As we departed the building to the location of the yearly ball, I fixed my gaze on the woman seated next to me in my automobile. I initially refused to go to the ball because I didn't want to pretend to get along with anyone when their only goal was to flaunt their wealth. However, Luca persuaded me that I should go this time even if I had to stay an hour, as opposed to skipping it like I had done the last time and the many times before. I had only attended the ball once, when I took over from my father, and I had gone by myself with no companions. That was the same as every other party I'd been to.
I was going with a date for the first time, and for the better, I thought having Mani with me would be nice. She is incredibly stunning now the more I looked at her. Her lovely blue eyes sparkled like precious stones. Her attention was focused out the window, her lips cast down with a pout and i wondered what could have possible made her unhappy.
As if she could feel my gaze on her, she turned to face me. Her eyes swept over my face before settling on her clothing. "Willow had informed me that you had personally chosen this outfit." I nod when she says this. " So what do you think?."
I gave her evening gown a quick glance. "It is the ideal fit for you. I obviously have good taste." She made a face at me, and I wanted to chuckle at how adorable she looked.
She pouts once more and turns to look out the window. I grin, grab her hand, and pull her focus back to me.
I kissed the back of her hand and whispered, "You look extremely beautiful with the mask off and unbelievably hot with it on." I enjoyed the fire in her eyes.
" I must say, I feel different. more like a princess." She chuckles, oblivious to my present rambling thoughts.
" A queen, that's what you are. Mia regina " I played with her fingers seductively while teasingly letting her in on a fact.
I tried to hide my smile as I observed how she refrained from grabbing my hand. She is letting me know in silence that she is resistant to my touch.
" However, I'm not certain I like the idea of any male gawking at you". As I continued to play with her fingers, my jaw constricted. Once more, I kissed her hand, this time in the center of her palm. Her eyes had become darker. Good. I thought with contentment. She wasn't as immune to me as she believed she was.
"So tell me again about this ball thing that we need to attend." Mani remarked, abruptly altering the subject. The pink marks on her cheeks were visible to me.
I answered, stretching my aching feet. "It's just rich ass people gathering to flaunt their money."
She stared at me for a moment. "You do know you are a part of those rich ass people?"
I shrugged my shoulders "I hate to be at the centre of the public eye."
" Because of your underground business." I raised an eyebrow and chuckled.
" I find it meaningless."
" Then why go."
" Let’s just say I have been absent for way too long." I replied, taking a hold of her hand and raising it up to my lips.
The car came to a stop, and I got out of the car first, walking over to the other side of the door before pulling it open. Mani placed her hand on my outstretched hands as I got out of the car.
I made sure it was tucked securely in my suit pocket just in case, and then placed my hand on Mani’s waist as we headed inside.
♤♤♤♤♤
My attention was immediately drawn to the fountain as soon as we entered the venue. A colossal statue of a lion with its mouth open stood in front of the enormous structure. The fountain was filled as water erupted from its mouth. It produced a sound reminiscent of roaring rivers that was almost relaxing and , I already adored the place.
A man led all of us towards the party hall. I walked beside Sin, taking in every detail of the place, as it was my first time attending a party such as this.
My eyes kept wandering around the place as the evening made the place look more beautiful.
The group inside the ballroom hall stopped what they were doing and glanced at us as we approached. As soon as we became the topic of their whispered talk, making me swallowed forcefully.
I tightly grasped Sin's arm as the crowd murmured and let out shocked gasps, trying my best to seem not to notice.
'He's here? I can't believe it. He never gets around to these things...'
"How does he always look so stinking handsome?"
As we moved forward toward the ballroom's center, the whispering persisted.
'who is that with him?'
'It has to be his date.'
She must be his new fling because Mr Violenta never brings a date with him.
" She would probably be out of his life in a week."
Ah.. I have been in his life for more than two months. I wanted to gloat at them but instead remained composed.
Each whisper grew in intensity, accompanied by furtive glances and the occasional dreamy sigh directed at Sin.
"You are probably right. Look at how she keeps clinging to his arm. A gold digger after his money. "
Lots of eyes were on me and i felt uncomfortable with how they looked at me. I wanted to pull my hands off of him, but he didn't let me go.
"What do you think you're doing, amore?" He murmured in her ear. You shouldn’t listen to a word they say, because they aren’t true. They only talk this way because they are jealous of you. Don’t let their words get to you, " he said. " Don’t give anyone even a second glance. I want you to stay glued to my side. " I looked into his eyes, confused.
"Why?" I was even more puzzled.
You look amazing tonight and sexy with this dress on. " I don’t want anyone to have any nasty thoughts just because you look their way."
" I still don’t understand."
" I don’t want them to mistake it as a form of invitation. Let's try not to put a bullet into anyone’s skull tonight." He kisses my knuckles and places my hand in the crook of his arm.