Finding Beauty in the Darkness - Nikki Ash Page 0,47
heels clacking against the marble floor as she goes. “We can discuss this later. I have a business dinner I need to go to. I wanted to see if you’d like to join me. My brother has decided to take a date for once and is inviting your friend.”
“Are you asking me to join you so you aren’t the only one without a date?” I ask, just to give him a hard time because it’s fun messing with Gio.
“What?” He runs his hands over his face in frustration. “No, that’s not what I meant.”
“Whatever, I guess I’ll go.” I shrug, but inside I’m giddy. A night out with Gio makes me feel all tingly inside.
“Great. Since it’s last minute, can Aria borrow something from one of you?” he asks Sienna and Natalie.
“Absolutely! They both can.” The girls grab Amber and me by our arms and rush us up to their room they share on the second floor. There’s enough rooms in the club for each girl to have their own room but they choose to share.
After hours of pampering and primping—courtesy of Natalie and Sienna—Amber, Nico, Gio, and I are on our way to the function in a limo. Gio and Nico are both dressed to the nines in tuxes that fit them like they were designed just for them. Gio’s hair is gelled similar to Nico’s, making them look even more like the siblings they are. While I prefer his hair messy, his hair gelled like this makes him look like a sexy, powerful businessman.
“What?” He eyes me curiously.
“I like your hair gelled almost as much as I like it messy.”
Gio grins devilishly at my compliment.
“So, what kind of dinner is this?” I ask.
“It’s a charity function. The owners of the major resorts in the area get invited every year. I usually give a check and don’t attend, but there’s someone that’s going to be there I want to see.”
“A friend?”
“More like an acquaintance.” Gio and Nico share a look that tells me whoever he’s going to meet isn’t one he would consider a friend in any way.
“What if someone recognizes me here?”
“Doesn’t matter. Weston knows you’re with me. You’re staying with me so I can ensure your safety until we figure out what he’s up to. Being seen in public only means he looks like an idiot when he says he’s away looking for you.” He shrugs. “Just don’t leave my side. Rome and Caesar are already there and will be watching you.”
We arrive to the event and I’m shocked as to how many people are here. It’s being held in a hotel ballroom and is decorated for spring. It gives off a garden feel with colorful butterflies and flowers everywhere. The linens are cream with pastel lining. It’s absolutely breathtaking and magical.
Nico and Amber take off in one direction while Gio pulls me in another. We’re stopped several times by people who all seem to know Gio. They discuss hotel politics, ask how his mom is doing, some ask how his brother is doing in Italy, and a few men ask about La Stella’s, the gentleman’s club. I wonder how many of these men belong to the club and then I wonder if anyone will assume I’m one of the women who works for him.
Quite a few women stop Gio to talk as well. Several pretend like I’m not on his arm and flirt with him. He doesn’t flirt back, though. He’s polite and cordial, and his smile never falters, but from spending so much time with him, I know it’s an act.
“Would you like a drink?” he asks when we get a moment to ourselves.
“Yes, please.”
“What would you like?”
“Surprise me.”
He nods and walks not even twenty feet away to get our drinks. I’m watching him stand at the bar ordering our drinks when I feel a hand run down my arm. I jump at the touch, backing up.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I saw you from across the room and had to tell you that you’re simply divine.”
My eyes roll up to my forehead in my mind, but on the outside, I smile, not knowing if this man is a business associate of Gio’s.
“Thank you.”
“My name is Sebastian Lorenzo.” He takes my hand and brings it up to his lips for a kiss. It reminds me of when I met Caesar and he did the same thing, only where Caesar’s approach was playful, this guy comes off as slimy. It takes everything in