Chapter 7
Okay, so I’m not into taking advice from Valentina Moretti on most occasions, but when I cashed in my chips and worked out I had a grand total of thirty thousand dollars in my hot little hands, I might have splurged and gotten myself a new dress for this evening’s garden party. And maybe the shoes to match. I figure I deserve them after all the shit I have been through in the last few months. Also, I need to look the part if I’m going to pull this off.
“You look incredible, babe,” Sloane gushes as I come out of the spare room doing a little spin for her.
I run my hands over my shiny dress, smoothing it down. It’s a lot. Way more over the top than I would normally go for, but I need to stand out tonight. This could be my one and only chance to get Enzo to take the bait. “I feel ridiculous. Like I’m about to step on stage for a beauty pageant or something.” I laugh at myself.
“Well, you look like a million dollars.”
“Any trouble, we’re right here, okay?” Malachi says from his spot at Sloane’s dining table. He has a laptop set up and has been testing out the security devices he brought for me.
I fiddle with the ear-cuff earpiece he fitted for me earlier. Hoping it will be enough to save me if I get in any trouble tonight.
“We will park one street over from Enzo’s estate. You say the word and we will get you out of there, okay?” Malachi explains. Unlike Jagger who I’m now unfortunately sharing an apartment with, I have taken an instant liking to Malachi. He’s smart and handy with all his tech gadgets.
“Okay. I don’t think there will be trouble tonight. I have a feeling tonight is more about them deciding if I’m worth anything to them or not. You know?” We walk through Sloane’s apartment to the front door. I inhale in a deep breathe, trying to squish down the butterflies.
Sloane leans in. “I’m sure that’s what it is. But we both know Enzo will be there, and he can turn on you quickly if he decides he doesn’t like you. Just be careful.”
“I will. Also, I left some rent money on the kitchen counter and a little extra for food. Thank you for helping me.”
“You know you didn’t have to do that, it’s no trouble. I quite like having another girl around.” She glares at Jagger who’s been lurking in the kitchen listening to what we have going on. He reminds me of Alessandro in the way he has to be involved in everything, even when he’s not needed. I guess it’s the first-child thing.
“Sorry to disappoint you then, but I may have found a place of my own today. Something small just for me,” I say, feeling proud. I may be renting it with my filthy casino money, but at least for once I will be on my own.
She smiles softly. “I’m happy for you, sis.”
“You should be, you will get your space back, and I won’t be far away. Just two doors up if you need me.”
Her smile crinkled the corners of her eyes, a genuine warmth spreading across her face. “Are you kidding?”
“Nope. I noticed the neighbors moving out this morning and immediately spoke with the landlord. The place is mine if I decide I want it.”
As I pull up to Enzo’s estate, the imposing iron gates swing open, and a security guard motions for my driver to lower the window.
He looks directly at me, his voice a low rumble. “Name?”
“Vivian.” I give him my first name, it’s all I have told Valentina, and I would prefer to keep it that way.
With a crooked smile, he scans me from head to toe, kind of creeping me out. “One of Sloane’s girls,” he sneers in a way I don’t appreciate.
I plaster a smile on my face, trying to hide the turmoil inside. “Sure am.”
With a wave of his hand, he signals for the driver to proceed. With a jolt, the car comes to a stop in the middle of the turn circle, and I sit for a moment, catching my breath, before opening the door. After the engagement party, I never wanted to come back here. This place gives me the creeps. But it’s going to be different this time because it’s on my terms. You can do this, Harley.
I shove open the door with a fresh wave of determination, thank my driver as I pay him, and strut up to the front of the house like I’m supposed to be here. Just like with the engagement party, I’m greeted by uniformed staff and shown through to the back of the property. There are fewer people here than I expected, and I’m momentarily stunned when I see Alessandro talking with a girl in a dress just as glamorous as mine. Why is he here?
