Page 100 of The Virgin I Desire

“Thanks.”

Perla stretched her neck above our father's shoulder, and I saw her eyes scan the room, looking for where her fiancé might be.

My father stepped to the side and pulled my mother with him, revealing behind him two tall men with black masks, one blond and the other with dark hair. My sister's smile intensified, and I struggled to do something even remotely similar.

“Luca,” she whispered, taking a step forward.

“Hello, my bride.” The Sicilian bent down and kissed the back of her hand, bringing her towards him.

“Pietra...”

“Steven.” I raised my head and met his eyes when I realized that the suitor was talking to me.

My heart sank as I looked into blue eyes, but they weren't the blue eyes I wanted.

“You look beautiful.”

“Thanks.” I touched the white mask that covered the top part of my face, leaving only space for my eyes.

“I have something for you.” He reached into his pocket and took out a velvet box.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that Perla did a few little jumps in place, vibrating with anticipation, while I remained completely still, afraid of what he would show me, even though I knew very well what it was.

Inside the black box was a beautiful engagement ring.

I looked away and walked around the room looking for the man I really wanted. I wasn't sure if he would really be there, despite having called him, I knew how risky and dangerous it was. Then I finally found the pair of blue eyes that attracted me more than anything. I let out a deep sigh and finally really smiled since that party had started.

“Pietra...” Steven called me, and I noticed him in front of me again, with the engagement ring extended to me.

I alternated my gaze between him,and Mikhail mixed in among the people behind him.

“You look strange. Don't you like the ring?”

“Yes, I did.” I tried to compose myself when I realized that Steven had become irritated by my reaction.

Mikhail shook his head no and all I wanted was to run away.

“Pietra!” My father's voice came firmly, and I was forced to look at him.

“Hey.”

“The hand.”

I swallowed hard and with my father looking at me, I was forced to hold it out and hand it over to Steven to put on theengagement ring. He gently kissed the back of my hand and I had to force myself to smile.

I raised my head and looked for Mikhail again, but he was no longer in the same place. I moved my gaze from side to side by instinct to find him and ended up coming across my grandmother, who gave me a reprimanding expression.

“Pietra.” Steven called me again.

“Sorry.” I smiled at him again.

“You don't seem happy to have me here.”

“I'm still getting used to the idea.”

“You're not the only one, but I don't intend to be a nightmare for you. So you could smile a little more.”

“Sorry,” I said again.

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