“Where’s Father?”
“In his study. He’s waiting for Salvatore to show up. How are you feeling about the date tonight?”
“Like I’m going to vomit in my mouth,” I tell her and fake gag.
“I’m sorry you have to go through this. Just remember to go with the flow and try to get along with him tonight. You’ve heard about his temper, and I don’t want to see you getting hurt.”
I let out a sigh as she works her magic on my face. “Yeah, I know. I just wish I didn’t have to marry that old bastard.”
“I wish you didn’t have to go through with it either, babe. But I’d rather have you alive than dead,” she says with a sigh. We’vebeen friends for long enough that I know she cares for me, even though she’s working here. We both know that if I don’t follow through with his plans, Father would more than likely kill me.
“I know… I wish Luca was here. He would have never let Father marry me off to Salvatore, given how old he is. Luca would have saved me from this farce of an alliance.”
“He loved you more than anything in this world. Just hold on to that for as long as you can,” she tells me as she finishes up with my makeup.
She did a light and natural look with red lips. She then walks over to my bed and grabs my dress before walking back to where I’m now standing. She unzips the back and helps me get into it.
I’m wearing a long black dress with a slit on the right side that reaches mid-thigh, with a long sleeve on the left side and the right sleeveless and bare. I pair it with black high heels, grab my clutch, and head out the door and down the stairs with Giana following behind me.
I hear my father and Salvatore’s voices coming from his office as I make my way down the stairs. I stand in the foyer as Giana goes to my father’s office to let them know that I’m ready.
A few minutes later, they both walk into the foyer, and I can instantly feel their eyes on me, perusing me from head to toe. My father’s gaze, no doubt, was to make sure I’m dressed properly so as not to embarrass him, and Salvatore’s, I can only describe it as lecherous. The way his eyes roam over my body makes my skin crawl, and I have to keep my face in a neutral expression so as not to show the disgust I’m really feeling for this man.
“Ah, Aria, my dear. You look absolutely amazing tonight,” Salvatore says with a greasy smile on his face.
“Thank you,” I say politely. “You look very nice as well.”
“Are you ready to go, my dear? Dinner awaits.”
“Yes. I’m ready to go whenever you are,” I say, pasting a smile on my face.
“Excellent,” he says to me, and then turns to my father. “I’ll see you later in the week, Bernardo.”
“Yes. We can go golfing or to the casino.”
“See you then,” he tells Father, and then walks over to me and lifts his elbow for me to link my arm through his. I do because I don’t want to cause a scene.
He leads us outside to his car that’s parked in the driveway, letting go of my hand to walk to the driver’s side without bothering to open the door for me.Hasn’t this asshole ever heard of being polite and opening doors for his date?
I get in, and he wastes no time driving off. As soon as we’re moving, his hand lands on my thigh, and I sit completely still, not moving an inch. My skin crawls at his touch, but I don’t want to say or do anything to make him mad. Giana was right. His temper is one of the things he’s known for.
We’re heading downtown, and a while later, we pull up in front of Luigi’s Steakhouse. It’s one of the most expensive places here, and there’s usually a wait list to get in. It’s also where everyone who is anyone in this city goes to be seen. I guess it’s going to be that kind of night, one where he wants to show off.
He pulls up to the valet and gets out while one of them helps me out of the car. I walk around to the front and stand beside him. He grabs my hand in his, and we walk into the restaurant.
We’re instantly being shown to our seats. The decor inside definitely showcases the place's extravagance. The high ceilings are adorned with expensive chandeliers, and the two floors of dining space. We’re shown to our table by the window, which is floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking the city. The view is definitely breathtaking.
We take our seats, and Salvatore instantly starts chatting. A moment later, the waiter comes over to us, and Salvatore orders for both of us.Ugh! I would have at least liked to order for myself.
This is actually one of my favorite places because I used to come here all the time with Luca. The food is amazing, but I’m a picky eater. Salvatore orders the drinks, then gets us both calamari for the appetizer, lamb something or the other for our entrées, and crème Brulé for dessert. The only thing I’ll be able to eat is the dessert since I don’t eat calamari or lamb.
I let out a sigh as this supposed date is already off to a bad start. The waiter leaves, and Salvatore grabs my hand on the table so anyone watching us can see as he starts talking again. He moves his chair a little closer to mine so he can touch my thigh with his grabby hands, and I have to grit my teeth hard to not say a word.
“So, are you as excited as I am for our upcoming wedding?” he asks as he stares at my cleavage.
“I absolutely cannot wait,” I say with a fake smile.
“Me either. Though what I’m really excited for is our wedding night,” he says with a smirk.I instantly want to vomit!
