I would go to the party, eat and drink, and smile in all the right places. I would stand at his side and let them believe the lie. And then I would retreat to my room where, in the cover of darkness, I would allow myself a moment to break.
This time, when he touched the small of my back and pressed his body up close behind mine, I didn’t panic. I simply held my head high, rolled back my shoulders, and took a deep breath.
I could do this.
I would do this.
Because I was Arianne Capizola. I was my father’s daughter.
And tonight, I would bow for no one.
The Gold Star Hotel was an opulent place decked out in rich gold and warm beige. But the Michelangelo Suite was the showstopper. A huge room with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling sash windows, it overlooked a perfectly trimmed lawn leading to a small lake. Two identical crystal chandeliers hung over the round tables. The chairs were wrapped in beige and gold bows and each table had a candelabra centerpiece woven with fresh gold-tinted roses. It was ostentatious. A dinner fit for a king.
And exactly the kind of thing I’d expected.
“You’re shaking,” Scott said as we stepped into the room. No one paid us much attention at first but then the whispers started.
“There you are.” Mike Fascini spotted us and made his way over.
“Son, you’re looking very smart, and Arianne...” He gave me the once over before he leaned in to whisper, “My son is a very lucky man. Shall we?”
Mike motioned to the table at the front of the room. I spotted my parents and Suzanna Fascini, and Nora and her date, Dan. It felt like everyone was watching. Maybe they were. I didn’t let my gaze waver to check. I kept focused on Nora who was giving me a reassuring smile, her knowing gaze silently saying, ‘you’ve got this’.
“Mio tesoro.” My father stood, coming around to greet us. He took my face in his hands, gazing at me with such reverie I felt winded. “You look...” He swallowed hard, almost choking over the words.
It gave me an odd sense of satisfaction to see him so uncomfortable.
That makes two of us, Father. I gently shrugged out of his hold and bypassed him to reach my mother.
“Arianne, mia cara. The dress is perfection on you.” She gave me a sly wink and I frowned. Did she know Scott had requested I wear the silver dress?
I got my answer when Suzanna Fascini greeted me. “Arianne, you look amazing. Did the silver dress not fit well?” She cocked a brow.
“I preferred the emerald.” I shot her a saccharine smile before taking my seat. Unfortunately, we were seated male, female, male, female, so I wasn’t directly next to Nora. But Dan was between us and she wasted no time sliding her hand over his lap to gently squeeze mine.
“Are you okay?” She mouthed, and I nodded.
Scott took his seat beside me just as Mike Fascini took to the stage. He unclipped the mic from its stand. “Good evening, everyone,” his voice echoed through the grand room. “It’s so endearing to see so many of our friends and colleagues gathered for a night of celebration. But before we get to all that, eat, drink, and enjoy good company. Cheers.” He lifted his glass and the room repeated the word back at him.
An army of servers burst from a swing door carrying trays of appetizers, the rich smell of tomato and garlic filling the air.
“Wine?” Scott gently brushed my arm. The knot in my stomach twisted.
I glanced to Nora and she held up her own, reassuring me it was safe.
But I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t let him pour me a drink.
Laying my hand on Dan’s arm, I smiled up at him. “Could you pour me a glass of the red, please?”
“Hmm, sure.” His brows knitted as he glanced between me and Scott, who was still holding a bottle.
“Thank you.” I lifted my glass toward Scott. “I’m good, thanks.”
He snarled, his heavy hand landing on my thigh beneath the table. I went rigid, forcing myself to breathe. “Don’t play games with me, not tonight.” He whispered out of the side of his mouth.
“Get your hands off me.” I pushed him away, resisting the urge to break his finger.
A plate of food was placed in front of me and I thanked the server. It looked delicious. Tomato and basil bruschetta with a balsamic jus. But my appetite was back in my