45. Chapter Forty-Five
Chapter Forty-Five
Mariella
T he car stops in a quiet side alley, and Mateo steps out, holding out his hand for me. His eyes sparkle with an intensity that makes my heart take off in a sprint.
What am I saying? It’s been racing in my chest ever since his eyes landed on me walking down the stairs and his gaze traveled slowly from the top of my head all the way down to my feet.
My dress seemed suddenly tighter and way too short, and I wished I hadn’t washed off Sofia’s over-the-top makeup. At least it would’ve hidden the blush heating my cheeks.
My entire body was on fire under his casual perusal, and it hasn’t cooled since. How could it, when he kept stealing glances at me on the way here, his hand brushing over mine in soft, deliberate touches throughout the ride?
I’m not quite sure what to make of it.
Less than two weeks ago, he didn’t notice I existed, and now, after our kiss, he can’t seem to stop touching me. Truly, I don’t mind. I revel in the warmth of his skin on mine. It’s just baffling.
How have things changed so dramatically?
Is he trying to seduce me? Because if he is, I stand no chance. My defenses melt away like sugar dissolving into a hot cappuccino whenever I’m around him.
With a fortifying breath to calm the butterflies in my tummy, I slide across the seat and place my hand in Mateo’s outstretched one. He weaves our fingers together like it’s the most natural thing in the world. I wish it was.
Cut it out, Mari. This is a silly notion.
Whatever this thing is between us, it’s not serious. Mateo De Marco doesn’t do relationships.
Remember that!
He steadies me on my wobbly feet as I step out of the car. So close to me, his scent swirls in the air. It’s potent and kind of drugging. I want more and more of it, of him.
Dammit.
This crush I have on him has spun out of control. How do I rein it in?
How do I stop it before it consumes every last part of me?
It’s a lost cause. Especially when he looks so damn hot in his perfectly tailored charcoal suit, paired with a dark gray shirt that clings just right to him. He exudes the perfect blend of darkness, command, and sin.
As Mateo exchanges a few words with a guard, I tug at the hem of my dress with my free hand, trying to coax it lower. While it’s not scandalously short, it still shows more leg than I’m used to. None of my other clothes reveal this much. Well, except for my gym outfit, but no one ever really sees me in that.
Having never stepped foot in a nightclub, I’m not sure what to expect. A mix of excitement and apprehension flutters in my chest, and I shift on my heels.
I wonder what Father would do if he knew where I was about to go. His voice echoes in my mind, a constant reminder of his strictness and control. He’s always been relentless in keeping us away from anything he considered a taint on our squeaky-clean reputation.
He’ll find out soon enough, though, of that I’m sure. Probably sooner than I’d like, especially when I don’t answer his call tonight.
The nervous knots in my stomach tighten. Defying Father is something I’ve never dared to do. Add to that the uncertainty of what Mateo might expect from me tonight, and it tempers my excitement about going out for the first time.
What if I don’t belong here? Will I stand out like the sheltered girl I am, especially on the arm of someone like Mateo De Marco?
I look up at said man and a sexy smile spreads across his face. He leans in closer, and for a fleeting moment, I panic, thinking he’s about to kiss me right here for everyone to see.
Yes, I want his lips on mine again, but I can’t risk people drawing the wrong conclusions about us. I can’t afford to be seen as his latest plaything. Not if I want to outlive my father.
To my simultaneous relief and disappointment, Mateo’s mouth veers toward my ear instead, his breath warm as it brushes against my skin, sending a shiver down my body.
In a voice so low only I can hear, he says, “ Dolcezza , there’s no need to be nervous. I’ll be with you the entire time.”
I frown. How does he know I’m nervous?
Can he read my mind? I wouldn’t put it past him. He is that observant.
But I’m released from my delusion when Mateo points at our joined hands. My fingers are squeezing his so hard my nails have turned white.
“Sorry,” I say, a little embarrassed, and loosen my grip.
But I don’t let go. Not that Mateo would let me, his fingers holding mine firmly.
I take a deep breath to calm my racing pulse. It works for all of two seconds. Then Mateo presses a tender kiss to my forehead and my heart goes wild again.
My eyes lift to search his. For what, I’m not sure. What I find is a heavy-looking emotion I can’t pinpoint. Though with a blink, it’s gone.
