Page 28 of Inescapable Ties
Our car inched forward in the line, and I could already smell the familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through our open window. The scents of cinnamon and caramel made my stomach growl in anticipation.
“Are you ever going to try something other than black coffee? There’s an entire menu full of delicious things,” I said.
“Hm, ok. I’ll try cream and sugar today.”
Ugh. It wasn’t much, but it was a start.
The night of the charity dinner had finally arrived, and Emilio had spared no expense. He had surprised me with a stunning new dress that hugged my figure perfectly. The intricate lace detailing and delicate beading made me feel like a princess, though I couldn’t help but feel slightly out of place among the elegantly dressed crowd. My father had never bought me anything this nice for events when I was younger.
My heart fluttered nervously beneath the fabric of my new dress, and I stood somewhat awkwardly at the entrance of the grand convention center. After years of dodging events, I couldn’t help but feel out of place.
Emilio’s hand wrapped around mine as we made our way inside. The lights glimmered off the polished marble floors and crystal chandeliers, creating a glamorous ambiance. People in designer gowns and sharp suits mingled around me, their laughter and chatter filling the air.
I would’ve thought this was a normal charity dinner until I caught sight of the Alto’s.
“Ugh,” I groaned.
“What’s wrong?” Emilio asked.
“The Alto’s are here.”
Leone and Valentina Alto socialized with a man I hadn’t seen before, while their daughter, Hilaria, stood awkwardly to the side. She and I used to be good friends, and I gave her a nickname - Liria. She hated her full name. As awful as the Alto’s were, Liria had somehow turned out so sweet.
We were good friends until her parents decided I was a horrible influence who would send her to hell and ruin her future. And Liria had no backbone, so she cut off our friendship.
When Leone and Valentina saw Emilio and I, they quickly discarded the man they were talking to and beelined towards us. Liria trailed behind them, looking like she would rather be anywhere but there.
“Just be nice,” Emilio whispered in my ear. “No one likes the Alto’s. But we have business later tonight.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Renzetti,” Leone boomed. He gave me a kiss on both cheeks and I almost gagged at how strong the scent of cigars was.
“Leone, Valentina. Wonderful to see you again,” Emilio responded. “I don’t think I’ve met your daughter?”
“This is Hilaria,” Leone said, wrapping his arm around her waist and all but pushing her forward. “She’s a lovely girl. We’re also looking for a husband for here, if you have any available friends?”
Leone had phrased it as a lighthearted joke, but I knew he was not joking at all.
Liria looked at me nervously, her eyes flitting from me to Emilio. I knew exactly what she was thinking.What was it like being married to a monster?
“Pleasure to meet you, Hilaria,” Emilio said.
“Are you free to talk now, Emilio?” Leone asked.
“Of course,” Emilio responded. “Luciana, will you be ok on your own?”
It was odd hearing him call me by my name instead of “Jaws.” I didn’t want to admit it, but a small part of me was disappointed I didn’t get to hear my pet name.
That couldn’t be it. I probably had heartburn, or something.
“Of course.”
Leone and Emilio left to god knows where to do their nefarious Mafia things. It left me alone with Valentina and Liria, and I would have rather put my fingers in a mouse trap than be alone with them. Well, mostly Valentia.
The moment Emilio was out of sight, Valentina put her signature look on her face, the one I’d never been able to stand. She looked like she was pissed off and just inhaled a strong scent of dog shit.
“Luciana,dear,” her voice dripping with insincerity. “Emilio is quite the catch. Amazing you landed him.”
“I actually think it was a shitty business deal,” I responded. “Unfortunate I had to be part of it.”
