Chapter 20
I was curled up on the couch, a blanket draped over my legs, flipping through a book when my phone buzzed beside me. The name flashing on the screen made me smile.
Luca.
My fingers hovered over the device for a second before I swiped to answer. "Hello?"
His deep voice came through the phone. "Does asking you to accompany me to an event count as trying?"
I blinked, caught off guard by the question. "That depends," I said slowly sitting upright. "Are you asking because you want me there? Or because you have to bring me?"
Silence stretched between us, the quiet hum of an engine in the background telling me he was in his car.
Then finally, he spoke again. "A bit of both."
I pressed my lips together, finger lightly tracing the edge of the book cover. "I guess I can go."
Another pause. Then, "I will pick you up at eight. Be ready."
Before I could respond, the call ended. Just as abruptly as he called, the line went dead.
I stared at the phone for a moment before setting it down. Eight. I had a few hours before we leave.
With a quiet sigh, I pushed the blanket aside and got up, making my way toward the closet. I turned on the light. My fingers trailing along the dresses hanging neatly inside. I hadn't attended any events since our wedding, hadn't even thought about dressing up for anything.
I stopped on one in particular. A deep red silk gown, the fabric smooth beneath my fingertips.
Red.
Luca had once told me I looked good in red.
I pulled the dress off the hanger. It was a deep and bold red, the kind of shade that stood out without trying too hard. It had an off-shoulder neckline. The bodice was fitted, hugging the waist before flowing into a long, graceful skirt that would trail behind me when I walked.
I laid it out on the bed before heading to the bathroom.
After a quick shower, I blow-dried my hair, leaving it in loose waves that cascaded down my back. My makeup was subtle and by the time I was slipping into the dress, the clock was nearing eight.
The dress slipped over my frame smoothly. I reached behind me, struggling slightly with the zipper.
A deep voice interrupted me. "Let me."
I stilled.
I hadn't even heard him come in.
Luca stood behind me, his gaze meeting mine in the mirror as his fingers found the zipper. He dragged it up slowly, his knuckles grazing my back.
Once the zipper was secure, he didn't step back. Instead, he rested his hands lightly on my waist, his thumb brushing over the fabric.
I swallowed keeping my eyes on the mirror. That's when I took him in. He was wearing a navy suit, crisp white dress shirt underneath, the first button undone. The dark fabric fit him perfectly.
His gaze flickered to mine. "I have something for you."
I turned slightly as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a square, sleek black box. Without a word, he flipped it open revealing a delicate diamond bracelet. The design was simple but elegant, a thin platinum chain adorned with small, glistening diamonds.
"Its so beautiful, thank you" I said admiring the bracelet.
"Give me your hand." He said pulling the bracelet free.
I extended my wrist to him.
He fastened the clasp with ease, his fingers brushing against my skin as he adjusted the bracelet until it sat perfectly against my wrist.
But then, something else caught my eye.
The wedding ring.
The simple band, gleaming against his tanned skin was wrapped securely around his ring finger.
Luca had never worn it. Not once since our wedding. I had noticed its absence before but I never asked. Yet now, here it was on his hand like it had always belonged there.
My lips parted slightly, a flicker of surprise passing through me but I didn't say anything. I didn't ask why now.
Instead, I stepped forward, standing onto my toes and pressed a small, featherlight kiss against his lips.
Before I could step back, his hand curled around my waist, keeping me in place.
A low chuckle rumbled in his chest. "That's not how you kiss, carina."
A slow smirk curved his lips before he leaned in again, this time with clear intent.
I placed a hand against his mouth before he could close the distance. "I just did my lipstick." I said quickly.
His grip on my waist tightened slightly. "You are really gonna stop me for that?"
I pulled back, patting his chest lightly. "We should leave if we dont want to be late."
"Fine" he muttered, stepping back but there was a glint in his eyes that told me this wasn't over.
?????
The event was held at an exclusive, high-security venue, lined with expensive cars and guarded by men in sharp suits, their eyes scanning every guest that entered. The air buzzed with quiet conversations, the kind laced with veiled threats and careful diplomacy.
I had never attended an event like this before. Well not as Luca's wife and it showed.
The moment we entered, I could feel the weight of gazes on us. Some subtle, others not. They lingered on Luca first, then slid toward me.
For them, this was the first time seeing us together as a couple since the wedding. To them, I was still an unknown. A Rossi thrown into the Moretti family, my presence more of a strategic move than anything else.
"Everyone is staring." I murmured under my breath, resisting the urge to fidget.
Luca standing beside me, leaned in slightly. "Let them."
His voice was low, indifferent like he couldn't care less about the attention. His hand rested lightly on my lower back as he led me through the room.
A server approached with a tray of champagne. Luca took a glass and handed it to me before grabbing one for himself.
I accepted it murmuring a quiet "Thank you."
His gaze flickered down to me. "You don't have to be so polite with me, carina"
I exhaled softly. "Force of habit."
Our conversation was cut short as a voice interrupted us.
"I was wondering when you had finally show up."
I turned just as a man approached, a tall, broad-shouldered figure with brunet hair and sharp green eyes. He moved with the same ease as Luca, dressed in a suit that fit him just as well.
Gavino Mancini. Luca's friend. I had met him once before, briefly on our wedding.
Luca didn't bother with a greeting. "You are the one who is late."
Gavino huffed out a laugh. "Please, I was here before you. I just prefer making an entrance."
