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My heart stuttered hearing him call me that openly for the first time. "I love you too," I whispered through the lump in my throat. "Now go, before the guards make their sweep."
With obvious reluctance, Leonardo released me and slid into his car. I stepped back, already feeling the loss of his presence. Butas I watched the taillights disappear around the corner, a new lightness took root in my chest. Whatever came next, we would face it together unashamedly now.
Squaring my shoulders, I turned and marched back inside, head held high. The coming days may bring fresh chaos once my father learned of Leonardo's intentions. But I was no longer a fragile doll to be cowed or controlled. With my fierce protector at my side, I was ready to fight for the life and love I desired, propriety be damned. Let them all come and see what power lay coiled in this princess's defiant spirit. The flames of change had been sparked, and they would not so easily be extinguished now.
CHAPTER 20
SHATTERED
The rest of the day passed in tense silence as I waited for some explanation about my family's bizarre disappearance. Finally, late that evening, I heard the front door open followed by heavy footsteps and low voices.
I hurried to the top of the grand staircase just as my father came into view, barking orders to his men trailing behind him. Even from above, I could see dark circles under his eyes and new stress lines carved around his mouth. But his sharp gaze snapped to me immediately.
"Natalia. I trust you've been well in our absence?" he called up, voice carefully neutral.
I bit my tongue against a sarcastic retort, instead descending the stairs gracefully. "The house has been very quiet with everyone gone these past days," I replied evenly. "I hope your business trip went smoothly."
If he caught the subtle dig at being left behind, Father ignored it. "Apologies for the abrupt departure. Certain threats came to light that necessitated rapid response."
His vague explanation made frustration simmer, but I swallowed it down. "Well, I'm just glad everyone is home safe now."
I meant it sincerely too. However rocky things had become between us lately, he was still my father and I had been worried. But his terse nod showed little warmth or remorse for abandoning me without word.
Clearing my throat, I tried gently probing for more information. "So...have the threats passed then?"
Father's expression turned stony. "For now. But there is still work to be done shoring up our position." His sharp gaze assessed me. "Which is why I need you ready for a formal gala here tomorrow night on short notice."
Surprise jolted through me. A catered event at our estate implied high-profile mafia guests. We had hosted such exclusive gatherings in the past for my father to flex power, but with tensions so high lately, this seemed ill-advised.
Still, I was intrigued he wanted me involved. Usually I was tucked away securely for these events rather than allowed to mingle.
"A gala? Here, tomorrow?" I clarified. At Father's brusque nod, I smoothed my expression to polite neutrality. "Of course, I'm happy to help host and charm guests as needed."
Perhaps greater inclusion could signal my father was finally seeing me as an asset, not just a pretty ornament to showcase. I intended to rise to this opportunity and prove myself indispensable.
Father almost smiled hearing my amenable response. "Good. I'll have a suitable dress sent up for you. Just be your charming self tomorrow night and all will go smoothly."
With that patronizing pat on the head, he strode off to his study, apparently done interacting for the day. I was left standingalone trying to decipher his cryptic instructions. What was tomorrow's event really meant to accomplish? And how would my presence help?
I got my answer the next evening as staff bustled around primping the mansion to impress. I had been cinched ruthlessly into an elaborate crimson gown with plunging neckline and leg slit - much more provocative than my usual attire. Paired with smoky eye makeup and tumbling curls, I looked undeniably sultry. Suddenly, this gala felt less like a power flex and more...transactional.
Unease gnawed at me as the first guests arrived, all male and dressed in expensive finery. Their bold gazes raking over me made nerves prickle sharply. I snagged a glass of champagne and downed it hastily. Whatever this night held, liquor could only help.
Plastering on a coy smile, I glided through the crowd mingling and flirting lightly, just as Father had instructed. But beneath the facade, my thoughts roiled. Why had he thrown this event? And what was he offering in exchange for my presence?
I was so preoccupied trying to maintain a carefree air that I didn't notice Father himself suddenly at my elbow until he spoke. "There's my charming daughter. Come, Natalia, there are some men I'd like you to meet."
Before I could react, he was steering me toward a small circle of older gentlemen smoking cigars and laughing raucously at some unheard joke. My nerves spiked - these were clearly high rollers.
"Gentlemen," Father announced smoothly as we joined them. "Allow me to introduce my lovely daughter, Natalia. My greatest treasure, as you can see."
I tried not to visibly cringe at being shown off like a prized mare. Their appraising looks made my skin crawl. But I maintained a polite smile. "A pleasure to meet you all."
"The pleasure is ours, sweetheart," one leered openly. "Your father has told us so much about his beautiful girl. We're thrilled to make your acquaintance."
The men's slimy focus on me continued as Father guided the conversation. He seemed to be angling for some favor from them while promising I would be "quite accommodating" in return. My stomach twisted with dawning horror and disgust.
When Father finally stepped away to speak with another group, the men pressed closer, still leering. "What do you say we find somewhere more private to get to know each other better, honey?" one propositioned boldly.
