Page 68 of Broken Pieces
Approaching the carpet, she tries to wiggle herself out of my touch, whispering, “I’ll be inside.”
I grip her waist. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“What do you mean? They can’t take pictures of us. That won’t be good for your reputation,” she replies back with a confused frown etched on her face.
I raise an eyebrow. “My reputation, huh?” I laugh, kissing the top of her head and whispering, “Tesoro, I couldn’t give zero fucks about my reputation. Now smile.”
She shakes her head, her shoulders shaking with laughter as she places her arm on my back and looks at the cameras with a bright smile.
That damn smile. I’d give anything to see that plastered on her face always.
While everyone is trying to get my attention, as paparazzi are shouting at me to look their way, all I can look at is her. With her bright smile and natural charisma, her cheeks blush from the compliments they’re shouting at her.
So fucking beautiful.
I don’t care what the rest of the world is doing, because I just want to stay here forever in this exact moment. Those big bright hazel eyes find mine, and her eyes sparkle with so much happiness, it makes my chest tight with emotion. I simply grin back at her like an idiot.
Once they finish taking our pictures, Fathom Vanity, the magazine company owned by Fathom Group who is in charge of the auction, is having one of their reporters interview some people, and while I typically steer away from that side of things, the reporter is running, trying to catch up with us. I can’t deny it makes me feel a little bad, so I give her the benefit of the doubt.
“Mr. Romano! I’m Rachel Zae, reporter for Fathom Vanity magazine. Can I have a moment of your time?” the woman asks, panting.
I nod curtly, glancing at my watch. “Only have a few minutes, so make them count.”
“I hear you’ve almost completed your gallery collection. Is that why you’re here tonight? Anything you can tell us on how that endeavor is going?”
“Certainly.” I nod curtly. “Without giving much away, all I can say is that I’m really looking forward to re-opening The Romano Gallery and showing you what we’ve been working with,” I look at Aria. “I had the wonderful opportunity to hire this beautiful woman, Aria Petrov, one of the top curators in the industry. She’s really been taking over the creative control of the gallery, and has been doing some wonderful work.”
Aria smiles shyly and nods without saying anything.
Rachel, the reporter, opens her eyes wide. “Wow. That’s… surprising. What do you have to say to the people that usually find working with you extremely difficult?What made you change your mind and let,” she looks at Aria from head to toe, “her take creative control?”
I let out a humorless laugh. The look she gave Aria doesn’t escape me, and she’s about to be fucking sorry for it. “She has a name. It’s Aria Petrov, by the way, in case you already forgot. And I have nothing to say to that. She’s extremely good at what she does.” I grab Aria’s hand and interlace our fingers as I look at her with a warm smile. “And I trust her.” I look back at the reporter and nod curtly. “No more comments. Thank you.”
Aria leans toward me. “Thank you for that.”
I shake my head. “I didn’t do it just for you. I truly believe you’re good at what you do, Darling. Please don’t let people think otherwise.”
And that’s the truth. I won’t allow people to doubt her ability, and I will make sure that’s known. My promise to her was real, too. I’m here for her, always. I will defend her with tooth and nail. This doesn’t change the fact that I hired her because I knew what she could bring to the table was nothing short of amazing.
She pats my chest jokingly with a playful wink. “Come on, Romano. Give me more credit than that. I know I’m good.”
“Good. You best remember that, always.”
The auction is being held on the second floor of Fathom Group's two-story gallery, while the first floor is where people socialize. I typically come alone, because the lastthing I want to give people is ammo to talk about my personal life and start their gossip. That's all people love to do in this industry, and it bores me. I’m nothing but glad that she’s here with me though. She’s the calm in my storm, and the serenity she brings me is something I’ve grown to love.
“Wow, this place isnice,” she whispers.
“That’s Fathom Group for you.”
The place is nothing short of extravagant. With high-ceiling walls, and a spiral staircase in the middle that takes you to the second floor. Typically, there’s nothing but art all around, but today, there are high tables scattered with candles causing a low light setting, giving it a sense of elegance.
As we’re walking, a few people stop me to introduce themselves, and while they’re talking nonstop, Aria is nodding and smiling along, while I have nothing but a scowl on my face. I have no interest in these people and what they have to say. All I want is to be left alone with Aria, and go to our little bubble where all I see and listen to is her.
She hits me softly with her elbow. “Would it kill you to be nice?” she whispers.
I roll my eyes. “This is how I am during these activities. They bore me.”
She chuckles, looking at me knowingly. “God, you’re such a snob.”