His eyes flickered toward me. "Alessa, you look stunning."
I felt Luca's hand shift slightly on my back, his fingers pressing a fraction deeper.
Gavino smirked, clearly entertained. "It was a compliment, amico."
Luca didn't look convinced.
Sensing that this conversation was going nowhere good, I took the opportunity to step back slightly. "I need to use the restroom." I murmured, glancing up at Luca.
Luca's gaze snapped down to me. "Want me to come with you?"
I arched a brow. "To the restroom?"
Gavino snorted. "Yeah, Luca. Let the woman breathe."
Luca ignored him, his attention still on me.
"I will be fine." I reassured.
He squeezed my waist but didn't argue. Instead, he murmured "Don't take too long."
I nodded before turning away, weaving through the crowd.
As I reached the hallway leading to the restrooms, the sound of the party faded behind me, replaced by the muffled silence of the empty corridor.
That's when I felt it.
A shift in the air. The distinct sensation of being watched.
I turned my head slightly, scanning my surroundings. Nothing. Just an empty corridor.
I turned away, shaking off the strange unease curling in my stomach. It was nothing. Just my nerves getting the better of me.
I took a step forward and nearly collided into a solid chest.
I gasped, stumbling back as a figure appeared in front of me, as if from nowhere.
Tall. Dark suit. Sharp, striking features.
"You are even more beautiful up close" he said, tilting his head. "Pictures don't do you justice."
I stiffened. He was close to me that I could see the tattoo on his neck. A snake, its body slithering up from the back of his neck, coiling like it was ready to strike. The head rested at his throat, mouth open, fangs bared in a silent hiss. The sight of it made me uncomfortable.
I tried to keep my voice steady, even though my hands curled at my sides. "Sorry, I don't know you."
The man in front of me smiled, slow and knowing like he expected that response.
"No," he agreed, his dark eyes dragging over my face. "You don't."
I took a step back, angling my body away from him. "I should go."
I turned to leave but his hand shot out, catching my wrist before I could take another step.
"You are leaving so quickly." His voice was slow, almost thoughtful. "We haven't even talked yet."
I forced myself to look at him, to meet his gaze head-on. "Let me go."
For a second, I thought he might. His grip loosened slightly, his fingers shifting against my skin. Then, instead of releasing me, he lifted my wrist, his thumb brushing lightly over the inside of it.
"I have waited a long time to see you, Alessa."
Hearing my name from his lips sent another ripple of unease through me.
I forced my voice to remain steady. "I don't know who you are."
His lips curved slightly but there was no amusement in his eyes.
"They never told you, did they?" He shook his head slightly, as if disappointed.
Everything in me screamed to pull away, to run but I stayed still, my breath shallow as his thumb traced slow, deliberate circles over my wrist.
I yanked my arm back again. This time, he let me.
"Who are you?" I asked, my voice quieter now.
His gaze flickered with something almost wistful before hardening. "The one who should have been standing beside you."
My pulse spiked. I shook my head. "I don't-"
"Nico Romano."
The name sparked recognition but not familiarity. I had heard of the Romano family before, whispers of them in the background at home.
But him? I had never seen or heard of him before.
"You were promised to me, Alessa." he said, "Before they chose Luca. Before they ripped you away from me."
I took another step back. "That's not true"
"Ask your father," he said simply. "Ask him who your hand was supposed to belong to."
My stomach twisted violently. He had to be lying.
"You-" I exhaled sharply, forcing my thoughts into order. "It doesn't matter now."
Nico's gaze darkened. "It does." he said, his voice sharp and bitter.
Then, just as suddenly, he exhaled and took a step back, like he had reined something in.
"You don't believe me," he mused, almost to himself. "That's alright. You will."
A noise sounded in the distance, footsteps against marble.
Luca.
I knew it was him before I even turned my head.
And so did Nico. A slow smirk curved his lips.
"I will be seeing you soon." he murmured, stepping back into the shadows, disappearing as quickly as he had appeared.
I stood there, my breath uneven, my heart pounding against my ribs.
I turned just as Luca came into view, his tall frame cutting through the dimly lit corridor with effortless dominance. His gaze locked onto me immediately.
Luca's fingers gripped my chin, tilting my face up to his, forcing me to meet his gaze. His eyes, dark, scanned my expression before flicking again to where Nico had disappeared then back to me.
His jaw clenched, his voice coming out low and sharp. "Is my wife a whore?"
The words cut through the air like a blade. I sucked in a breath, stunned by the accusation.
Luca's grip didn't tighten, didn't turn punishing but he held me there forcing me to look at him.
Anger flared in my chest, quick and burning, chasing away any lingering fear from my encounter with Nico.
I jerked my chin out of his grasp, my voice firm, "Luca how can you say that?"
Luca's expression didn't change. "You disappear for minutes and I find you alone in the hallway with someone." His voice was still low, quiet. More dangerous because of it.
I glared at him. "You didn't find me with anyone."
His eyes narrowed slightly. "Then why do you look guilty?"
I let out a sharp, humorless laugh. "Guilty? Of what exactly? Going to the bathroom?"
Luca took a slow breath running a hand down his face, turning away from me.
I didn't say another word.
I pushed past him, my shoulder brushing against his arm as I stepped away. I wouldn't let him see how much it hurt. But as I walked past, my fingers brushed against my cheek, wiping away a tear before it could fully fall.
Luca didn't stop me. He didn't say anything at all.
And somehow, that hurt more.