while she wore it.
After one practically forced glass of champagne and two chocolate truffles, Alissa refused any more offerings from the suddenly generous Madame V. Her stomach cramped and her sight blurred. "I don't feel well."
