Chapter 9
Luci
28 Days Until The Wedding
J ust when I think I can’t dislike Alessandro anymore, he does this. Who does he think he is? Forget the kidnapping thing for a minute, but bombarding me with what I can and can’t do with my body tops the list. I can’t believe the massive amounts of misogyny that run through his veins. If this is how Geno is, I’m not surprised Nonna didn’t want to marry him. I wish I could talk to her and get answers to all the questions I have. I let out the breath I’ve been holding in and collapse on the bed while trying to hold back the tears that blur my vision. If I’m not in between and three and a seven on the emotional scale, I’m crying. Typical. Nonna says it’s because I have big emotions and they all come out when I cry. I’m about to completely lose it when I hear that stupid scanner again and the door open, only this time it’s not Alessandro, it’s the guy who drugged me. I shoot off the bed, scanning the room for something to use as a weapon. He must notice that and starts laughing.
“You’re not going to be able to find anything to hurt me. You wouldn’t want to hurt me, anyway. If you did, you wouldn’t get the grand prize!” If I knew how to punch I’d be tempted to, even though he’s only spoken three sentences to me.
“Unless that grand prize is a one-way trip out of this fuck fest, I’m not interested.”
“Oooo, we’re cursing now. I admire the fight in you, Luci. Yeah, unfortunately, I can’t let you leave. I’m the one who’s in charge of security, and if Alessandro knew either security or I failed you, I’d get a grade A ass-kicking.”
“I think you’d deserve that ass-kicking. You did drug me and help kidnap me. Or do you not remember that part?” I lean into one leg while crossing my arms, a new habit. I’m trying to appear powerful, but I’m likely coming off as a spoiled brat.
He gives a low laugh, making it apparent that no threat I’d give would intimidate his large frame. He closes the gap between the door and where I stand as he holds out his tattooed hand to shake mine. “I think we’ve gotten off on the wrong foot. I’m Marco, Alessandro’s best friend and the head of security. Today, I’m here to help you out with something fun. At least I’m hoping it’ll be fun for you. Call me your fairy godfather.”
I raise an eyebrow, speechless at his statement. Eventually, I take his hand, shaking it, even though I still don’t trust him or anyone in this house. “Several things. One, kidnapping usually gets off on the wrong foot. Two, how am I getting a grand prize if it doesn’t include leaving forever? Three, is that last bit supposed to be a bad joke?”
“All valid things. One, I don’t think you would have come with us if we hadn’t. Two, the grand prize will come in soon and it’ll be something all girls love and a guilty pleasure of mine. Three, that didn’t cross my mind, but it’s funny when things turn out that way.”
Before I can respond, his phone rings, and I hear one side of the conversation before he hangs up. “Your prize is ready, Luci. Let me go get it.” He leaves the room, leaving me standing alone and confused in the middle of the room.
A few minutes later, the door scans and opens again. This time in tow with Marco is another woman, dragging several racks of clothes and bags with her. The items in front of me are gorgeous. They’re stylish, new, and no doubt expensive. Three things I would never describe myself as. I’m usually pretty basic with my clothes and don’t care to go to great lengths to spend a lot on them either. Without realizing it, I’ve let my guard down and step up to the racks, rummaging through the clothes and bags: shirts, dresses, bottoms, shoes, the works. I open one bag and step back. It’s filled with lingerie. Normally I’m a girl who’s happy with cotton underwear and a matching bra. The items laid neatly in the bag are intricate, beautiful, and sexy. Marco interrupts my snooping by introducing me to the woman who came in with him.
“Luci, this is Eleanora. She’s the girlfriend of Alessandro and my stylist, and she will be yours. Since you’ll be Alessandro’s wife, you’ll need a new wardrobe. She will also assist you with picking out a wedding dress, accessories, and hair and makeup. I’m here to observe, and to be your audience.” He pulls out the chair from the desk, scattered and broken things still surrounding it as he turns the chair around and straddles it.
