Page 35 of Sexted By a Stranger
Approval flashed through Luca's eyes.
"Good." He stepped back. "Now, a gentleman stands before you. Respond with perfect etiquette."
With that, he leaned against the desk edge, long legs crossed, gaze looking down from above, instantly switching from strict instructor to arrogant guest.
"Begin, Miss Stella."
I adjusted my posture and spoke:
"Good evening, sir." I met his scrutinizing gaze frankly, a smile playing at my lips.
Luca didn't respond immediately. He lowered his eyes, leisurely adjusting his cufflinks, the gesture like appraising a newly acquired artwork—critical yet composed.
Moments later, he looked up, his drawn-out tone carrying lazy sharpness.
"Miss Stella," he deliberately paused, lips curving in an ambiguous smile, "finally able to appreciate Mr. Bellomo's most distinctive ornament up close tonight." His gaze slowly traveled down from my shoulder line. "I must say, Mr. Bellomo's taste is indeed exceptional. You're like a carefully polished gem, brilliant enough to make any light feel ashamed."
I met his scrutiny, voice soft yet carrying calm penetration. "Thank you for the compliment. To catch Mr. Bellomo's eye is my honor."
I paused slightly, the curve of my lips unchanged. "However, a true gem that merely reflects light to please the eye would be rather shallow. Its value lies in being unique, with irreplaceable inner qualities, unmistakable color, and—"
I slightly emphasized, "refusing to become any setting's accessory."
I looked up, gaze clashing with his, smile composed.
"Otherwise, no matter how gorgeous the display, it only shows momentary brilliance. True connoisseurs quickly tire of such fleeting ostentation. Don't you agree, sir?"
The air seemed to freeze for an instant.
Luca slowly straightened, leaving his leaning position against the desk. His tall figure's oppressive presence suddenly intensified. He didn't answer my question but walked to stand before me, close enough that I could clearly smell the intertwined scent of cigars and wood on him.
"Very good." Luca's voice dropped low, returning to his usual powerful aura of absolute control, eyes and tone full of appreciation.
He leaned down slightly, gaze burning as if to penetrate my eyes straight to my soul. "Sheila, remember," his words carried undeniable weight, "you must let them witness firsthand how exceptional the person standing beside Luca Bellomo is."
"Naturally, Mr. Bellomo. My presence itself is the answer."
The banquet hall blazed with light, crystal chandeliers refracting countless tiny points. The air floated with perfume, tobacco, and fine cuisine—sweet and stifling. On exquisitely made-up faces hung precisely curved, appropriate smiles, while mouths uttered naked comparisons, carefully woven probes, and barbs hidden in silk.
I wore an extremely simple black satin gown without any excess decoration. Luca's hand rested steadily on my lower back, guiding me through the crowd.
People automatically parted, respectfully calling "Mr. Bellomo," approaching with obsequious smiles to exchange pleasantries.
"Unbelievable," a slick-haired, refined man approached, words directed at Luca while his frivolous gaze lingered stickily on my neck, "Mr. Bellomo's companion this time is so unique."
I frowned instinctively. Luca ignored him completely, turning with me in his arms. Lennox, following closely, stepped forward half a pace imperceptibly, perfectly blocking the man's view. With an impeccable smile, he handled him in a few words.
Moments later, I excused myself to the washroom. The instant I locked the stall door, about to breathe a sigh of relief, I heard women whispering outside.
"Heard she used to be a stripper in Celestial? Mr. Bellomo's taste has really gone common this time."
"Has any of Luca's companions lasted three months? I bet she's out this month."
"Pretty face, but even expensive dresses can't hide that cheap vibe. Connor's people say she couldn't even serve drinks properly before."
I clenched my fists, nails nearly embedding in my palms.
I knew my gap with Luca clearly, but who said chasms couldn't be bridged?
