Chapter 27 Little Red Dress
Little Red Dress
I stare at the little red dress hanging on the bathroom door.
The mirror is covered in steam from Leo’s shower.
Both of us are preparing to meet Vincenzo Renaldi tonight at his night club, Mezzanotte.
Him choosing his own territory wasn’t a surprise, neither was the late meeting.
It was Leo suggesting I come with him that shocked me the most today.
The raiding of Roger’s house and finding empty, bloody freezers was not a shock. So now we’re missing a dead detective’s body, sans a head. Still nothing on how or who smuggled the head into Italy.
I use a towel to dry my hair a bit more before attempting to fight with my make-up once again. I wasn’t opposed in going and would’ve argued to go with him. It’s the whole going back into the nightclub scene that causes a worried shiver.
Leo’s words from earlier today, echo in my head, “I’d feel safer with my wife alongside me.”
Was it for his own sake? To be less nervous about tonight or did he think it’d be dangerous for me to stay here? I shake off the questions, knowing it’s likely both. Or he could be worried about a meteor hitting the earth for all I know.
The shower turns off. My eyes flick to the dress again as nerves jumble. Leo comes up behind me, wrapping his arms around me wearing only a towel tied around his waist.
“You don’t have to wear that dress if it’s too revealing, Autumn,” Leo whispers against my ear. “Other dresses you bought will work just as well.”
“If we want to lean into the gold-digger narrative or for me not to be perceived as a threat, then I do need to wear it.”
My gaze moves to the mirror in front of us. It’s covered in steam, but I can still see the irritation on his face.
“I’ve done this before, I can do it again,” I add. “And I have you this time.”
For a moment, we just stare at each other through the mirror. He turns me around to face him, cupping my face as I watch water drip from his hair.
“You are my wife, who is cunning and smart. Remember that if at any point you’re made to feel lesser than tonight.” He kisses me fiercely as my hands land upon his chest. He releases me, placing another kiss upon my cheek, and then grabs another towel. “I’ll leave you be to get ready.”
Leo steps out, closing the door behind him.
I sigh, shaking off the nerves as I finish getting ready.
I stick with simple make-up but darken my eyes a little.
No jewelry except my engagement ring. Spraying my hair into place, I finally pull on the dress and then some strappy silver heels.
My hands smooth over the short dress as I look at myself in the mirror once more.
It’s a shimmery, bold red with a cowl neck top and diamond encrusted straps.
The material doesn’t quite cling to my body, helping hide the skintight shorts I wear underneath.
The hem of the dress hits just above mid-thigh.
For a moment, I stare at myself and almost see the woman who dressed like this to get into nightclubs undercover.
So much of my skin is showing, I practically feel naked, making me swallow hard. The loud color also makes me stand out.
“Just play pretend,” I whisper to myself. “Another role. You can do this. Just the…mafia boss fiancé.”
After one more nod and pep talk, I walk out of the bathroom as Leo puts on his wristwatch.
He didn’t shave, giving him a darkened shadow upon his jaw which matches with his dark attire.
His dress shirt is deep maroon and silk material, more buttons are undone than usual, providing a good view of his colorful chest tattoos.
He’s the perfect picture of a stereotypical, playboy mob boss. And it’s hot.
A blush comes over me. My breathing becomes shallow as I stare. All nerves out the window. I may never, ever truly get used to the sight of Leo and how handsome he is. Clothed or naked. Didn’t matter.
I blink, suddenly realizing Leo’s staring at me as well. His own eyes drag over my body, smoldering with desire that makes my body heat with awareness. Ohhh…fuck, we haven’t even left yet.
My eyes flick to his lips, where his tongue drags over his bottom lip.
Vincenzo who? Where are we going again?
Leo comes closer, grabbing my hand and kisses my wrist. He won’t be wearing his wedding band either and suddenly I really want him to.
He murmurs against my skin, “If anyone stares at you too long, I’m taking their eyes out.”
I sputter out a laugh as he leads me out of the bedroom. He wouldn’t. Right?
We come out to the suite where Owen waits along with Michael.
Our extra security arrived this morning.
And of course, Isaac sent Michael, which made me happy, but also the lovely, quiet Igor and another man, Garett.
Igor and Garett will be posted just down the street from the club, who will be under Animal’s charge.