“Hi, Luci, it’s nice to meet you. Please call me El. Eleanora is what my parents call me when they want to be dramatic. I know I brought a lot with me, but this asshat wouldn’t tell me your style. I can see you prefer the basics.” El is glamorous and put together. Without heels, she’s likely a few inches shorter than I am, with a similar body type. Unlike me, she knows how to dress her body. Her hair is the perfect mix of champagne and caramel, landing below her shoulders. She wears enough makeup to bring out her naturally pretty features and carries herself with the confidence of a man.
“Um, yeah I guess. I usually grab what’s in decent enough shape and flatters me. I never put a ton of thought into my fashion.” This type of situation always intimidates me. I see women in magazines, on TV, and walking around, always put together and appealing, but my chest tightens at the thought of doing it myself. Sticking to basics was always easier. Also, if I stick to these basics, it keeps Mamma from saying anything about my appearance in a passive-aggressive way.
El sports a wide and excited smile, like she’s about to dress up a new doll. “That’s great! We have a ton here and can go through any and all of it. Some items may be out of your comfort zone, but thrill me and try it on. If you hate it, we’ll move on. You ready?”
She doesn’t give me time to respond before scanning through the racks, handing me article after article of clothing. I see a variety of items with different styles and shapes, most of them things I wouldn’t pick out on my own. The pile continues to get higher until I can’t see over them and I’m afraid it’ll fall when she suddenly stops.
“Perfect! First, we’ll get an idea for your personal style. After that, we can focus on shoes, makeup, and my favorite: lingerie. Don’t worry, I’ll kick out the caveman for that part.”
Marco sits up, baffled by El’s words. “Hey! I’m offended. I’m here for supervision and to give opinions from the male point of view.”
“Oh please, you’re here because you love shopping and want to avoid your responsibilities. Now behave or I will shove my stiletto far enough up your ass, you’ll need a general surgeon to get it out.”
“Tesoro, I know Andrea is your boyfriend, but if you threaten me with a good time, I’ll have to ask him for a repeat of New Year’s Eve,” Marco winks at El, causing my mouth to drop and El’s chest to blush. I’ve never been around this version of what I can only assume is flirting.
Not wanting to know what this could escalate to, I interrupt whatever this is. “El, this is extremely kind, but I don’t think you understand what’s going on.” El doesn’t give me a chance to finish before she interrupts me.
“Start with the green A-line dress while I find some shoes to go with it. It’ll accentuate your hot as fuck waist and the green will bring out your eyes. Now shoo.” Shoving me into the bathroom, I’m caught between playing along and walking out there, begging her to help me escape. I don’t see the latter as a choice with Marco out there, so I’ll play along until he leaves.
Considering I never wear dresses, this would never be something I’d pick for myself, regardless of how cute it is. I guess it couldn’t physically hurt to try it on. The second I slip the dress over my head, I can tell it fits perfectly. Except, instead of facing the mirror, I decide screw being nice. I bolt out of the bathroom before I can change my mind. “Why did Alessandro send you? You’re great, but if this is some ruse to get me to like him, it’s not going to happen. Alessandro and Marco kidnapped me and stuck me in here while forcing me to marry Alessandro. Can you honestly say you’re okay with that?”
Both El and Marco are painfully silent as they gape at me. Marco smirks at me, begging to get smacked and El is beaming until she cuts the silence while they both ignore my question. “Luci! Babe! You’re fucking hot! Spin for me.” Hesitantly, I please her by turning around. Once I’m done, she’s made her way to the clothing racks, digging through the bags as she searches for something.
She throws her arm behind her when she finds what she’s been hunting for, showing us the black block-heeled shoes “Got it! Luci put these on. These will bring a dressy-ish vibe to that dress, making it perfect for brunch or a more casual event. Wait!” El whips to Marco, heels in her hand, ready to use one as a weapon. I’m guessing what I said finally processed in her head. “You never told me you had to kidnap her. What the fuck is wrong with you?” El launches both heels at Marco and he swipes them away before they stand inches away from each other. El is significantly shorter than him, her head reaching the top of his chest. The average person would cower in fear at his large tattooed frame. El doesn’t appear to be remotely afraid of him, standing up to him like she’s asking for a fight.
“I’m following orders. If you have issues with this, take it up with Alessandro or Geno.”