My heart races uncontrollably, for so many reasons. I didn’t expect him to be here. I also didn’t expect him to look so fucking edible. Isn’t he supposed to be mourning the loss of me, his beloved fiancée who he thinks is dead? Little conceited, I know, since it was me who told him to leave me alone and to move on with his life, but from the way he was acting when he dropped into The Raven’s Nest the other night, I thought he was searching for me. I thought he still would be, knowing he wouldn’t give up so easily after hearing what the commissioner told Enzo. Seeing him chatting to some other girl gets under my skin in a way it shouldn’t. I have no right to be jealous. Him moving on is for the best, I know it deep down, but it doesn’t mean seeing him with someone else doesn’t sting like a motherfucker. I take hold of the banister, trying to get my head together before I descend the stairs. Carefully I make my way down to the party, trying to work out how to navigate around him.
I spot Valentina and offer a small wave, not sure what else to do.
Her smile spreads across her face, and she excuses herself from the gentleman she was with. “Vivian, you made it.” His mother’s voice can be heard from the other side of the patio. The way she is giggling and swaying makes it damn obvious she’s already had more than her share of champagne.
I move toward her, the biggest grin on my face I can muster. She’s a vision in soft white chiffon and glides toward me. Taking my hands in hers, she forces me to do a spin and doesn’t hide the fact she is inspecting every inch of me. “Valentina, thank you for inviting me, what a lovely property you have here.”
“I’m a very lucky woman. But you, my dear, are absolutely stunning. I see you have taken my advice and splurged on a dress for the occasion. Good job.”
“Thank you.” I grin back.
“When I saw you last night, I just knew you would be perfect.”
“Perfect for what?” I ask, confused.
“A perfect fit with us, darling.” She hooks her arm with mine, and we walk together across the beautifully manicured lawn. Probably so I can hold her up. She takes a glass of champagne and hands it to me, then takes one for herself as well.
I hold the glass up to my lips but make sure not to actually drink any of it. Who knows what these people put in their drinks at these events. I watch the news, and I won’t end up one of those girls.
An attractive older man, with salt-and-pepper hair, approaches us with a friendly smile. “Valentina, you have outdone yourself with this event.” He takes her hands in his, kissing her cheek, and she beams up at him like the two of them are old friends.
“Dr. Northgate, I’m so glad you could attend tonight.”
His attention travels to me. “And who is this lovely creature?”
I plaster on a fake smile. This man is tall and handsome, probably in his late fifties, and is carrying around the type of charm you know means he’s very popular with the ladies. But there is something about him that makes me feel uncomfortable instantly. I’m not sure if it’s the way he’s looking at me or his fondness for Valentina, but it’s something.
“Vivian’s a new friend of mine. She’s an aspiring artist; I hope to make her a household name in the not-so-distant future,” she gushes about me.
“Talent and beauty.” He lets his eyes linger on my low neckline a little longer than is comfortable. Then his attention returns to our host. “You’re in wonderful hands, Vivian, this delightful woman has changed the life of so many young women just like yourself. I’m sure you will be no exception.”
“I have known Dr. Northgate a very long time. He’s a dear friend and just this past year been announced as the Chief Medical Officer of Ravens Hollow District Memorial Hospital. A very well-earned promotion.”
“Very impressive.” I smile at him, wondering if this is what the entire evening is going to be like. Valentina introducing me to her hoity-toity friends while I smile and act impressed.
“Give me a minute, dear,” she tells me then hooks arms with the doctor and walks out of earshot. They have a quick conversation alone, then he wanders off in the opposite direction to mingle with some other girls. Every person here is immaculately dressed, the young women in gowns that sparkle under the low light, their hair styled to perfection. They have this high-society look about them that makes me feel out of place with my ink-covered arms and piercings.
Valentina waltzes back toward me, a renewed look of determination on her face. “I have some people I want you to meet,” she says as we approach a well-dressed man in a full dinner suit, with two younger looking men at his side. His tall frame is complemented by his slightly graying hair, and his stern expression conveys a no-nonsense attitude. “Vivian, meet Commissioner Palmer and two of his top detectives, Hops and Carillon,” she says, introducing me to the three men before us.
I offer my hand for him to shake, and the commissioner surprises me by kissing the back of my fingers. “Vivian,” he purrs my name.
I swallow the lump in my throat, feeling uncomfortable under his predatory gaze. The other two men give a nod of acknowledgment but keep their hands to themselves.
