Page 43 of Frayed Bonds

Natalia doesn’t usually like to tell people they’re related because she has, on a few occasions actually, had people pretend to get close to her, in hopes of getting closer to Leo.

“So, is Adriano bringing a date?” I ask, trying to make conversation.

Ambrose simply nods, the top of his hand running along the stubble that’s been growing out on his chin for the last few days.

“Are you okay? You seem..” I trail off, trying to find the right word. “Tense?”

“I am. It’s a major event in our industry, and the fact that Antonio and Augustus aren't here makes the whole evening a bit more…complicated.”

Reality clutches me by the throat and stops a breath in its tracks. I’ve spent the entire day running around, essentially playing dress up, not for a second considering how serious this could be for not only Ambrose, but for the entire company and myself as well.

This event will place me directly in the media’s spotlight and in the perfect location for Mattheo to see me.

I look over at him, he’s playing with the chain around his neck.

“So, where exactly is the dinner?”

He looks over at me wide-eyed. “So, you know about the CFP dinner, but you don't know where it’s held?”

I furrow my brows again, not realising just how big of a deal this is. “No, I don’t. I've also lived in Paris for the last six years of my life, so forgive me for not playing ‘Keeping Up with the Finance Bros.’”

A grin tugs at his lips now, his hand falling still on his lap.

“Well, sweetheart, I thought you'd do more research before jumping at the chance to be my date.”

“Technically, the only jumping I want to do is off a cliff, but you are rather good at bribery.”

The grin spreads into a smile. “Touché, sweetheart.”

“Besides, I did do my homework. The CFP annual dinner is essentially where a bunch of rich guys meet up to show off to other rich guys, and at the end of the night, they all donate money to a charity of a rich guy’s choosing.”

“Yes–I guess that’s exactly what it is.” Ambrose frowns slightly before he bursts out laughing. “We aren’t going to show off though, we’re going to secure investors and the only way to do that is to kiss their ass.”

“So, if you're going to be kissing ass all night, why am I here?”

His eyes cast over to me and trails down my entire body. “Well, I do have to show off a little, I’m the CEO of Vitale Holdings after all.”

“And this has nothing to do with falling stocks due to your ever-changing love life?” I know it isn’t something I should have brought up because there’s only one way I would possibly know that.

“I swear with Antonio in my house, I may as well have a direct line to the media.”

I chew on the inside of my cheek, and my entire face heats up from embarrassment. I’d rather have him think Antonio cannot keep secrets, than ever let him know the real reason I know is because Karyn and I spent the entire evening last night doing a deep dive on all things Ambrose Vitale.

Let’s just say in the last ten years Ambrose has been everything but a stable CEO that people would want to invest into. Between the parties, the girls, and that one criminal charge in London, I’m not surprised Vitale Holdings is struggling to secure investors.

“Your brother’s inability to keep a secret aside, you still haven't told me where we’re going.”

“I don’t have to.” My eyes snap up to the sudden roar of noise surrounding us, and I notice the swarm of paparazzi. “We’re here.”

Ambrose straightens his suit jacket, gives me one final look, a flash of his perfect smile and steps out of the car.

Between the noise, the flashes of light and the heat pooling in between my legs from his smile alone, I’m frozen in my spot. No common sense willing me to move until my door is opened and Ambrose is staring at me now, with concern lacing his features.

“It’ll be okay, sweetheart. Just take my hand and smile.”

I place my hand in his and he guides me out of the car. Before I’m even fully on my feet his security team flanks us as we head towards the start of the red carpet.

Great, there goes any chance of escaping.

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