Page 37 of Wicked Games of Desire

I want to tell him where to shove his possessiveness, but I refrain, knowing I’m already in over my head tonight. And Ricky is probably right, I need to just nod and keep my mouth shut.

The many staff in the foyer greet the four of us, taking our coats and instructing us to proceed to the patio at the back. As we enter the grand hall, the delicate strains of a string quartet float through the air, Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings echoing off the marble walls. The music is hauntingly beautiful. I suck in a sharp breath when we arrive on the patio. The atmosphere is truly awe-inspiring. No cost has been spared in organizing the most extravagant party imaginable. Trees are adorned with twinkling lights, and flowers in soft pinks and yellows drape from massive vases, their opulence outshining even the guests decked out in suits and designer gowns.

“Is that an ice sculpture?” I gasp.

“Valentina Moretti likes to throw a lavish party,” Maddox says when he notices my reaction.

There would have to be over a hundred guests mingling on the perfectly manicured lawn and sandstone patio. Who the hell are they all? “Are we late?” I mutter, wondering why there are so many people here already if we’re the guests of honor. But none of them answer me. They’re distracted.

Alessandro’s demeanor has shifted substantially, his face hardened and his posture straight. He hardly resembles the person he is when he’s with me. Maddox looks like he’s on high alert as well, his eyes shifting around the place as Ricky moves in closer to my side. I feel their protection, and for once, I welcome it. I don’t want to be here, but having the three of them by my side feels like the only way I will survive tonight.

Alessandro appears to have found the person he was searching for and leads me down the stairs toward them. Strangely, I find comfort in having his hand on my lower back.

As we approach, an older man in a well-tailored black suit observes us attentively. The attractive raven-haired woman standing next tohim is engaged in a lively conversation with another woman, but when he tugs on her hand, her attention comes to us immediately.

“My boys are home.” Bursting with enthusiasm, she showers Maddox with an embrace, then moves on to Ricky, and finally Alex. She lingers with him longer, whispering something to him, and he gives a subtle nod.

“This is Harley Havardi, my soon-to-be wife.” He introduces me with a genuine warmth I didn’t expect, making this all feel more real than I know it is, but I guess I was someone to him once. Or I thought I was.

The charming woman takes hold of my hand delicately and draws me into a tender hug, followed by Alex’s father, who just takes my hand and makes it damn obvious he’s running his piercing gaze over every inch of me. He’s a large man, using his tall stature to project power and a sense of intimidation I expected from someone as wealthy and well-respected as he is. I half expect him to turn me away and say this one won’t do. Instead, he kisses my hand and nods at Alessandro in greeting.

His mother makes an obvious show of taking me in, making me feel awfully self-conscious. “Well, aren’t you just an adorable little thing? I can see why my son has taken such a liking to you in a such a short time. Very pretty indeed.”

I blush and offer a half smile, feeling awkward as hell under her unwanted attention. “Thank you,” I mutter, not sure what else to say, but her comment makes me wonder what Alessandro has told her about our relationship.

“Come on.” She extends her hand to me. “Alessandro can handle being alone for ten minutes, I’m sure. I want to show you off.”

Not show me around and introduce me to people, no, she wants to show me off like I’m a new piece of expensive jewelry she’s justacquired. And I know that’s all I am to this family. She doesn’t even hide it. I glance back at the boys before accepting her offer, feeling strangely odd to be away from them.

Ricky smirks like somehow this is amusing.

Alessandro nods, giving me the okay. “I have a few things I need to discuss with my father. Go make friends before we have our meal.”

Reluctantly, I take her hand, not feeling like I have any choice in the matter.

As I expected, she parades me around, introducing me to high profile friends and family: a Dr Northgate and his wife Susanne, Mayor Chambly and his wife Connie, and Police Commissioner Palmer and his wife Julia. It seems our engagement is big news for this town and its people if the police commissioner and mayor are in attendance. Whenever a server walks by with a tray of champagne, she helps herself to a glass; the woman can drink, I’ll give her that. I sit on one, sipping quietly, for nothing else but to have something to do while on show. I made a promise to myself to stay sober, but the thought of having just one drink seems harmless enough.

The entire way around the lawn, I can feel Maddox’s eyes on me. Alessandro and Ricky both stayed with Mr. Moretti and seem to be locked in an intense conversation, that has the vein in Alessandro’s neck ticking and his fists clenched. But Maddox shadows us. Never more than a few feet from me at any time. It should fill me with reassurance, but it doesn’t. Why does he need to watch over me here? Is he still worried I will make a run for it like back at the club? Or is he aware of a bigger threat here tonight?

When we are finally alone, Valentina looks at me and holds my hand. “I trust my sons are treating you kindly.”

I nod and smile, trying to avoid actually lying to her face. But what would she like to hear? How they got me shot, then they locked meup, or how each of them has taken a turn in driving me wild in the best way possible? Or is she already aware of our extremely unconventional relationship? She seemed close to the three of them, but it could have all been for show. None of them strike me as the type to be mommy’s boys.

“I understand that the thought of marrying into the Moretti family can be intimidating, especially given the short time you’ve had to think about this proposal, but look at me. I’m blissfully happy and married to Enzo for thirty-five years.”

With caution, I observe her, unsure of the appropriate reaction. “How do you live with all the secrets? Or does your husband tell you what he’s up to?”

Her eyes reveal the criticism she holds as she regards me with a condescending look, and I know I have asked the wrong question. “Why would I care to know, sweetheart? I have everything I need. A man who takes care of me so I can live the life of luxury. I don’t ask questions, dear, and you shouldn’t either. Just enjoy his money.”

I can’t help but roll my eyes. Yuck. “Sit quietly and look pretty. Is that what you’re telling me? I’m not that girl.” I exhale heavily, unable to hide my disgust.

Her sour look tells me all I need to know; she won’t be someone I can confide in. Here I am. I’ve only said a few words to the woman, and she already hates me. I can feel it. I knew tonight was going to be a bad idea, but I can’t be the person she wants me to be. I’m not some man’s arm candy. She forces a smile. “You will learn.” She keeps her sickly-sweet smile intact, but her words are not in any way kind.

I pull my hand out of her tight grip. “Can you please tell me where the bathroom is?” I ask, needing to get away from her before I tell her what I really think of her backward way of thinking and her messed-up family situation.

“Maddox can show you.” She motions for him to join us. “Show Harley to the bathroom, please, dear.”

Like a good boy, he steps in line with me and guides me up the stairs.

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