Chapter 33
As I walk by the buffet, I can’t help but notice the distinct smell of deep-fried seafood in the air. Glancing over my shoulder, I hastily trail behind the boys, Geovani, Maddox, Alessandro, and Ricky, my heart pounding in my chest. The bright lights of the slot machines flicker as we move through rows of them. Every step I take feels heavy, as if the weight of my unease is pulling me down. Since meeting them, my senses have become hyperaware, attuned to any potential danger lurking in the darkness. It’s Saturday night, just past eleven, and something feels off, leaving my body perpetually on edge, unable to find its equilibrium.
“That’s him,” I hear a guy standing by the bar mutter to his friend. I watch him a moment too long, and his eyes light up. I take Ricky’s hand, needing something to stop the anxious feeling I have inside. He gives me an easy smile.
The boys are all so comfortable here, walking round like they own the place. Because they do. It practically raised them. Whereas I feel like I stick out like a sore thumb. No glittery dress and designer heels can make me feel any different. And I’m sure every person in this place knows it to be true.
As the slot machines transform into card tables, the atmosphere of the casino shifts along with the clientele. In this part of the casino, the air is filled with the rustle of fine fabrics and the clink of high heels on marble floors. As the game progresses, the tension in the air becomes palpable, with each move carrying more weight. A woman in a sleek, black gown cheekily giggles as she gives a pair of red dice a playful kiss before handing them back to a distinguished man in a business suit. It all looks so fun. Until you realize people literally lose their livelihoods in places like this every day.
We round the corner away from the crowds and head down a long corridor. “Stop fidgeting, you look beautiful,” Ricky chastises me.
I release the lock of curls that I had been twirling between my fingertips. “Remind me again why we had to come to Sinners’ Paradise tonight?”
“Business. It’s important for Alex to show his face so people know he’s really in charge now. It’s also good for them all to see him and Geovani together, shows a united front.”
I nod in understanding, kind of. “Why do I feel like they’re all staring at me and not them then?”
“Because you’re a beautiful woman. They’re probably hoping you are on offer at the auction.”
I laugh nervously, covering my mouth, hoping to God he’s joking. “Are woman really auctioned off at these events?”
He shrugs like it’s no big deal. “Sometimes, men can be as well. Just depends on what the big buyers are interested in on the night.”
I blink back at him mortified. “They signed themselves up for it though, right?” I ask, needing clarification as to what he’s actually telling me.
Alessandro forcefully pushes open the weighty double doors, revealing a spacious room adorned with illuminated artwork, each piece showcasing its flawless beauty. In this place, the silence is almost deafening compared to the hustle and bustle out on the casino floor.
I wait anxiously for Ricky’s response, but all I hear is silence. Instead, I’m led quietly over to a fully dressed circular table, adorned with a beautiful flower centerpiece. As he finds his seat, he gently releases his grip on my hand. Our table is front and center amongst a gathering of about ten more tables, and I feel every set of eyes in the place watching me. I’m not sure if I’m just being paranoid because I feel so out of place or if they really are watching me.
Alessandro, with a gentlemanly gesture, pulls my chair out and takes a seat on my left, while Geovani settles down on my right.
As our glasses are filled with champagne, conversation flows between the boys easily, they’re so relaxed here. I swallow nervously glancing around the room, not sure what to do with myself. This feels like a lot, all of them at the same table with me. There are also two seats still vacant, and I don’t have to wait long to work out who they belong to. Because with a smile as fake as the woman herself, Valentina moves gracefully toward us in a long silver gown that twinkles under the light. Enzo joins her, handing her a flute of champagne. They exude the ultimate power-couple vibes. It seems he hasn’t been taken down a notch at all with him handing over the reins to Alessandro. He still looks like the cocky motherfucker I despise.
I lean into Alessandro’s shoulder. “You failed to mention your parents would be joining us,” I sass, bitterness dripping off my every word. After all this fucking time he’s still keeping me in the dark. And he has no fucking idea how badly I don’t want to see either of them. I should have killed Enzo when I had the chance.
“You wouldn’t have come if I did,” he replies, straightening his dinner suit out.
“Exactly.” I roll my eyes in irritation. He’s fucking unbelievable. I meet Ricky and Maddox’s gazes from across the table. They look apologetic, but I can tell they both knew what I was in for tonight, and neither of them cared to share the information with me. It doesn’t matter how close we get, they all still follow his lead. It stings more than it should because what did I expect from them.
