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She nodded and looked down at her glass. "You seem to know a lot of people here."
"I know most through business partnerships. Others are word of mouth to their other rich acquaintances. This charity event has become an annual occasion that people look forward to now. The rich and famous never miss it, and I meet more and more influential people every year."
Which comes in handy to have more connections to bribe when we need deals to go through.
"So, you're an important person I take it?"
"To some."
"That's a very mysterious response."
"I'm a very mysterious person."
She smiled shyly, the act making her look vulnerable and even more beautiful.
"What is it you do, exactly?"
"I run… several businesses."
"With your brothers?"
"Yes."
"What are your business's?"
I laughed. Dios mios she is inquisitive.
"A subject for another time. Look. Here comes the first course."
"Ahh the best food in town that you promised. Maybe you had something to do with it?" She raised an eyebrow at me.
I rubbed a hand across my jaw before holding up two slightly separated fingers. "Just a little bit." If she knew I had chosen, taste tested, and scrutinized every piece of the menu tonight several times over, she'd definitely think I was a control freak.
Although she's not wrong in that regard.
As she took the first bite of her entrée, the moan that escaped her lips and the look of pleasure that crossed her face, gave me a semi hard on.
"This," she pointed down at her salmon ceviche with her fork, "Is divine!"
I grinned, "I'm glad."
As we ate through the five-course dinner, I was pleased to see the sensations running across her face. It had been so long since I had spent so much time with a woman, and she was civil the whole time. Eating and conversing with her made my other worries drop away as if they didn't exist.
"Shall we?" I stood and held my hand out to her.
"Shall we what?" She looked confused.
I nodded in the direction of the dance floor. "Dance of course."
She laughed but took my hand. As I led her to the dance floor, I was again acutely aware of the whispers and lustful glances of the other men.
Holding her close, I twirled her under my arm as we hit the floor, making her giggle. A sound that she made more frequently these days, and that I took as a good sign she was hating me less. Pulling her back in close and placing my hand on her bare lower back, I guided her about the floor. Looking down at her as we danced, I realized I hadn't had this much fun at my own event in five years. I also hadn't been attracted to someone in that time.
Luca. What are you doing?
I berated myself instantly at the thought, and the feeling of guilt that swept over me was like a tidal wave.
My duty is to protect her. Keep her close. That is all.
