Page 32 of Captured Fantasy

“No diamonds or jewels tonight, Mrs. Russo?” he asked lightly.

A flush of embarrassment moved through me, but I pretended not to notice it. “No, not tonight.”

“Because Gino never gave you any,” Federico said.

I shook my head. I knew it was selfish to want something so ridiculous and pricey, but it was embarrassing to be the only woman here without a single piece of jewelry other than my wedding rings. It felt like an advertisement that no one had ever cared enough to get me anything.

I glanced over my shoulder at Rosario’s wife, my eyes lingering on her double rope of black pearls. A thick, diamond ring gleamed on her hand below her tennis bracelet. Shaking my head quickly, I pushed the hollow feeling in my stomach away.

“I never had a need for it,” I said firmly.

“Probably for the best.”

“Enza. Come here.”

I turned to see Lucien in the hall, beckoning me with two fingers. Federico followed me across the threshold, his hand on my lower back. It was hard to tell if it was out of politeness, if he was guiding me as a gentleman should, or if he was feeling possessive.

Perhaps it was a bit of both.

“Federico is at my table as well,” Lucien murmured.

I glanced up at them, my stomach turning over with nerves. It was going to be a long night.

When the hors d'oeuvres were eaten and everyone had had enough champagne to loosen them, we sat down to dinner. I felt curious eyes on me as I took my place between Lucien and Federico. When I glanced across the room, I caught Mrs. Venetti staring at me with her brow furrowed. Lucien had severely underestimated the amount of interest our presence was garnering.

“This was a bad idea,” I said to Lucien.

He shook his head, flashing a cold glance my way. “It’s fine.”

“Relax, doll,” said Federico.

I looked down at my glass as the waiter appeared at our table. I opened my mouth to ask for a bourbon on the rocks, but Federico cut me off and ordered white wine. Clearly he didn’t like the idea of letting me drink hard liquor in public. The familiar feeling of embarrassment rose in my chest, but I nodded to the waiter, folded my hands on my lap, and fell quiet. Lucien ordered the steak with potatoes and sat back, sipping on his drink.

“I’ll have the same,” I said.

“Give her the fish and salad,” Federico said. “I’ll take the steak.”

Resentment boiled in my chest and I bit the inside of my cheek. When the waiter was gone, I leaned close to Federico and whispered, “Does that turn you on, Rico?”

“What?” His dark eyes glittered in warning.

“Controlling me,” I hissed. “Taking my money, my car. Taking away my choice in what I eat and drink. Does that get you hard?”

He bent close, his lips brushing my temple. “Maybe,” he murmured.

Lucien must have heard because he flicked his gaze up. “Rico can be a sick fuck,” he said.

“You’re one to talk.”

“Meaning what?”

Federico leaned his elbows on the table and his black gaze met Lucien’s pale stare. “Ask Enza.” His eyes swung around to me, fixing on me with driving force. “Is Lucien always a gentleman to you, Enza? Does he fuck you missionary with the lights out and whisper sweet nothings in your ear?”

Shocked, I kept my mouth shut. This was volatile territory and I knew better than to get between them.

Lucien’s jaw twitched. “Go on, Enza, you can answer.”

Heart pounding, I shook my head.

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