I somewhat believe Leo’s threat of taking eyes when both men only glance at me for a moment. Michael, however, looks kinda terrified.
We head down to the lobby and get into the car where Rudy waits.
Owen and Michael get into another car that’ll follow.
All of them are dressed in dark attire, looking like professional mobsters.
As we drive through Rome, the city feels less recognizable as we get closer to Mezzanotte.
It’s not long before we arrive, and there’s a crowd out front as we pull up.
I stare out at the people, familiar nerves coming forth.
I remind myself how I navigated this world. And I was good at it.
Leo starts to get out of the car, but I grab his hand. “Wait.”
He glances at Rudy, and nods for him to leave as he shuts his door. “If you’re having second—”
“Will you follow my lead until Vincenzo meets with us?”
“Until?”
“From what you told me, he’ll posture, even with you, right?” He pauses, but nods. “Did he give specific instructions on this meeting?”
“Just to inform his staff when we arrive.”
I purse my lips, glimpsing out the window as people shout.
“When we get inside, inform one of his bartenders we’re here,” I say, looking back at him. “Then wait until I gesture to go to the dancefloor. Together. We stay there until he sends someone.”
Leo’s brows are still furrowed, tilting his head at me.
“We make ourselves not look desperate,” I explain. “Waiting for him at the bar or simply standing around, he’ll use it as a way to control your mood and the meeting outcome. So, we pretend like we don’t care when or if he does meet with you.”
“And if he sees it as a slight, and cancels it?”
“He won’t,” I say confidently. “He won’t say no after seeing us together, because he’s gonna want to meet the woman who’s caused such an uproar in your family. Not to mention, it’ll be out of character for you, mixing pleasure with business.”
“Which will intrigue him more.” I nod, hoping he’ll go with this.
He looks outside, brows furrowed in thought. Finally, Leo smiles devilishly like I’ve given him another idea, before kissing my cheek. “Alright, dear Watson.”
Anticipation mixes with nerves as he gets out of the car, then lets me out.
Loud bass and shouts hit my ears, and I swallow hard as I’m flung back to those long past days.
I focus on Leo as he clutches my hand, and then places it at my back before he leans down to instruct, “Do not leave my side, if you do, Rudy follows you. Michael and Owen will roam the club.”
I nod, putting on a face that’s happy to be here, even as people yell as we skip the line.
We approach the bouncers at the main entrance, and they nod to Rudy.
I swear one of them flinches when Leo looks at him.
Instantly, we’re let into the club of flashing lights that spill out the doors and high windows.
Tension ripples over my body, warning signals going off as we enter Mezzanotte.
Eyes adjusting to the neon blue and pink haze, I look up and realize it’s three stories.
There’s a large open space for dancing, bordered by multiple bars.
There are two glass public elevators in the back, where people dance and make out.
Everything is glass or imitates it. The next two floors you can see into, open for those above to watch below.
Both upper levels have glass railings, circling the club, the only thing between you and falling to the floor.
The second floor seems close to forty-fifty feet high.
Techno music reverberates, pulsing in my ears as I flick my gaze around when Owen and Michael part from us.
Unease twists as Leo guides us to one of the less busy bars in the back.
Follow the plan. Observe. Where is everything?
I glance to the back, seeing some stairs to a hallway.
There are public stages with poles, where quite a few girls attempt to dance on.
I clock where the bathrooms are due to the amount of girls leaving and returning.
Bouncers intermingle with the crowd, wearing suits.
They almost look identical to our own bodyguards.
Mobsters are consistent with attire, gotta give them that.
We get to the bar, passing a group of women who eye Leo and laugh with each other. Some grab drinks as Rudy catches the bartender’s attention, speaking with him and the guy looks up at the other floors and then nods. He calls over one of the bouncers as Rudy comes back to speak with Leo.
They talk as I scan the club. Most of the women are dressed in less than me, wearing bikini tops or mini skirts.
The men are all similar with half opened shirts or mesh tops.
Good to know we blend in. The music changes and I straighten, stomach twisting as I try to keep my expression bored and unperturbed by the club scene.
A woman with long blonde hair and a tiny tube top comes over for a drink, eyeing Leo and licks her teeth. I step closer, putting my hand upon his chest as I dip my fingers under his shirt. I glare at her, and she scoffs before walking away.