Page 34 of Captured Innocence

“Try me. You aren’t the only one who’s sick of oppressive parents.”

“I would love to see you try.” The sound of another car arriving at the party drew my attention. I’d suspected my father had invited every dignitary and corporate mogul throughout Italy, never missing a chance to flaunt his wealth. Or showing off one of his prized possessions. When I turned around, I realized the car rolling into the circle then careening to a full, sudden stop in front of the valet station was a red Ferrari.

Both the color and the fact it was a sports car drew my attention. Guests at my birthday parties had never been younger than fifty if not older, their vehicle selection usually dark in color and boring. Even what few friends I’d had growing up hadn’t been allowed to attend. I pressed my hand against the window, eager to see who would dare drive something so incredible youthful.

I didn’t need to wait long.

Mattia DeLuca stepped out, only instead of wearing what seemed to be the required formal suit and cocktail dress, he was dressed in all black, a shirt opened halfway down his chest. I sucked in my breath, holding it as butterflies immediately formed in my stomach.

He tossed his keys to the young man, taking two strides toward the front door. Then he stopped, taking his time to lift his head toward my window, yanking off his sunglasses.

Then he smiled, giving me a slight nod, his expression one of knowing.

And one of hunger.

“What are you looking at?” Celeste rushed to the window, peering over my shoulder. “Whoa. Did you invite him?”

“Are you kidding me? I might be bold but I’m not stupid.” What in God’s name was he doing here? I refused to back down, offering him a smug look that I wasn’t certain he could see.

There was no reason he was here unless… he wouldn’t dare try to force my father’s hand into marriage. Not now.

I shrank back from the window, trying to think about what to do.

“What is going on?” Celeste asked.

“I don’t know why Mattia is here.”

“What happened last night? I’m your best friend. I demand you tell me.”

Groaning, I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep it from her forever. “We had a wonderful time. He was quite the… gentleman.”

“Oh, bullshit.”

“Okay. We fucked like bunnies.”

Her face remained pinched. Then a smile broke out on her face. “No wonder you’re glowing, asking me about love. You’ve always wished for your own Prince Charming. Was he… everything you wanted?”

“That and so much more.” I allowed myself to squeal for a few seconds. She grabbed my arms, doing a little dance until we both heard a knock on my bedroom door.

I made a face and glanced at the clock. The party had officially started twenty minutes before. My guess is good ole Daddy had sent someone to retrieve me. Appearances were everything. When I opened the door, I was surprised to see Lucia. Since she’d yet to arrive, I was certain her plane had been held up in New York.

“Lucia!” I threw my arms around her, ecstatic to see her. “I didn’t think you were coming.”

“And miss my baby sister’s birthday party? Not a chance. Hey, Celeste.”

“Hi, Lucia. Why don’t I leave you two alone. I’ll get an advance taste of the boys at the party.” Celeste winked before walking out.

It had been far too long since I’d seen her. We’ve been separated for more years that I could count, her time spent in Paris our first separation. Now, taking over the diamond brokerage business in New York had made her happy but I also never saw her any longer.

Lucia grinned until she pulled back from me, lifting her eyebrows as she glared at the dress. “Oh, my God, sis. What are you wearing? That looks like drapes.”

We laughed together. At least we had the same tastes.

“Don’t ask. Unfortunately, I don’t have anything else unless you think jeans with the knees ripped out will be acceptable. I didn’t know the party was so huge until after I arrived.”

She held up a dress bag, the store logo from America. “Why not open your present now?”

“You didn’t!”

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