Alessandro’s warm hand gently squeezes my thigh. “I need you by my side, princess,” he whispers, his voice filled with longing. He rises to greet his parents, with a tender kiss on his mother’s cheek. Alessandro’s papa warmly embraces him, their firm pats on each other’s backs resonating with the familiarity of old friends. I want to throw something. Possibly that centerpiece right in front of me or a bottle of wine, whatever I can get my hands on first. Because right now I’m fuming.
As Enzo moves to stand in front of me, my fists ball, ready to throw a punch if necessary. His lips turn up at the sides in greeting, and I wonder what the fuck he wants me to do. I’m not welcoming him with open arms like his son. He fucking sold me out, and I know he was the one who killed my ma. He’s lucky he’s still alive. If it were up to me, he wouldn’t be.
“Harley, how wonderful to see you.” He bends to kiss my cheek.
“Stand up,” Geovani growls out under his breath, his voice holding a commanding edge that I don’t appreciate. But I stand because all attention is on me, and I know it’s only going to be worse for me if I don’t.
I brush the silk fabric of my dress over the knife I have strapped to my thigh, trying not to fiddle but not sure what else to do with my hands. I want the earth to swallow me up so I don’t have to face this man. Enzo takes my hand in his, kissing the back of my fingers. I cringe, staring back at him, my eyes burning with flames of hatred. Alessandro’s hand comes to my lower back protectively, and Enzo drops my hand as they share a silent conversation with only their eyes.
“Harley, you look stunning as always.” His mother greets me with a kiss to my cheek. My body is clenched so tight I feel like something is about to snap. I can’t even pretend to be nice to these people. I’m screaming inside at Alessandro for even letting them be in the same room as any of us. After everything they have done to all the people at this table.
“You’ll have to forgive Harley, she’s not feeling one hundred percent this evening.” His hand slides over my stomach, and I flinch, flicking my angry eyes to him. What the fuck is he doing?
“Oh, of course, darling, I remember that feeling all too well. Congratulations, we were so happy to hear you’re expecting.”
My body stiffens, and I blink back at her, not sure what else to do. What the actual fuck is she going on about?
“Not ideal that the two of you aren’t married yet, but we can fix that quickly enough since you’re already engaged.” She grins at me, like the cat that got the cream, and I stare back at her, my mouth gaping open.
“You’ll have to excuse my rudeness, I think I need to use the restroom. Alessandro, can you please show me where they are?” I get out through clenched teeth, not sorry at all for my snippy attitude toward them. But if I don’t leave right now, I’m going to pull my knife on them. My fingers itch to wrap around the handle.
Alessandro’s hand comes to my shoulder, and he kisses my cheek. “Of course, gorgeous.” He escorts me toward the bathrooms, and to anyone else, we would look like a happy couple.
“What the actual fuck is going on?” I spit out when we’re out of earshot.
“Playing Enzo at his own game. He won’t let anything happen to you if he believes you’re carrying his grandbaby and heir to the Moretti throne,” he explains like it’s all so fucking simple.
I look back at him, horrified, my heart racing out of my chest. “So, you told them we are having a baby and still engaged?” I shriek.
He takes my hand, rushing me around a corner and out of view of the other guests. “We could be.”
My brow furrows, and I fight back the urge to thump him as I pull my hand free. “But we’re not. Right?” I know I’m not pregnant, but I wouldn’t put it past these assholes to tamper with my birth control or something like that just to get what they want.
“Not that I know of.” He shrugs. “But can you put on an act tonight? It’s for your benefit as well as it is mine. Remember, you agreed to help me. Your engagement ring is waiting for you back in your room at home, whenever you're ready to put it on again.” He smiles, all charming, trying to win me over. But he has to know it’s not that fucking simple. This isn’t a little lie.
Rage courses through me. He has to be fucking kidding. “Help you by getting my men to side with you over your horrible papa. I thought you were on top now. No more having to bow down to daddy.”
He pushes the bathroom door open for me. “Play the game, princess. We’re so close.” His eyes plead with me to understand, but if this was his plan all along, why not prepare me before we got here tonight? Maybe he thought I would refuse, so he didn’t leave it up to chance. He’s right, I would have. There is nothing inside of me that would be crazy enough to bring a child into this world.
Inside the lavish marble bathroom, I fix up my lipstick and suck in a few deep breaths as I stare at my reflection in the mirror, trying to get my racing heart under control. I knew tonight was going to be a nightmare. Why can’t we just leave the house without some sort of drama following us around? I’m not even sure why he thinks they will believe us, I’m thinner than I’ve ever been. And what on earth are we supposed to do when a baby doesn’t materialize in eight months’ time.
