Page 33 of Ludovico's Vengeance

You'll have to wait a little longer, don’t worry we’ll still have plenty of time for me to demonstrate exactly what I have in mind when we get home. I'm taking you to dinner first. Be ready to leave by seven.

His response is immediate and the words have me clenching my thighs together. How is it that such simple words can have me on the edge of my seat with excitement and need.

I groan quietly to myself before I shove my phone back into the pocket of my jeans. A moment later Vanna walks toward me with Brittany trailing behind her with the widest smile.

“Tink! How dare you!” She squeals as she rushes up to me and pulls me in for a hug.

“Huh?” My eyes fly around the room as she spins us in a circle until they land on Vanna who has a mischievous smirk on her face. “How dare I what?” Her choice of wording has my body stiff as a board until I force myself to take a few breaths and remember where I am, who I'm with.

“I had to hear from Vanna that you lost your V-card! Seriously, I thought we were friends!” She shouts excitedly.

My shoulders shake with uncontrollable laughter. The last time someone approached me like that was my father because I stood by the window too long when he had people over that could have seen me. He beat me so badly I couldn't get out of bed for two days that time. Now, I'm being scolded for not getting in touch with my friend immediately after losing my virginity. I shake my head and hug Brittany tight before I drag her behind me to lay everything out on the table.

The rest of the day goes by so fast I lose track of time. It's not until Michael walks into the living room where Brittany and I are still talking that I'm reminded I need to get ready. The man towers in the doorway as he clears his throat before entering.

“Sorry to bother you, Johnny sent me back early to pick you up. He's running a bit behind and will need to meet you at the restaurant. Since Abel has the day off, I'll be driving you.” He offers a kind smile before turning away.

Brittany jumps to her feet and scrambles around the giant man. He dwarfs her with his giant frame, so much so that I can't even see her from my position on the couch, and I have to cover my mouth to stifle the giggle.

“Hey, Daddy.” I hear her muffled voice from wherever she stands in front of him. “When are you going to let me take you for a ride?”

When I step out of the bathroom dressed and ready to go, Brittany's eyes go wide as soon as she sees me. Suddenly feeling self-conscious, I glance down over my choice of dress. The last message I received from Giovanni said cocktail attire. I thought this would be ok. My heart thuds hard in my chest as I use my arms as a shield, covering as much of myself as I can.

“Don't you dare! You are fucking hot as hell. Spin for me!” My cheeks heat but I do as she asks. Her eyes light up when I'm facing her again.

“How the hell did you even get that zipped all the way?” She asks motioning at the full-length zipper on the back of the dress. I laugh at the memory as I explain zipping it in front and turning it around so that I could put my arms in the sleeves. It's a curve hugging long sleeve cocktail dress I found in Tab's collection.

“I figured since we're nearing the end of October it would be best to wear something that covered at least a little bit of skin.” My lips curve as I pull the strap of the heel around my ankle before doing the same to the other side. “I really look ok?”

“You're going to be lucky if that man makes it through dinner before he fucks you. God damn woman.” She laughs at her crassness which only amuses me more.

Michael's eyes sparkle with pride when he sees me as I carefully cross the driveway to the car, still not used to heels, but the more I wear them, the easier they are to wear. My hands wrap around the beaded clutch that Tabs insisted on when I bought this dress as I approach the vehicle. His hand grips the door handle as he pulls it open so I can enter.

“You look beautiful. I know it hasn't been long since we were introduced, but I'm so proud of you. We all are, you've come so far already. I can't wait to see you shine, Nina.” Michael holds out his hand to help me slide into the car.

“Thank you, that means a lot.” I lift my gaze to meet his before I slide into my seat.

Our drive to the restaurant is quick. I'm staring out the driver’s side rear window lost in a day dream when the door next to me opens. My heart drops into my stomach as I let out a surprised gasp. When I look up to see Giovanni caging me in the car, I grin up at him as his eyes roam up and down my body.

“Are you going to help me out or are you going to stare all night?” My eyes gleam with mischief. He really is going to lose his mind when he gets a glimpse of the back of my dress.

Giovanni clears his throat and holds his hand out helping me to my feet. The building in front of us is hidden by so many trees, the windows are covered in ivy with the most beautiful pink flowers blooming along the walls.What is this place,I wonder as we approach a large white sign with beautiful black cursive lettering that answers my question.C'est La Vie.With his hand on the small of my back, he guides me across the sidewalk through the entrance of what appears to be a French restaurant.

As soon as we reach the hostess, she greets Giovanni like they're old friends and leads us to a table toward the back of the restaurant. When he gestures for me to walk ahead of him, I fight to stifle the giggle and add a little bounce to my step. I'm feeling so confident with this dress, it may become dangerous. My eyes dart around the room as I take in the limited number of people dining here tonight. When I take my seat and face him, the beautiful insightful man I've come to know so well answers before I can ask.

“I paid for half of the restaurant so you wouldn't have to deal with as much of a crowd.” His eyes crease at the corners as he smiles warmly at me while he helps me move my chair under the table. I was so overwhelmed by the building I didn't realize he's in a blue suit that matches my dress. Down to the silver - grey tie that matches my zipper. “You look stunning, and that dress is doing things to me that you will pay for later, Short Stack.” He winks before pressing a quick kiss to my red painted lips. My body melts into my chair as his words and that chaste kiss bathe me in anticipation. I inwardly groan knowing he's going to make the rest of the evening torturous.

Giovanni takes his place at the table across from me and motions for a server to come over. The man doesn't speak, but fills fancy tall glasses with a fizzy liquid I've never seen before. My expression must show my confusion.

“It's champagne, to hopefully celebrate –” he begins as he lifts my glass and hands it to me before taking his own. His glass gently clinks against mine before he takes a sip and I do the same, the feel of bubbles popping against my nose makes me jump just as the liquid reaches my tongue. My face contorts as I swallow the awful liquid, “Ok, so you're not a champagne person, we'll figure that out later when less is going on.” He chuckles as I glare at him.

“Why do people drink this?” I ask, lowering the glass back to the table as I exchange it for a glass of water. His broad shoulders shake with laughter as he takes another sip of the awful drink.

The server returns not long after and takes our order. I'm not exactly sure what is ordered because the menu is in French. I'm assured I'll like it, but raise a questioning brow at the man across from me considering what he just tricked me into drinking. He smiles and holds out his hand across the table for me to take, which of course I do.

“I have a reason for wanting to take you out tonight.” His lips twist into a sinful grin. “Last night was…” His words die as he stares at me as if he's reliving the events right now. My cheeks flush under his sinful gaze as he continues, “incredible. I haven't stopped thinking all day about how good you feel around me. I've been hard as stone since I had to leave you this morning.”

His gaze rakes across my chest as I take in deep breaths while he continues, confused by where this is going.

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