“Vivian’s new in town. An aspiring artist and my latest project,” she proudly informs him with a giggle. Jesus, I feel like I should be calling her a cab, but this is her place. I wonder where her husband is and if he’s aware of how trashed she is.
“I’m sure under your guidance she will do very well indeed. Nice to meet you, Vivian.”
I take my hand back, studying him. If this is the police commissioner, then I get why this city is so fucked up. Everything would go back to him. He’s the reason girls are going missing off our streets never to be seen again, and monsters like Enzo, and that cop that I killed in the alley behind Sloane’s club, get away with all the slimy shit they do.
“When did you mention the next auction is?” he questions Valentina, his eerie gaze making me feel extremely uncomfortable. He’s looking at me like I’m a piece of fucking meat.
Valentina gently loops her arm through mine. “End of the month, you will be first to know what’s on offer.” Her smile is demure, but I know there is a slyness behind it, one I don’t like. She moves us away from him.
Leaning in, I bring my head closer to hers. “The police commissioner has a keen interest in fashion?” I ask her, knowing how vapid I sound, but I want clarification as to what exactly is going down at this next auction. Because I’m getting the distinct impression it’s not the gowns on sale.
“The police commissioner is interested in a lot of things that happen in this town.” She continues walking with me, and I feel like my heart is going to stop when I see who she’s directing me toward. He’s the reason I’m here, but there is no part of me that wants to be close to him. “Enzo, this is a new friend of mine, Vivian.” Valentina presents me to him like I’m some fucking prized peach, pushing me forward so hard I nearly stumble in my stupidly high heels.
His eyes lazily roam down my slinky black dress, glittering under the fairy lights, eating up every inch of me. I swallow the bile threatening to rise and plaster on a playful smile, holding out a hand. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Moretti.”
“The pleasure is all mine,” the messed-up motherfucker hums, making me feel instantly violent. “Please, call me Enzo.”
I want to strike out at him, slip my knife from where it’s strapped to my leg and plunge it deep into his chest or neck, wherever I can inflict the most damage. Repeatedly, until the hurt he’s caused me and all the people I care about is gone. I bite the inside of my mouth until I taste blood, trying to keep my hands under control.
“Vivian has just started working over at The Raven’s Nest, she’s an aspiring artist,” his wife waffles on, telling the same story she has all night.
He nods along, interested by his wife’s chatter for once. “Is she? You will have to show me some of your work; my wife here runs a charity helping young people just like yourself get a kickstart in life.”
“She was telling me all about it just last night at your casino. Sounds incredible.” I smile sweetly. There is nothing more these two like more than talking about themselves and how incredible they are. Also, not his fucking casino anymore, but Valentina still insists it’s hers, so I might as well play along for the fun of it.
His smile broadens. “Valentina has helped countless young women achieve their potential. It’s satisfying and very rewarding for us both.”
“I’m sure it is.” I have to hide the bitterness and sarcasm that wants to drip off my words. They preach about helping these young women like they are saints, but I know the truth. I bet Sloane is vomiting in her mouth hearing all this shit. I know I want to.
Alessandro strides by, ignoring his parents completely, a carefree smirk on his face. He’s abandoned the girl he was talking to only moments before, his gaze already searching for a new target, a predator surveying his prey. I can’t help but stare after him, my eyes glued to his retreating form. Why does he have to be so dammed attractive. I can see why women make such a fuss around him. With his ruggedly handsome features and a hint of danger in his eyes, they likely believe they can reform him. They can’t.
“I thought Vivian might be a model for the fashion auction at the end of the month,” his mother suggests, snapping me out of my Alessandro trance.
“What? No, I wouldn’t know the first thing about how to model one of those beautiful gowns,” I splutter, trying to get out of whatever she is suggesting.
Her arm comes to mine, giving it a squeeze. “So modest, Vivian. There wouldn’t be a man on this lawn who wouldn’t enjoy watching you take the stage in a beautiful dress.”
Enzo’s gaze travels down my body once more, making me feel nauseous. “Tell me a little about yourself, where are you from, girl?”
I blink back at him, momentarily lost for words. I know my back story, but I can’t seem to spit it out. His presence is so intimidating. “I… I spent my childhood in a quaint coastal town near Savanah, but now there’s little left to hold me there. Came to Ravens Hollow for a fresh start, you know. Luckily, I met Sloane right away, and she not only offered me a job but also a place to stay until I could get back on my feet.”
