Page 29 of Dare To Free Us
Me: Why?
Matteo: Please, just do as I say.
Me: Fine, but we will be discussing this later.
Matteo: Deal. Love you.
Me: Love you too.
I groaned again.What a pain in my ass.
* * *
Standingin the middle of a room surrounded by silver and gold I tried to feel cheerful. It was the theme for my parents gala that would collect funds for the new children’s hospital.
Everywhere I looked women sparkled and glistened in gorgeous long gowns, the men wore all black with accents to match their partners. The lighting was low, giving the feel of a night sky where the women were stars twinkling like diamonds.
I took a look at my custom gold gown, flowing like liquid down my body to the floor. Jack had worked his magic once again. My shoulders were exposed with wide straps holding the very loose and low cowl neck in place. I’d chosen to go completely simple, forgoing any kind of adornments, such as jewels or glittering lace. Pure golden silk brushed against my skin, shimmering in the light when I walked. With my hair up and the low back to my dress my skin stayed pleasurably comfortable in the ballroom stuffed with people.
Sipping at my glass I took the moment of peace to take a few deep breaths. It was three hours into the night and Matteo still hadn’t shown. I’d spent that time mingling and letting all who asked know that Matteo was planning to come. I also ate at my parents table while Matteo’s seat remained empty beside me and Steven stood off to the side. Of course I endured the passes made by men who were either too stupid to be scared of flirting with me or had some kind of death wish.
The businessmen and politicians were all happy to hear Matteo would eventually show up. Every gala was a chance for them to grease wheels or insinuate an exchange of services without them having to go to Matteo’s office at Red, giving the media something to gossip about, since no cameras or video were allowed at my parents’ events.
“Are you drinking? I thought you were pregnant?” Tanya’s high pitched voice shattered my moment of solitude.
I turned to watch her blond A-line hair brush her jawline as she shook her head in disbelief. The silver gown she wore had enough crystals on it to fill a bathtub.
“Don’t freak out, it’s just ginger ale,” I said.
“Oh… got ya. The color fooled me.”
I lifted my champagne glass and watched the bubbles rise to the surface, looking just like the champagne in Tanya’s glass. She probably wasn’t the only one thinking it. I shrugged.Oh well.
My parents had spent all night telling everyone I was pregnant. Many had come to wish Matteo and I congratulations and give advice, even though I never asked for it.
“You are still so skinny,” Tanya complained.
“It’s still early. Just wait, I’ll be fat before you know it.”
She snorted into her glass. “Yeah right, you are going to be one of those girls that look like all they did was shove a basketball under their shirt.”
I shook my head. If I didn’t stop craving sweets and bread all the time I was sure I’d prove her wrong. “So, has a man swept you off your feet yet? Made you want kids?”
Tanya and I had grown up in the same circle. While for a while I’d considered her a very good friend, it was before I realized just how shallow our friendship was. We were not much more than a result of forced proximity due to the fact both our parents had lots of money and we attended the same events as children. She was nice enough but we really had very little in common.
“No. There are too many yummy choices to choose from. I like sampling too much to stick to just one,” she said with a wink.
Some things never change.
“Speaking of yummy, where is your man? My father is dying to talk to him and all the ladies are waiting to get their dose of Matteo eye-candy. Me included.”
I laughed, but it wasn’t friendly. “Careful, Tanya. Remember the Christmas Ball,” I warned.
Her throat bobbed. “I didn’t mean anything by it, Arianna.”
A year ago I caught her pawing at Matteo. Matteo had been gently prying her off so as not to cause a scene when I approached. If she had been drunk I might have had the patience to go easy on her, but she’d been stone-cold sober. I’m not a violent person, so when I took her hand trying relentlessly to rest on Matteo’s chest and squeezed with the intention to break bone, Tanya had gone pale. Tanya’s nature of pursuing anything considered a fine male specimen had finally gotten her in trouble. I stepped into her face and promised incredible pain if she ever laid a hand on Matteo again. A promise she knew I had all the power to make a reality. Our friendship— or crappy version of— became a bit strained after that.
“I’m going to go now.”