Filed to story: No Escape From The Mafia Kings Embrace
“Why?”, I asked, also sweeping my eyes over the faces in the crowd. “I know the majority of these men”, she said nervously. Jealousy flared in my chest, “How?”, I asked sharply, turning to look at her head, on. My body had already moved to pin her against the side of the limo. Mara could tell what she said made something ugly come alive inside of me, because her eyes turned to me in fear, before they softened, in understand. “My mom owes them money, or owed. I don’t really keep track of their status anymore”, she explained softly, placing her hand on my chest, over my heart.
The envy that gripped at me so quickly, slipped away with the same gusto, only leaving guilt in its wake. I know she is a virgin, I know her social status in this world, and I know what kind of girl she is. I should never have assumed she knew any of these men sexually, which is right where my mind went. Now, I feel like a total fucking ass.
Luca’s POV
My facial features softened as I reached up and touched her chin. “I’m sorry, piccola. I was wrong for that. I’ll be with you the whole time. Rex and Cal are here, too. No worries, bambina. Your mother’s debts are not your own”, I said, softly, bringing my face close to hers. My goal was to get a kiss before we went in. However, her next words stopped me. “They still know me, Luca”, she pouted.
My hand traveled from her face to the back of her neck, to grip her tightly. “Good, and after tonight, they will know you’re mine”, I growled. I pulled her in, capturing her lips in a heated kiss. Her hands immediately went to the inside of my open jacket, grabbing my sides firmly. I love how her body automaticallymelts into mine, no matter where we are, or who we are with.
“You are with me, bambina. You are safe. Say it”, I ordered in a murmur, once I broke the kiss. Mara’s lips parted as she took a deep breath. “I’m with you, I am safe”, she uttered. You could tell it was something she was trying to tell herself. That she didn’t fully believe in herself, but wanted to.
I smiled softly and kissed her forehead before holding my elbow out for her to take. “Come with me, amore mia. Let me show you a good time”, I winked flirtaciously. Mara blushed and smiled softly as she took the crook of my arm. I walked side by side with my gorgeous wife, down the walkway towards the entrance of the building. She held her head high, but gripped my arm deathly, as any eyes that were present turned towards us.
I could see surprise and jealousy in their eyes. The women are jealous because I am taken and officially off the market, the men are surprised by the woman on my side. I’m glad she told me about knowing so many of these men. It better prepared me for the looks we are receiving. It’s almost as if the men smile in mockery at her, like she was a mouse caught by a cat, or a little rabbit finally caught by the big bad wolf.
It makes me want to snap their necks for even looking in her direction. They show no respect for her. But, after tonight, they will no longer know her as ‘ Sherry Marcio’s daughter, but as Marabella Barello, Luca Barello’s wife’.
The inside of the hall was decorated in silver and red. That was the reason for the dress selection that I arranged for Mara. I’m actually really glad she chose the dress that she did, because it was also my pick out of all of them. And it looks so more fantastic on her than I could have ever imagined.
Chatter filled the Grande hall, quieting as we entered. The sea of people parted to let us pass through. Faces contorted into surprise, fury, mockery, and envy as we passed them. Whispers filled the small spaces between the bodies. But I ignored them as I took Mara straight through them to the dance floor.
‘Get you the moon’ by Kina, was playing as I took her into my arms and started to lead her around the floor. “Luca, we have not practiced at all. They are staring”, she protested, pure fear swirled in her eyes, and her voice portrayed her nervousness. I chuckled, “I know they are staring, principessa. But ignore them and focus on me. Feel the music and feel me, bambina. You will do great, I promise”, I encouraged her.
Mara’s breath stuttered as she looked up and locked eyes with me. “How do you do this?”, she asked, softly. She peaked around at the gawking crowd. I tugged her a bit closer to me and chuckled sheepishly. “Well, honestly, I’ve never been on the dance floor with anyone before. So, this is also new to me. But, having you in my arms, helps with that”, I whispered.
Mara chuckled nervously, “Okay, then talk to me, please. Get my mind off of this”, she pleaded. “Okay, bambina. What do you want to know?”, I asked, softly, as I twirled her around and pulled her back to me. “Who are all of these people? I get this is an elite event. But, who are they?”, she asked quietly. “They are the most powerful people in the city. Its backing, its funds and support”, I explained.
Mara nodded, “So, is this a fund raiser for the city or something?”, she asked, curiously, her eyes momentarily sweeping over my lips. I smirked, “It is. Over there is the Mayor”, I said, gesturing to the side with my head at an older, short man with glasses, who stared at us enviously. Mara glanced at him before looking back at me with a deep frown, “Ew, he doesn’t look happy”, she whispered.
I chuckled and kissed her nose before spinning her around, and pulling her back to my chest, my hand was flat on her stomach. “That’s the chef of police. Real dick head if you ask me”, I murmured in her ear, her eyes focused on the man in a navy blue suit. He was positioned a ways in front of us, but he stared at us with contempt. He obviously don’t like me.
I spun Mara back around to face me. “I can see why you say that”, she agreed, making me laugh softly. “You’ve already made this event better”, I said, cheerily. I don’t think I’ve ever smiled at one of these. Not a genuine smile at least, and I sure as hell don’t remember laughing.
“I don’t know how”, she uttered, as she looked down at our feet. “Just by being here, baby girl”, I whispered, as I kissed her temple. She released a steadying breath, as her eyes came back up to meet mine. Our dance continued smoothly, her movements matching mine perfectly, as if our bodies had been dancing the same dance for years. “I told you that you would do amazing, didn’t I, piccola?”, I asked softly. She mumbled under her breath, making me chuckle. “I’m sorry. What was that, principessa? I didn’t quite hear you?”, I teased, squeezing her hip, playfully. “Shh, you are going to distract me”, she scolded.
