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Looking down at Francesca’s closed eyes, I’m struck by how beautiful she is. And she’s all mine. I never thought I’d be excited to deflower a woman, but with Francesca, I look forward to making her all mine and winning the bet.
The bet.
The slightest twinge of guilt washes over me at the reminder.
When I look up from Francesca, my eyes catch Henry at the edge of the crowd. What is he planning, I wonder?
The song finishes, and Francesca opens her eyes, looking up at me as we stop swaying. “It’s over?”
“It’s over. Did that help?”
“It did, actually. Thank you,” she says like she’s surprised to be saying it. I honestly can’t blame her. Everyone keeps telling her to be wary around me. It makes sense she doesn’t trust me.
I guide Fran over to the main table, where her mom, Emilia, and Marco are. The rest of her siblings are gathered around another table, and Franco is off by himself.
“That was a lovely dance,” Giulia says as we take our seats. “I didn’t know you could dance, Leo.”
“I didn’t either.” That makes her laugh.
“I’m honestly surprised Francesca got up there with you. She’s so shy.”
Fran sits lower in her seat. I grab her hand under the table and squeeze. It seems to reassure her, given she flashes me a quick, grateful smile.
“Mom,” Emilia cuts in, “Fran doesn’t like to be reminded of her shyness.” Even though Emilia is trying to help, it’s clear it only makes Francesca more uncomfortable.
Giulia blinks in surprise. “I don’t think I said anything wrong.”
Everyone goes quiet at the table. I catch Henry’s eye as he walks past. Standing up, I give Fran a squeeze on the shoulder before letting her know I’ll be right back.
“Ok,” she says in a disappointed tone. I hesitate. Should I stay and comfort her? I sort of want to, but I need to ask Henry what he was doing talking to Francesca before our wedding.
After a beat, I nod and head after Henry. Emilia watches me go with a glare on her face. I find Henry by the buffet of food, grabbing one dinner roll after another.
“What were you doing talking to Fran before the wedding?”
Henry lifts an eyebrow. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
I resist the urge to slam him into the food. “I saw you in the room with her. I know you’re trying to ruin my chances before I can complete the bet. So, what did you say to her?”
“Worry not.” He grabs another roll and contemplates setting it on his plate before putting it back. “I was about to tell her about the bet, but then her sister came in, and Francesca fainted, and that was the end of it. Happy?” He starts to walk away, but I stop him.
“No, not happy. You’re not supposed to tell Francesca about the bet. That goes against the rules. From now on, you’re never to talk to her again. Understood?”
“Don’t worry, Leo. You married the girl. If you can’t seduce her within a month after that, then all hope is lost for the rest of us sore losers.” I watch him go, carrying his plate filled so high, the food is in danger of falling off.
I head back to Francesca, who looks miserable as she listens to her mom talk about all the times Francesca was too shy to do something.
“There was this one time,” Giulia says, “where she was supposed to perform at her dance recital, but she froze. I told her that if she wouldn’t dance, she’d have to stop the classes. So, she stopped the class. I always found that interesting.”
“Mom,” Emilia says in a tired voice. “Let’s talk about something else. The baby has been kicking a lot more the closer I get to my due date. Isn’t that cool?”
Guilia’s eyes light up as she turns her attention to Emilia. Francesca looks relieved.
“Want to get out of here?” I ask her softly.
“But the party won’t end for another few hours.”
I shrug. “So? We have a private suite we can go to. Let’s get out of here. Just the two of us. Get away from the madness.” I nod at all the people dancing and drinking and eating and talking.
