Page 32 of Silent Night with Massimo

And, I guess, it will take just as long for Massimo to accept me, too.

Just because he wanted to be with me last night doesn't mean things are the way they used to be. There's still so much unresolved between us, so much history weighing us down.

But despite everything, my heart aches for him. It's always been him, and no matter what happened, I can't deny how much I still want to be with him.

I get dressed and head downstairs to where everyone ishaving breakfast. It's a heavy atmosphere and people are mostly just eating in silence.

The kids are still rushing around, unaware of what happened last night. The Christmas lights are still shining, and the snow is still falling softly against the window. But the atmosphere is tense and cold instead of warm with holiday spirits.

Adrian and Massimo are talking quietly between themselves. "Do we ask the rest of the family not to attend the Winter Ball?" Adrian asks.

"No, we will all attend as usual. The Winter Ball is neutral territory. They can't be stupid enough to try something there."

"Hmph." Adrian huffs, not as convinced as Massimo.

I sit down next to them. Adrian eyes me for a moment. Then he asks, "Did you get some rest?"

I frown a little, not used to him caring or being gentle towards me.

"I did, thank you," I say with caution.

"We are going to find your son, Vera," Adrian says calmly, then turns his face away from me.

I nod. "I know you will," I reply, trying to reassure myself.

By the time the sun sets and evening arrives, the temperature has dropped considerably. Some of the family has decided to skip the Winter Ball - the rest of us are ready and starting to climb into the waiting limousines to drive to the event.

Massimo looks divine, draped in his black, perfectlytailored suit. The crisp collar frames his strong jaw, and there's something undeniably powerful—almost dangerous—about the way he carries himself.

He's dark, commanding, and so fucking sexy that I'm struggling to keep my hands off him. Every glance he throws my way is like a physical touch, setting my skin on fire.

Meanwhile, I'm wrapped in a long, glittering red dress that clings to every curve. The deep slit up the front reveals flashes of my legs as I walk, and the shimmering fabric catches the light with every movement, accentuating my red stilettos. I feel his eyes on me, the tension between us electric.

Massimo's eyes are on me, tracing over my body. I can see he is as attracted to me as I am to him. But I remind myself that physical attraction is one thing - letting me back into his heart is a different story.

Massimo is holding my white faux fur coat. He slips it over my shoulders.

"You look divine." He says, leading me out of the house.

I climb into the limousine. Inside, Adrian and Elio are already seated. Adrian is partially glued to Elio's side. He is not letting him out of his site. Massimo and I sit opposite them and the drive to the Winter Ball is tense and silent.

Arriving at the event Massimo and I climb out of the limo, and he holds his arm out for me. I slip mine through his as we walk into the Winter Ball. It's like a magical Christmas wonderland inside. We drop our coats at the door and walk through an archway of glittering snowflakesmade of crystals. The entire venue is glowing and shining with diamond snow. Warm fires burn in all four corners and Christmas lights twinkle all around us.

I have always loved this event.

I've missed it.

But tonight - I'm not here to enjoy the party like everyone else is. I want to know where my son is.

Adrian keeps a tight grip on Elio. We are all waiting for him to reveal the truth. He isn't speaking much though and keeps telling us to wait.

Wait for what?

The tension increases as the hours roll by.

To keep up pretenses Massimo pulls me onto the dance floor.

"Keep your eyes open," he whispers, his breath warm against my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. His toned body presses firmly against mine, the heat between us building. His hand moves slowly, sliding lower, hovering just over the curve of my back, fingers barely grazing the skin above my ass.

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