When I shove open the door, he’s waiting for me and snakes an arm around my middle, walking alongside me back through the room. “You fucking owe me for this bullshit,” I snap, still reeling.
“Anything you want, princess.” He kisses my cheek and smiles at me with way too much pleasure in his eyes. He likes playing pretend with me. The sick fuck probably thinks I will eventually give in and just give him what he wants, but he’s very mistaken if he thinks that’s the case here. I’m never getting married or having babies, not with him or anyone. I’ve seen what marriage does to people, and there is no way in hell I would put myself through it. Or some poor kid that’s dragged along for the ride like Marco and I have been because of our selfish parents. No fucking way.
When we return to the table, the others are all deep in lively conversation with Enzo at the head of the action. Valentina laughs along with him, sipping from her champagne glass while the others watch on.
I can see Maddox’s tic of anger like he’s about to snap, and I don’t blame him. There is so much tension at this table. So many lies they have all had to suffer through at Enzo’s hands. I stare at him, wishing he would combust and knowing I can’t let this madness go on. Someone has to stand up to him before it’s too late. The cops are powerless, the boys seem content with just looking like they’re on top, and Marco and Dani are taking too long.
Eventually the auction starts, and while Enzo and Valentina are distracted bidding on some sculptural piece she simply must have, Geovani’s hand comes to my thigh. “Are you alright?” he whispers.
My horrified eyes meet his. “Would you be?” I whisper, anger coursing through my veins. I feel erratic, on the verge of flying across the table and dealing with fucking Enzo myself. My fingers stroke over my knife.
He sighs heavily, massaging his temples, and I know that stuff Alessandro just pulled wasn’t even run by him. Alessandro is still playing his own game, still trying to prove to Enzo I’m his. And I wish I understood why. He’s living in the past, holding on to what we had. Now I understand why my papa sent me away when he found us together, I will never forget the horrified look in his eyes. He knew what being in a relationship of any kind with a Moretti meant. He really was trying to protect me from them. It was just too late. Alessandro and I had already fallen for each other, the connection was made. And unbeknownst to me, Geovani had me in his sights as well. I was destined to end up at this table playing this very part. There was nothing my papa could do about it.
Valentina squeals when Enzo’s bid wins her the piece she was after, breaking me from my trance. In truth I don’t think anyone in this room would be stupid enough to bid against them. They’re all too scared. You can see it in the way they celebrate him. He bows for his fans like some fucking celebrity and nausea rolls in my stomach. I should just vomit all over the table, blame it on my fake baby so I can get out of this shit.
Other works are brought onto the stage and bid on as I sit quietly watching the two of them together. Valentina has consumed the best part of a bottle of champagne, and Enzo acts like the fucking king of the world or some shit like that. We eat three courses: a prawn dish with a spicy salad on the side for entrée, baked salmon and fresh vegetables for a main, and chocolate mousse for dessert. I have to give it to them, the casino knows how to put on good food.
Every now and then one of the boys will glance my way and offer a sympathetic smile, their eyes apologizing for me being stuck here with them. But they don’t know the half of it, and I guess that’s on me. Maybe if I told them what Enzo did to my ma, they would have understood how utterly horrendous this situation is for me and let me stay at home. I preach to them constantly about not keeping me in the dark, but I know something and I have kept it from them for days. I’m not even sure why, maybe just to give myself time to completely wrap my head around what he did. Or because I feel like they won’t believe me if I told them. Either way, it’s time they knew the truth, because I won’t pretend anymore. I won’t play this fucking part.
The announcer, his voice booming across the stage, regales the crowd with his praise for Enzo and Valentina, highlighting their dedication to organizing this event. He speaks of their tireless efforts in securing young, fresh, talented artists for the show and their commitment to donating all profits to charities close to their hearts, benefiting the city they love so very much. He paints them as some kind of saints, and they grin for the adoring fans, enjoying the attention.
I clutch my knife through my dress. Alessandro takes my hand in his, kissing the back of my hand, bringing my attention to him. “It’s nearly over,” he tells me noticing the tension in my body.
A new oil painting is wheeled onto the stage, and I feel my stomach completely turn to liquid, thinking my little joke to myself is now an actual possibility. “What the actual fuck.” I cover my chest, feeling like my heart is going to stop.
Alessandro looks at me, strange deep creases forming on his forehead.
