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When I finally reached the bodyguard, he nodded up the hallway behind him.
"Nobody comes in."
The bodyguard nodded curtly.
By this time I was livid, and I stormed up the hallway just as she reappeared.
She looked up in surprise as I grabbed her around the waist and pushed her up against the wall.
"What did I say about leaving my sight?"
At first she was shocked, but anger quickly flooded her features.
"Really? I can't even leave your sight to go the lady’s restroom?"
"Huh?"
She pointed a finger behind me, and I turned to see the female sign on the door.
"You could have waited. I would have escorted you."
She rolled her eyes. "What's this need to control me really about, Luca?"
I scowled. "It's not about control. I told you, it's for your own safety."
"Are you sure, because right now you're hurting me, and it seems the only person I need saving from, is you!"
Her words bit deep, and I clenched my jaw as I decided what my next move was. I reluctantly removed my hands from her body and took a step back, deciding it was best to keep calm given our current surroundings.
Oh, but how I wanted to punish her.
"I'm sorry if I hurt you. It wasn't intentional. Please, just come back and have dinner with me."
She looked at me briefly, and for a second I thought I saw tears in her eyes, but she stormed past me and out into the crowd.
Sighing heavily, I followed from a distance, making sure she made it back to our table. I slowly made my way over, stopping for the occasional conversation and banter, but never taking my eyes off her. As I neared the table, I realized that I was not the only one watching her. Several men were eying her off with lustful eyes. I didn't blame them and it made me want to get back to her even faster.
When I finally sat down beside her, I breathed a sigh of relief. Catalina had a strange expression on her face as I leaned back in my chair and appraised her.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
She shrugged, "I was just thinking I don't know much about you."
"Ahh, but you do know something then. That is more than most people can say".
Leaning forward she whispered, almost conspiratorially, "Yes. I know you're arrogant, stubborn, domineering, have a need for control, and have quite the temper."
I chuckled, nodding my head in agreement. "I am all those things. But there is a lot more to me than that." In the background the fundraiser announcement was made. I stood, raising my glass of champagne, "Let the bidding begin!" Applause and laughter filled the room as I retook my seat.
"So I can see." She took a sip of her champagne, eying me over the rim.
"Ask me whatever you like."
"Let's see. Where to start? You didn't tell me you headed a charity. How did you come by this cause."
I hesitated only a moment before responding, "Someone I knew died from it. This is my way of keeping their memory alive. You'd know that if you'd have stayed through my speech."
It's also a great way to launder money.