El whips around, her hair hitting Marco’s chin before picking up the heels and handing them to me. “Honey, I promise I had no idea. All dumbass Marco told me is that you were payment for a debt. If I could do something to change this, I would, but all I could do is bitch about it to annoy Alessandro. What I can do is make you look fabulous, which hello, you do. Tell me I’m wrong. I dare you.” El turns me around and I gasp at my reflection in the cracked mirror. She’s taken my style and elevated it.
El places her hands on my shoulder, meeting my eyes in the mirror. “I know you see it as much as I do.” Before I can respond, she turns toward Marco. “Ok, ass. Don’t get comfortable. I’m kicking you out. You can go back to chasing tail like a homeless man asking for money.”
“El, I’m heartbroken. I need to make sure—you know, as Alessandro’s best friend—that everything is good for him. While I’m here, you can try on some of the same things too. I’ll fill in for Andrea then tell him the favorites. Call it research for all intents and purposes.” Sending another wink her way.
El is caught off guard by Marco’s statement, finding her voice a few seconds later. “Whatever. No one asked for your opinion. Enzo! Come get Marco out of here per favore e grazie. Bye-bye!” She bangs on the door to get Enzo’s attention until we hear the door unlock.
“Alright! Alright! I’ll leave. If Alessandro doesn’t approve of the clothes you’ve picked out for Luci, I’m blaming you.” Marco leaves out the door Enzo opened for him.
“Alright, babe, let’s get this show on the road.” She notices my expression and softens her smile. “I know these guys are intense, and I definitely don’t approve of their dumbass actions, but my job is to take you from cute to smoking hot. Also, I’ve decided we’re going to be best friends. You’re adorable and I can see the spunk behind your eyes begging to be released. I can help you bring that spunk out. In the meantime, let’s have fun draining Alessandro’s money!”
Surrendering this fight, I sit down as El teaches me how to put on makeup. Half of this stuff I’ve never seen before, but I can admit it’s therapeutic to play with it. After I master the basics, she teaches me a few more advanced things, the hardest, winged liner, and lets me play with everything she’s put in front of me. I’m surprised how different, yet the same I can look.
“Yes! Perfect! Now, the fun part. What do you normally wear for lingerie? I don’t want to shock you and throw you into something you wouldn’t wear. Unless you give me creative freedom, of course.”
“Normally I wear a regular bra and underwear. I’ve never worn lingerie. I’ve never had anyone to wear it for.” A warm flush of embarrassment rushes to my cheeks and I know my face is bright red at the thought of wearing lingerie for someone.
“First off, you do not need to be wearing it for anyone except yourself, and two, that’s fine. Here, we’ll do a few basic bra and panty sets and maybe one or two fun things.” She digs through a few bags and shows me a couple of things. “Ok, let’s do a black unlined lace bra and underwear set. Black is simple and men love lace. Don’t ask me why. It’s hardwired into their brain or something. The unlined bra will give a slight peek at your nipples and the tease is the hot part about it. Then, for fun, we can do this purple bodysuit. Purple will also bring out your eyes, the deep v will show off your awesome tits, and since it’s high cut, it’ll accentuate these fabulous hips we both have. Trust me, babe, when my boyfriend saw me in this he came in his pants right then right there. Men are simple creatures. You just have to know how to use that to your advantage. Now here. Take them.”
I hesitate, taking them from her hands. “I think I need to try these on privately. You’ve been infinitely nicer than anyone else here. Thank you for everything.”
“Alright, babe, have fun with your new style. I know this is a shit situation, but I promise I’m here for you. I need to head out though because I have a date with the hottest man alive. I’ll be back in a week-ish to help you with your wedding dress. My number should be programmed into your phone, you can send me inspo for some dresses. I’ll chat with you soon. And remember what I said, men are simple creatures. They’re easy to fool.” El knocks a few times on the door, getting Enzo’s attention as she leaves behind the racks of clothing. I can’t get what she said out of my head about men being simple creatures. It’s like she’s speaking to me in code.
I’m not sure what to think as I stare at a whole new person in the mirror. I put the black set on then another dress that’s on the rack, noticing how they are together. That’s how I spend the rest of the day, happy that Alessandro or Marco don’t make any more appearances.