AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I could see in his eyes that he had entered a whole other level of darkness. I knew at that moment that no matter what happened between him and Olivia, he would not stop until he found her stepbrother and killed him. Most people would say I have screw loose to condone my son for being a ruthless murderer, but in our world, it was the norm and, in this situation, he had my blessing.
He pulled out his phone and dialled a number.
“Angelo. Dov'è Olivia?”
His eyes snapped up to mine as they grew wider. He listened intently to whatever Olivia’s bodyguard was saying and a small, wicked grin played at the corners of his mouth. He hung up and I raised my eyebrows at him, willing for him to tell me what was going on.
“Looks like I am going to the gala after all.” He stormed past me and raced towards his bedroom.
“What?” I shouted after him.
“She is there,” he replied before he disappeared into his room.
I stood frozen on the landing. Well, this will be an interesting night, I am sure.
Run
Olivia
“Idon’t get it! Why? Why put olives in a drink? Vile little things!” Joel pulled out the stick of green olives from his drink and threw it on the table.
Gigi gave him a deep scowl as she picked it up and brushed the expensive silk tablecloth that now had olive juice and an alcohol stain. I chuckled behind my glass of champagne at the pair of them. They were total opposites, yet they worked so well together. Gigi liked the finest things in life but didn’t have the means to back them up. She had that wholesome yet fierce attitude where she would always strive for the best but enjoy what she had while she had it. It was endearing. And Joel, well he just seemed to be all about having a good time. Happy to be here but I expect he was happy to be anywhere. He didn’t take life too seriously and just lived in the moment. I envied them both. They were so free.
“Ah shit. Bitch face is summoning me.” Gigi glanced over my shoulder at a stern-looking woman dressed very elegantly with a Bluetooth device in her ear. I knew Gigi hated her boss, but she put up with her because she knew pleasing her was the quickest way to the top of their company. “Can I trust that you will be on your best behaviour? Liv, please keep him in line!”
Joel feigned innocence and I giggled and nodded, waving her away. She dashed off, weaving through the elaborately decorated tables in the grand ballroom. This was by far the most extravagant event I had ever been to. It was stunning. I caught Joel watching Gigi saunter away with a look of admiration in his eyes and when his gaze flickered at me, a slow, knowing smirk spread across my face.
“What is that look for?” He arched one thick eyebrow up.
“What are your intentions with my friend Viking?” I hid my amusement and tried to keep a straight face but the way his eyes crinkled and his face lit up made it hard.
“Viking aye? That’s sweet. Like my nickname. And as for your mate, lots of root,” he winked.
I sat forward, amused. “Lots of what? Root?”
“Sex.”
“Ah. So, you are the 'deny your feelings' type? Okay. That’s cool,” I shrugged. He narrowed his eyes and smirked at me.
“Ya reckon?”
“Yeah. It takes a true man to be able to admit his feelings for a woman. I don’t hold it against you, there’s not many of them left,” I teased, lifting my champagne glass to my lips with a smile.
He nodded his head a few times. “Good on ya. Alright you got me. She’s a good girl.”
I smiled, knowing that was about as much of a confession as I would get out of this man. Suddenly, my mind swarmed of Giovanni. I never actually found out how he really felt about me. I guess I will never know. My mood sombered immediately as I stared around the room at all these sophisticated and wealthy people. I can imagine that this is the type of event the Buccinis come to all the time. I would never fit in with this world. I would always feel inferior, as if I didn’t truly belong. Maybe sensing my sudden discomfort, Joel leaned forward on the table.
“A bit stuffy, isn’t it? All this?” He whispered and I gave him a small smile and nod. “How about we have some fun? Liven it up a little? You game?”
I raised an eyebrow at him. “I am supposed to be supervising you to make sure that doesn’t happen,” I chuckled when he rolled his eyes and leaned his beefy body back in the chair. He still looked funny to me wearing a tux.
“Come on! I won’t go crazy!” He peered over my shoulder and pointed behind me. “You see the auctions over there? Let's go and put crazy bids on them under fake names.”
I burst out laughing as excitement danced in his eyes. That did sound quite fun. And it would be better than sitting here thinking about Giovanni all night. “Fine. You are a terrible influence.”
We stood up and I linked my arm with his as we strolled over to the table of contents that was up for auction. As we approached it, I fought to keep a straight face as Joel put on a terrible British accent and said, “Oh darling! Look here, a two-week vacation to the Maldives. It has been two months since we last went. Shall I bid for us, my dear?”
“Oh no honey! Maldives is so overrated. I think I would prefer the superyacht.”