“Sloane Stryker.” He raises a brow, and I can see there is no love between them. “You take me as the kind of girl who always lands on her feet.”
I shrug. “I guess.”
“Any family back home?” he asks.
“Sadly no.” I sniff as if I’m thinking about them. “Sorry, I can’t talk about my family, it’s still too hard.”
His eyes twinkle with delight, and I know I have him. He thinks I’m a single girl out here in a new city all alone, who’s picked up a job with a known gang member to save her broke ass. Just the kind of girl he likes to offer work to. Single, alone, desperate. And no one would miss me if I just disappeared. It breaks my heart to think about the real girls he normally targets. A constant stream of people would seek him out, their hopes high, believing in his genuine compassion, when the truth is very different.
I find myself looking past him, drawn to the sight of a brunette’s hand on Alessandro’s arm as she laughs playfully. Irritation crawls under my skin. What the hell is he playing at? Is he already on the prowl for some new girl to control? Asshole. Was everything I thought I knew about him a big fat lie, including what we had?
“My son, Alessandro, he’s hard to miss, isn’t he?” Enzo says, nodding to his wife, as if the two of them are proud of him. I realize I let my eyes linger a little longer than I should have on him.
“Your son.” I nod, trying not to look guilty as hell, and right as I do, Alessandro’s eyes rise over the girl he is chatting to and come to me with fresh interest. I feel my cheeks heat instantly. His lips twitch upward, forming a sly smirk, and I can’t tell if it’s directed at me or his parents, both standing nearby.
“Vivian, how would you like to make a little extra money while you’re in town?” Enzo offers, his voice low.
I give my full attention to the man who is now standing way too close to me. “What did you have in mind?” I ask sweetly, showing my innocence. It’s easy to play this guy when you know exactly what he wants to see.
“While my son may be powerful and wealthy, his lack of taste in women is glaring.” He fixes his stare on the girl standing with his son. Sure, I would agree she looks trashy as fuck in her mini dress, but if you have legs like that, why not show ‘em off.
“We want him to find a nice girl so he will settle down,” Valentina adds, coming to Enzo’s side.
His hand comes to my arm softly. “I get the impression you could do with a little extra cash to help you settle into town. Am I right?”
“A little extra cash would never go astray,” I agree with him eagerly.
He chuckles, his laugh loud and deep rolling through his chest. “Seduce my son and leave this party with him tonight, and I will see to it a nice cash injection comes your way.”
I gesture toward my chest in surprise. “Me?”
His head drops closer to mine, and a cold shiver runs down my spine. I want to run; I don’t want this man anywhere near me, it’s making my skin crawl, and my feet want to move. “He’s still looking at you now, Vivian. This is easy money.”
I glance back at Alessandro and see he’s right. “What’s the catch?” I laugh nervously.
“Anything you find out in his presence comes right back to me. I will see to it Valentina passes on my personal phone number.”
“You want me to spy on your son?” I whisper.
He nods like it’s no big deal.
From his smug expression, it’s clear he underestimates my intelligence and believes he can effortlessly manipulate me. Little does he know, he has unknowingly fallen into my trap. Well, not the seducing the son part, that could be dangerous, but the getting me to spy for him part. “Could you introduce us?”
He motions for Alessandro to come join us, and I’m surprised when he ditches the girl he was talking to quickly and moves across the lawn. His papa does still have way too much control over him.
His mother takes his hands in hers. “I have a special new friend for you to meet,” she gushes, smiling toward me with a warmth I never got when I was Harley Havardi.
Feeling suddenly shy in his presence, I drop my head, my cheeks flushing with heat. How the hell am I supposed to do this? I can’t even look at him, too frightened he will work out who I really am. Or am I just too scared that if I seduce him, I won’t be able to walk away when I have to?
“Alessandro, this is Vivian,” his papa introduces us.
I lift my head and our eyes meet, sending my heart racing out of control. He’s so fucking handsome in his all-black suit. But it’s not from that. There are lots of nice-looking men here tonight. Nope, this is from the crazy electric pull I have toward this man.
