Chapter Thirty-Two
When I step out of the bathroom dressed and ready to go, Brittany's eyes go wide as soon as she sees me. Suddenly feeling self-conscious, I glance down over my choice of dress. The last message I received from Giovanni said cocktail attire. I thought this would be ok. My heart thuds hard in my chest as I use my arms as a shield, covering as much of myself as I can.
“Don't you dare! You are fucking hot as hell. Spin for me!” My cheeks heat but I do as she asks. Her eyes light up when I'm facing her again.
“How the hell did you even get that zipped all the way?” She asks motioning at the full-length zipper on the back of the dress. I laugh at the memory as I explain zipping it in front and turning it around so that I could put my arms in the sleeves. It's a curve hugging long sleeve cocktail dress I found in Tab's collection.
“I figured since we're nearing the end of October it would be best to wear something that covered at least a little bit of skin.” My lips curve as I pull the strap of the heel around my ankle before doing the same to the other side. “I really look ok?”
“You're going to be lucky if that man makes it through dinner before he fucks you. God damn woman.” She laughs at her crassness which only amuses me more.
Michael's eyes sparkle with pride when he sees me as I carefully cross the driveway to the car, still not used to heels, but the more I wear them, the easier they are to wear. My hands wrap around the beaded clutch that Tabs insisted on when I bought this dress as I approach the vehicle. His hand grips the door handle as he pulls it open so I can enter.
“You look beautiful. I know it hasn't been long since we were introduced, but I'm so proud of you. We all are, you've come so far already. I can't wait to see you shine, Nina.” Michael holds out his hand to help me slide into the car.
“Thank you, that means a lot.” I lift my gaze to meet his before I slide into my seat.
Our drive to the restaurant is quick. I'm staring out the driver’s side rear window lost in a day dream when the door next to me opens. My heart drops into my stomach as I let out a surprised gasp. When I look up to see Giovanni caging me in the car, I grin up at him as his eyes roam up and down my body.
“Are you going to help me out or are you going to stare all night?” My eyes gleam with mischief. He really is going to lose his mind when he gets a glimpse of the back of my dress.
Giovanni clears his throat and holds his hand out helping me to my feet. The building in front of us is hidden by so many trees, the windows are covered in ivy with the most beautiful pink flowers blooming along the walls. What is this place, I wonder as we approach a large white sign with beautiful black cursive lettering that answers my question. C'est La Vie. With his hand on the small of my back, he guides me across the sidewalk through the entrance of what appears to be a French restaurant.
As soon as we reach the hostess, she greets Giovanni like they're old friends and leads us to a table toward the back of the restaurant. When he gestures for me to walk ahead of him, I fight to stifle the giggle and add a little bounce to my step. I'm feeling so confident with this dress, it may become dangerous. My eyes dart around the room as I take in the limited number of people dining here tonight. When I take my seat and face him, the beautiful insightful man I've come to know so well answers before I can ask.
“I paid for half of the restaurant so you wouldn't have to deal with as much of a crowd.” His eyes crease at the corners as he smiles warmly at me while he helps me move my chair under the table. I was so overwhelmed by the building I didn't realize he's in a blue suit that matches my dress. Down to the silver - grey tie that matches my zipper. “You look stunning, and that dress is doing things to me that you will pay for later, Short Stack.” He winks before pressing a quick kiss to my red painted lips. My body melts into my chair as his words and that chaste kiss bathe me in anticipation. I inwardly groan knowing he's going to make the rest of the evening torturous.
Giovanni takes his place at the table across from me and motions for a server to come over. The man doesn't speak, but fills fancy tall glasses with a fizzy liquid I've never seen before. My expression must show my confusion.
“It's champagne, to hopefully celebrate –” he begins as he lifts my glass and hands it to me before taking his own. His glass gently clinks against mine before he takes a sip and I do the same, the feel of bubbles popping against my nose makes me jump just as the liquid reaches my tongue. My face contorts as I swallow the awful liquid, “Ok, so you're not a champagne person, we'll figure that out later when less is going on.” He chuckles as I glare at him.
“Why do people drink this?” I ask, lowering the glass back to the table as I exchange it for a glass of water. His broad shoulders shake with laughter as he takes another sip of the awful drink.
The server returns not long after and takes our order. I'm not exactly sure what is ordered because the menu is in French. I'm assured I'll like it, but raise a questioning brow at the man across from me considering what he just tricked me into drinking. He smiles and holds out his hand across the table for me to take, which of course I do.
“I have a reason for wanting to take you out tonight.” His lips twist into a sinful grin. “Last night was…” His words die as he stares at me as if he's reliving the events right now. My cheeks flush under his sinful gaze as he continues, “incredible. I haven't stopped thinking all day about how good you feel around me. I've been hard as stone since I had to leave you this morning.”
His gaze rakes across my chest as I take in deep breaths while he continues, confused by where this is going.
“I wanted to see how you were doing without any curious ears lurking around corners.” He smirks, “While the men work for me, if any of them thought that I hurt you or upset you, they'd take me out in an instant. You've got every single one of them smitten with you, Amore Mio. ” His fingers wrap around mine as he holds my trembling hand in his. “Hell, I'm so far gone for you, I'll leave a trail of bodies behind if anyone so much as takes a breath in your vicinity.”
Before I can form a response, a throat clears to the right of me. When I glance up to find my father's face, my body recoils. Fear, anger, anxiety, and pain are just a few of the emotions that the man's presence elicits.
“Nina, It's nice to see you. Can we chat?” His gaze trails to Giovanni who is glaring daggers, “In private.”
My body is incapable of moving even if I wanted to, when I sense the rage boiling under his skin, I turn to my father. And for the first time, I'm not worried about repercussions of not giving in to what he wants.
“No, anything you'd like to say to me you can say in front of Giovanni. He knows everything. Every. Thing.” My hatred for my own flesh and blood is something I never expected, but as I've learned the truth after the time with the only family that has ever actually treated me as such, I'm done. Done just rolling over and doing what I'm told. I'm not his prisoner any longer.
“You stupid little,” He begins to raise his hand to hit me. Before the appendage reaches halfway up his torso, Giovanni stands and takes hold of my father. I can't see my father’s face any longer, for which I’m grateful. However, the words that come out of the man I care so deeply for send a chill of excitement through me.
“If you speak to or treat her with any kind of disrespect again, I will slit your throat and feed you your own windpipe before your body even has a chance to reach the ground. Do you understand me, you slimy mother fucker?”
My father’s intense glare is locked on Giovanni when he speaks again.
“This isn’t over. I’ll see you soon, kid.” Before he disappears from our table, he makes it a point to drag his hand through his hair in a way that he used to taunt me with. I was never sure if he was going to hit me when he did this. However, for the first time in years, I don’t flinch at the action.