Chapter 22 Silvo
SILVO
Iadjust my black velvet mask as I enter the grand ballroom, taking in the sea of disguised faces swirling around me. Laughter and chatter mingle with the lively music from the string quartet in the corner. I scan the crowd, searching for her.
And then I see her. Carmela. She is a vision in a shimmering emerald gown, her hair swept up elegantly, a glittering mask concealing her beautiful face.
But I would know her anywhere. She is speaking with Isabella and Sophia, and I can’t help but smile at the way she throws her head back and laughs.
I make my way through the throng of guests until I am standing before her. I bow and extend my hand. “May I have this dance, beautiful?”
She turns to me, her green eyes sparkling behind her mask. After a moment, she places her hand in mine. “You may.”
I lead her onto the dance floor as a slow waltz begins to play. We move together so naturally, her body molding against mine like she was made to be in my arms. I drink in her subtle perfume, the smoothness of her skin, the way her dress shimmers under the chandelier light.
My hand presses firmly against the small of her back as we glide across the dance floor. She looks up at me, her eyes smoldering.
“You look stunning tonight,” I murmur, my lips caressing her ear. “That dress… it’s fucking beautiful, but it’ll look so much better on our bedroom floor tonight.”
Carmela shivers slightly in my arms. “You don’t look so bad yourself,” she replies. “Though I’m surprised you recognized me behind this mask.”
I chuckle. “I’d know you anywhere, bella. The way you move, the sound of your laugh… you’re unforgettable.”
The music changes to a tango, and I spin her out before pulling her back against me, our bodies flush.
With each step, each turn, I’m drawn deeper into her spell. The realization hits me like a thunderbolt—I’m falling for my wife. This passionate woman who challenges me at every turn, who both infuriates and intoxicates me… I’m falling in love with her.
The thought takes my breath away. I never intended for this to happen. Our marriage was arranged, a business deal between families. I expected respect, obedience, maybe even desire. But love? That was never part of the plan.
Yet here I am, holding Carmela in my arms, my heart racing at her nearness. I need to tell her. She deserves to know the truth, to understand the depth of my feelings for her.
I lean in close, my lips brushing her ear. “Carmela, I...”
But before I can continue, a commotion at the entrance of the ballroom draws our attention. Raised voices, the sound of a scuffle. I instinctively pull Carmela closer, shielding her with my body.
The commotion at the ballroom entrance escalates, drawing the entire room’s attention. I keep Carmela close, grabbing her hand and moving toward it to find out what is going on.
As we push through the crowd, I see my brother Fed locked in a scuffle with none other than Maximo Moretti, the young heir from our rival family.
What the hell is he doing here?
“What’s going on here?” I demand.
Fed glances at me, his face flushed with anger. “This bastard was hitting on Isabella! I caught him trying to put his hands on her.”
Maximo sneers, straightening his suit jacket. “I was being friendly, De Luca. No need to get your panties in a twist.”
My blood boils at his disrespect. I step forward, getting in Maximo’s face. “You have no business being here, Moretti. This is a private event.”
Maximo smirks, his eyes flick to Carmela behind me. “I heard there was a party. Thought I’d come see what all the fuss was about. And I must say, your sister is looking particularly delectable tonight.”
Fed lunges at him, but I hold him back. “Watch your mouth,” I growl. “You’re not welcome here. Leave now, before I make you regret ever setting foot in this ballroom.”
Maximo holds up his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright. I can take a hint. But mark my words, De Luca, this isn’t over. Your family won’t be on top forever.”
With that, he turns and stalks out of the ballroom, pushing past the shocked onlookers. I turn to Fed, my jaw tight. “What the hell was that about?”
Fed runs a hand through his hair, looking shaken. “I saw him getting handsy with Isabella, and I lost it. You know how protective I am of her.”
The Morettis have been a thorn in our side for years, but they’ve never been bold enough to crash one of our events before. Something’s changed. And I have a feeling it’s going to mean trouble for all of us.
I turn to Carmela, taking her hand in mine. “Are you alright, bella?”
She nods. “Are we in danger?”
I pull her close, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise. But we need to be careful. The Morettis are up to something, and we need to find out what it is before it’s too late.”
I watch as Isabella rolls her eyes at Fed, her annoyance palpable. “You were being an idiot, Fed,” she scolds him. “I could have handled Maximo myself. He’s harmless.”
Fed scowls, clearly not convinced. “Harmless? The guy’s a creep, Iz. I saw the way he was looking at you.”
Isabella shakes her head. “He was just being friendly. You know how the Morettis are, especially Maximo. They love to push our buttons. But that doesn’t mean he was a threat.”
I place a hand on Fed’s shoulder. “Isabella’s right, Fed. Maximo may be an arrogant prick, but he’s not stupid enough to try anything here. Not with all of us around.”
Fed doesn’t look happy about it, but he nods grudgingly. “Fine. But I don’t like it. The Morettis are up to something, I can feel it.”
I turn to Carmela, who has been watching the exchange. “Do you want to leave?” I ask her.
She shrugs, but I detect the tension in her shoulders. “I don’t like all this talk of danger and rivalry. I thought we were here to have a good time.”
I yank her against me, kissing her temple. “We are. And we will. I won’t let anything ruin this night for us.”
I turn back to Fed and Isabella, my expression serious. “We’ll keep an eye out for any more trouble, but for now, let’s try to enjoy the party. We’re here to celebrate, not start a war.”
They both nod, and I lead Carmela back onto the dance floor. As we sway to the music, I can’t shake the feeling that something big is brewing. The Morettis have always been a problem, but crashing our event like this? It’s a bold move, even for them.
I hold Carmela tighter, breathing in her scent. No matter what happens, I’ll keep her safe. She’s mine now, and I protect what’s mine. Even if it means going to war with the Morettis, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep my family out of harm’s way.