them run over Scott’s chest. His lip curled in a knowing smirk, causing a deep shudder to roll through me. They were being so blatant.
It was disgusting.
“Perhaps, you should stay?” I suggested. “I’m sure Layla would like that.”
Dale started choking as his girlfriend narrowed her eyes at me. Scott merely chuckled, grabbing my hand in his. “Jealous, love?”
I pressed my lips into a thin line.
Breathe. Just breathe.
“It’s such an unattractive quality, don’t you think?” Kayla sneered.
“Now, now ladies.” Dale let out a strained laugh. “Let’s put the claws away. Rest assured, Ari, this one knows who she belongs to.” Kayla yelped and I could only assume Dale had pinched or smacked her butt.
“Well, it was nice to meet you.” I started to pull away from Scott, silently praying he wouldn’t fight me on it.
“I’m sure we’ll be seeing you again.” Dale winked, a knowing glint in his eye.
Oh God, did he know? Had Scott already told him about the engagement?
“Enjoy the rest of your night,” I said, not sticking around to hear Scott’s parting words. I needed to get out of here.
Now.
Luis approached me, silently asking me if I was okay. I pursued my lips, nodding. “Come on,” he said. “Let’s get you home.” Luis pulled open the door just as Scott caught up with us.
“Vitelli, you can drive.” He thrust his keys at Luis.
“Maybe I should call for a car?”
“Worried you can’t handle her?”
Luis’ expression tightened. “I’ll drive. But you need to figure out how you’re going to get home from La Stella.”
“Maybe I’ll stay over?” Scott smirked in my direction.
I didn’t dignify his suggestion with an answer, slipping past him and leaving the restaurant. The cool air instantly hit me, and I inhaled a deep breath in a desperate attempt to temper the storm raging inside me.
“You need to learn your place.” Scott moved beside me, placing his hand on the small of my back. The intimate action was like a knife to the stomach. “Dale Manzello is a good friend and a respected businessman. It wouldn’t hurt you to show a little respect.”
“Like Kayla was showing you so much respect?” I all but spat the words.
“Careful, Principessa, I might mistake your venom for jealousy.”
I swallowed a groan.
“This is fun.” Scott dipped his head to my ear, his touch growing firmer. “It’s going to be so fucking sweet watching you kneel at my feet.”
My fingers curled into fists so tight my nails began to cut my skin.
“The car.” Luis cleared his throat and I used the moment to my advantage, stepping away from Scott and toward my bodyguard.
“Thank you,” I said as he opened the passenger side door. But Scott cut across my body, preventing my access.
“I think Ari and I will sit in the back, together.” His hand brushed my waist, lingering on the curve of my butt. “After all, we have so much reacquainting to do.” He leaned in, his breath hitting my face, his mouth so close I could almost taste the whisky on his tongue.
My vision began to blur, a crippling wave of nausea crashing over me.
“Arianne,” someone yelled as I reached out for something—anything. But it was too late. The world began to tilt, the black abyss swallowing me whole.
“Arianne?” Luis’ concerned expression filled my vision. “Meno male!”
“W- what happened?”
“You fainted.” He crouched down beside me. We were still on the sidewalk, a crowd of people gathered around all wearing similar expressions of concern.
“Here,” someone thrust a bottle of water at me. “You should drink something until the EMTs arrive.”
“EM—no.” I lifted a hand, swaying slightly as everything started to spin again. “I’m fine, thank you.”
“Arianne, baby, thank God.” Scott burst through the crowd. “I was worried sick.”
“Luis.” I clutched my bodyguard’s arm, confusion muddying my thoughts. “I want to go home,” I whispered.
“The car should be here any second.”
“Now hang on a minute.” Scott began to interject, but Luis straightened to his full height and the two of them had a silent conversation while a kind-faced woman gently patted my hand.
“Is it the baby?”
“Excuse me?” I sat upright.
“Oh, I’m so sorry.” Guilt flashed in her eyes. “I thought... early pregnancy knocked me off my feet more times than I can count.”
“I’m not pregnant.” I suppressed a shudder.
“Did you eat?”
“I’m fine. I just got a little overwhelmed.”
She nodded, offering me a sympathetic smile. “Your fiancé was so concerned. It really was very sweet. And your uncle, he seemed—”
“Uncle?”
“Is he not—”
“Arianne.” Luis loomed over us. “The car is here.”