“Come on,” he says, taking half a step back, and I immediately miss his warmth.
Pulling me with him, with my hand firmly in his, Mateo strides ahead as one of his men opens the door for us.
As we step into the corridor, the energy of the place envelops us instantly. The faint hum of bass reverberates through the sleek, polished walls, promising a more vibrant pulse inside. Mateo’s hand glides from my hand to rest lightly on my back, guiding me as we move down a softly lit hallway with black marble floors that gleam beneath discreet, golden sconces.
When we reach the main floor, I stop and take it all in, sensing Mateo’s gaze on me. The ceiling soars high above, with crystal chandeliers dripping elegance and casting a soft light that glitters off mirrored surfaces. The bar stretches along one side with glowing backlit shelves, showcasing more bottles than I’ve ever seen in my life. Rich leather seating is arranged in cozy, private clusters, exuding exclusivity.
Gentle pressure on my lower back makes me move again, and we make our way through the crowd. Men in impeccably tailored suits and women in stunning dresses that could dazzle on the runway are in conversations, laughing, flirting, and dancing.
It feels like hundreds of eyes are on us as Mateo guides us to a roped-off section at the back of the club. It’s like a world of its own here, glamorous and untouchable, a place where secrets are shared and deals are made under the cover of dim light and sparkling drinks.
Is this what’s going to happen tonight? Is this why we’re here?
As if he heard my question, Romeo appears next to Mateo. “Sorens texted. They’re late. They’ll be here in half an hour,” he informs him. “I’ll make use of that time and have Veronica wrap her lips around my cock.”
My eyes widen in shock.
I mean, I knew both Mateo and Romeo were playboys. I’ve just never been around someone who talks about sex so openly.
Mateo squeezes my hand. “Excuse him. He doesn’t have a filter,” he says, as we watch Romeo walk away.
He stops, scanning the club briefly before taking determined strides toward a woman in a waitress uniform, someone I wouldn’t have pegged as Romeo’s type.
“That’s Veronica?” I ask, somewhat surprised. I’d pictured a busty blonde in a skimpy outfit, complete with bold red lips to match the name, not someone so unassuming and everyday-looking.
“No, that’s most definitely not Veronica,” Mateo replies with a chuckle, stepping up behind me so my back is flush against his chest.
I glance up at him over my shoulder, questions burning at the tip of my tongue. How does he know this isn’t Veronica? Has he been with her? Is that why he’s so certain?
The sudden flare of jealousy catches me off guard, and I have to remind myself that just because I kissed Mateo doesn’t mean I have any claim to him. He will never be mine.
Still, the thought of him with Veronica, or anyone else, makes my stomach churn. I swallow the bitterness rising in my throat and focus on his hand that’s now resting on my belly with his fingers splayed wide. It feels possessive and protective at the same time, and intimate.
Oh God! It’s hot in here. Is the air conditioning working? Or is it the fire Mateo ignites in me that’s burning me up?
Mateo’s heart beats softly against my back and I sense the steady rise and fall of each breath he takes.
His lips graze my ear and my blood runs a fever.
“You know, dolce mia , I truly love watching you experience things for the first time. You have a sense of wonder about you that I can’t get enough of.”
His warm breath kisses the shell of my ear, and goosebumps erupt across my skin. My stomach tightens with a sudden pang of desire.
Who am I kidding? That pang of desire has always been there.
I don’t reply, my mind a jumbled mess. I have no idea how to respond to that.
Moving his hand back onto my lower back, Mateo leads me toward a darkened, secluded corner at the back of the club. When we reach it, the guards surrounding us peel off and silently position themselves around the area.
Mateo sits down on a large leather sofa facing the club. The lights bounce rhythmically around the dancing area while the beat of the music seems to resonate in my chest. Mateo tugs on my hand, and I go to sit down next to him, but he shakes his head, pulling me into his lap.
I yelp, my arms going around his broad shoulders for stability. Frantically, I dart my eyes around to see if anybody is watching.
“Nobody can see us here,” Mateo says.
He turns my face toward him, cupping it tenderly while his other hand holds me by my waist.
“I haven’t been able to think of anything other than our kiss this morning,” he whispers, his voice a gravelly tone that sends the butterflies in my stomach into a frenzy.
“I need another taste.”