AllFreeNovel
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I let go of Valentino’s hand and turned a slow circle, admiring the beauty of the enormous crystal chandeliers and overpowering crown molding around the ceiling. Round tables sprinkled throughout the room, with marvelous black and gold arrangements in the center. White LED candles flickered all over the room, giving it the perfect ambient lighting.
And that’s when I halted. My eyes fell on the center of the far wall. A stage. Memories came flooding back of the night I believed I was being bought for sex like all the other girls. I was terrified and angry with Tanya until I found out she was a part of saving me from my evil uncle.
Sighing, my memory turned into a smile.
Hands snaked around the back of my waist. “Do you approve?”
“This is going to be so gorgeous the night of the ball with all the fancy touches they’re adding, and the people all dressed up.”
He took my hand in his and twirled me around to face him. “They won’t even compare to your beauty, my l—”
“Sorry sorry sorry.” Noah’s voice interrupted as he came through the door, appearing flustered.
Valentino turned annoyed and rolled his eyes. He let go of me and pushed his hands into his pockets. Ignoring Noah, he lifted his chin when he made eye contact with the event planner and hotel manager. “Excuse me, Isabelle.” He placed his hand on the small of my back before he sauntered across the room to speak to them.
I spun around to Noah. “What happened?!”
“Not here, but I have everything in my car.” He whispered. “I still need to look over it.”
“Isabelle!” Valentino called out. “Can you come here?”
“I—”
“Go.” Noah bowed his head. “We can talk about it later.”
Thank you. I mouthed before turning around and gliding over to Valentino.
He spoke with me about the ideas he had for the ball, the food, the charities he intended to donate to. I listened intently, nodding as we strolled around the room, the event planner and manager joining us. I loved being involved in the ball's process. It was a much different side to be on. It did not feel unsettling since the women knew why they were there as well.
After we finalized the schedule, we ambled back to the front desk so he could get a key for the suite. The moment we stepped around the corner to the lobby, Noah and Joseph stuck their arms out, forcing us to stop. The televisions in the open area and the bar had our faces on it.
Hotel guests meandering about gawked our way, whispering among themselves. Noah spotted a person with a camera coming our way and made sure I was behind him. Another soon followed.
“Side door. Let’s go!” Giacomo ordered from behind.
“Merda.” Valentino mumbled under his breath as he took my hand in his and pulled me toward the exit.
Alonzo and Giacomo led us. Joseph locked the stairwell door behind us, and he and Noah followed watchfully, just in case. Valentino grumbled something in Italian. Giacomo soon replied in their native tongue.
“Where does this go?”
“Under the hotel.” Valentino replied.
“What about all our cars?”
“Mine is down here.” Noah murmured.
Once we reached the bottom of the stairway, Noah stepped in front of us and poked his head out. He opened the door all the way. “Clear.”
Joseph sighed. “Where did you park?”
“Over here.” He pointed a starter remote at a gorgeous grey Jaguar.
We rushed toward it. Valentino opened the back door and helped me in, then got in after me. Joseph sat in the front with Noah.
Giacomo nodded. “We’ll be close behind you.”
Valentino leaned forward, looking out the window. “Leave my car if you have to.”