“Where the hell did they get that painting from?” I snap, all the breath sucked from my lungs. It’s a beautiful oil painting capturing my ma’s porcelain skin and vibrant red hair. My mother, being an artist herself, often had her artist friends paint her portraits. But this painting is more intimate with only a silk scarf draped over her body, and I know without a shadow of a doubt, it’s her.
He moves in closer. “I’m not sure. What’s wrong, princess?”
Valentina makes eye contact across the table, her lips turning up in a malicious smirk. She knows who’s in that painting. This is no coincidence. She’s fucking messing with me.
Enzo places the first bid, raising his paddle as the room watches on.
Sweat coats my forehead, and my head spins. I shove my chair back and stand in a rush. I can feel both Geovani and Alessandro behind me, but I keep walking, striding as far away from them all as I can. I don’t know where I’m going or what to do.
“Red, where are you going?”
I stop dead and spin on the spot, and they both collide with me. I stare up at them. “Do you know who’s in that painting?” I gasp.
They look at me puzzled. “She looks a lot like you.”
“Because it’s my ma,” I seethe, my entire body shaking.
Alessandro looks over his shoulder, then back to us. “Stay here with her,” he tells Geovani then takes off back to the table, picking up his bidding paddle. He places a counter bid.
Geovani pulls me into him. “Fucking Enzo and his mind games. Don’t let him get to you. You are strong. Remember that. You are strong,” he says on repeat.
But I’m not, everything they do to me is wearing me down. I just get over one hurdle and feel like I’m going to recover, but then there is a new threat, a new fucked-up situation to deal with, and I know I can’t do it. My hands tremble uncontrollably. I can’t stop them. I feel like I’ve seen a ghost. And in a way, I have. I haven’t seen that painting in a very long time, but I know I have seen it before and even that in itself is odd, because it wasn’t in my papa’s house.
“Two hundred thousand,” I hear Enzo bid again, his voice booming through the room, his wicked smile coming right to me. How the fuck did he make this happen?
The color drains from my face. “I don’t want him to have a painting of her,” I snap in a panic, my voice trembling with fear.
Geovani rubs my back, trying to comfort me. “It’s okay, Alessandro won’t let that happen.”
I look up at him. It’s now or never, Harley, prove who you are. I shake my head slowly. “No, I won’t.” I take off back toward the table and take the paddle from Alessandro. Fuck this, fuck bowing down to this asshole. I won’t do it anymore. “Two hundred and fifty thousand,” I counteroffer, and the room gasps.
Enzo turns around to glare at me for having the audacity to challenge him, but Alessandro stands solidly by my side. He wraps his arm around mine in a show for his parents. He has my back. My heart races like crazy. He has my back when it counts. He plays their fucking games, but even he has a limit.
“Let Alessandro have this one,” Valentina suggests with a playful laugh. Alessandro, not me. The fucking bitch has a mischievous sparkle in her eyes as she says it as well. By the way she’s looking at me, I can tell she accomplished her goal for the night. She wanted to rattle me. She didn’t care if she went home with that painting or not. Those two are pure evil, and they’re coming for me.
“I could do this all night, Enzo,” I taunt him, anger dripping off my every word. He shoves his chair back and walks toward us as the room holds their breath. Maddox stands, and I feel the other two behind me as well. All of them showing their support for me against this fucking asshole of a man. His lips shift into an over-the-top grin that’s more scary than pleasant. He claps his hands together. “My beautiful daughter-in-law, everyone.” His booming voice reverberates through the quiet room. “I’m going to let her have this one, she deserves it,” he announces.
They all cheer for him, and he shifts his attention to me. I stiffen as he places a kiss to both my cheeks then lowers his mouth to my ear. “I know what my son sees in you. You’re not just beautiful like your mother, you have her fighting spirit as well. Best keep in mind she eventually fell at my feet, and you will too.”
Motherfucker. He’s openly admitting it. I shove him off me and lift my chin defiantly. “You would do best to remember I’m not my mother. I will never bow to you.”
Alessandro pulls me away from him, gripping my hand so I can’t grab my knife, and Maddox and Ricky step in between us.
The auctioneer announces me as the winner, and Alessandro threads his hands into my hair and kisses me, putting on a show for all who are watching. Then he takes my hand, and we walk from the room with the other boys at our side.
“What the fuck was that, princess?” But I know his anger isn’t directed toward me, it’s for Enzo. He heard every word he said to me and my response.
“A truth you needed to see.”
Yeah, tonight was all for show, and now the influential people in this room know Enzo isn’t in charge anymore. And I have some explaining to do.