“Vivian.” He takes my hand, placing a kiss to the back of my fingers. “How lovely to meet you,” he says with a warmth that melts my insides. He has no idea who I really am. I’m grateful but also a little sad. With the real me out of the picture, he was already on the prowl for someone new. I was the one who made the decision to leave him and urged him to find happiness elsewhere. But this quickly, that’s a slap in the face.
“Hi.” I smile softly, wishing I was playing at how shy I feel. Vivian is supposed to be confident. Go in and take what she wants kind of girl. That’s not how I feel at all as he towers over me, his eyes running down the length of my dress. Eating up my ink-covered arms, blonde hair, and face meticulously painted.
His lips twitch up at the sides. The rest of the noise from the party blurs and then there is just us. “Dance with me,” he asks, taking my hand in his.
His mother takes my undrunk glass of champagne from me, playing her part. “Yes, a dance, what a perfect idea,” she coos encouraging me.
With a nod of agreement and a small smile, he leads me to the crowded dance floor. His masculine scent overwhelms me as he places a hand to my waist and pulls me in close. The instrumental version of “Careless Whispers” plays, and I get lost momentarily in everything Alessandro. The feel of his hand on my lower back, the way his dark eyes light up when he smiles at me, and how our bodies move together like they were made for each other as he gracefully sweeps me across the dance floor. His intense gaze stays locked with mine the entire time. My heart flutters irrationally, getting carried away with the romance of dancing with him like this.
“Thank you for saving me,” he mutters.
“Saving you? What did you need saving from.”
“The women throwing themselves at me,” he groans, and it’s not in an arrogant way. He really can’t stand the way they all swoon over him. “What I wouldn’t give for a quiet night at home instead of all this bullshit.”
“You’re serious?” I laugh to cover my response. “I mean, you must enjoy some of it, from what I can see you looked like you were having fun.”
He raises a brow. “When you have been attending parties like this as long as I have, you get used to faking it.”
I stare up at him, my dress twirling as he spins me. “Are you faking it with me?” I ask softly, not knowing if I really want the answer or not.
“I have no need to fake anything with you, Vivian. From the moment I met you at The Raven’s Nest you had my interest piqued.”
“You remember me?” I smile softly. Fuck, I’m flirting with him.
“A smile like that you don’t forget.” He grins at me, and I melt into him further. He knows exactly what to say, but it doesn’t come off as cheesy, it feels genuine. When the song comes to an end, his mouth drops to my ear. “You’re leaving here with me tonight, Vivian.” His hot breath sends goosebumps over my skin, making my insides clench with anticipation and my panties instantly wet.
I smile back at him, job done. His papa will be pleased with me. One dance and the most eligible bachelor here is seduced.
“Give my parents a wave.” His breath tickles my ear.
“Now?” I whisper. “I only just got here.”
“We can hang around if you like, but I have been to many of these events, and I will tell you how they go. My mother will drink too much wine, my papa will act as though he owns the world, having every person who approaches him bow down and kiss his feet, and I will be talking with an endless line of women they throw at me, trying not to come across as bored and uninterested like I feel.”
I glance up at him. “Oh. That doesn’t sound like fun at all. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. Sometimes they get it right.” He takes a silky strand of my hair, running it through his fingers, fascinated. He’s really into me. The thought is horrifying as much as it makes my panties wet. I know I have to run with it. I want Enzo to believe I’m on his side, and this is exactly what he wanted me to do. Leave with Alessandro, get close to him, and bring him any information I can.
“What’s it going to be, Vivian?” His hand slides down a little lower so it’s just teetering on my ass.
I swallow the lump in my throat, not even sure how this is going to work when we get out of here. I can’t sleep with him. He knows my body way too well, and I just know he will figure it out. I’m also acutely aware of the fact Sloane can hear every word the two of us say.
He smiles at me, all charming, and memories come flooding back of when I first met him. Alessandro is a man who knows how to get what he wants. He knows I’m leaving here with him.
“Lead the way.” I smirk back with more confidence than I feel. Because I know there is only one way to get what I want and that’s by being Enzo’s spy, and if I have to keep up this ruse to make it happen, then so be it.