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I push open the door and step into the fray. It’s busy with people dancing, drinking, and chatting. There’s a suave air that I expected from these people. Everything is about extravagance and impression. The chandeliers hanging from the ceiling are almost so big they look tacky.
I sweep the room with one glance, ascertaining there are approximately one-hundred and fifty people in attendance, more than seventy percent are men. Which makes sense, considering the Benedetto family is searching for a husband for their virgin princess. They don’t need too much competition in attendance.
Giovanni Benedetto catches my eye almost immediately, standing near the bar he is greeting guests as they approach. The mere thought of shaking his hand makes my skin crawl and my stomach churn. I know I have no choice but to play the part I’m expected to play, as my plan requires patience and ensuring Isabella Benedetto’s parents want me as their son-in-law. No matter how much I despise them, politeness is key.
Walking around the outer edge of the club, I head toward the bar. Best to get it over and done with. When I approach the bar, Giovanni notices me and his eyes narrow slightly, probably because he has no idea who I am. I’ve ensured that no one takes my photo and kept a low profile in London to minimize the risk of someone from my past recognizing me.
He takes a sip of his drink and moves toward me. “I don’t think we’ve been introduced before. Giovanni Benedetto.” He holds a hand out to me.
“Isiah Darcy,” I say, taking his hand and shaking firmly. “It’s good to meet you in person.”
His expression softens the moment I mention who I am. “Mr. Darcy, it’s an honor to meet the man I’ve heard so many impressive rumors about.” He tilts his head. “I must admit, I expected you to be older.”
It’s clear that my ridiculous wealth—wealth my father built in London in less than fifteen years—has made me an obvious target. Dad was resilient if nothing else.
“Please call me Isiah,” I say, releasing his hand as my skin feels like it’s burning. “Is it a good thing or a bad thing that I’m younger?” Over the years, I’ve managed to eradicate my American accent.
He smiles. “I’m yet to figure that out.”
“I appreciate the invite, either way, Mr. Benedetto.”
He shakes his head, placing a hand on my shoulder. “Let me introduce you to my daughter.”
I clench my fists gently by my sides as I try to get hold of the murderous rage clawing at my insides and trying to break free.
“Of course, lead the way.”
Giovanni turns and leads me across the room. I notice a girl standing in the direction we’re heading, but she has her back to us. It doesn’t matter what she looks like, but it’s hard not to admire her beautiful form. If that is Bella, then she’s athletic and toned, but has a womanly figure with wide hips and a curvy ass that I must admit is rather tempting.
Attraction won’t harm my plan if it’s there, it will make my job easier.
“Bella,” her father calls her name.
She spins around to face us, and my heart skips a beat as our eyes lock for a second. I’m forced to look away because of the intensity of her glare and the brightness of her blue eyes. A feature that strikes me instantly and I feel something off the moment our eyes lock. I don’t like it.
She’s gorgeous, to say the least, with thick, pouty lips, a slender and elegant nose, and those eyes. And to compliment it all, she has sun kissed brown hair that cascades in waves to her ribcage.
“What?” she asks, eyeing me warily.
Giovanni clears his throat. “I’ve got someone here I’d like you to meet.”
He gestures for me to step closer. “This is Isiah Darcy.” His eyes meet mine. “Isiah, this is Bella, my daughter.”
I give her an indifferent look, as I don’t want her to think I’m overly interested. Women don’t like men that are easy pickings.
Her eyes meet mine again and it’s impossible to stave off the flash of desire that pulses through my body. And I note it’s not one-sided as her eyes light up for a moment before she schools her features to appear uninterested. “Nice to meet you.” She’s aloof and yet polite at the same time.
“It’s nice to meet you too,” I say, maintaining my disinterest.
Giovanni looks pleased at the pleasant greeting. “Why don’t the two of you dance?”
I clear my throat. “I’m afraid I don’t dance.”
Bella arches a brow. “You don’t dance or can’t dance?”
I smile. “The former.” I can dance, however, whenever I can get away with it, I prefer not to.
She nods. “Luckily for you, I don’t want to dance either.” Her eyes scan the room and land on someone on the far side. “If you’d excuse me.”
