“Oh, ah…” I fumbled at the sudden change of men. Gabriel stepped back up and put a hand on the new guy’s shoulder, his face still angry from my earlier comment.
“Hey, fellas, we’re here all night,” I held up both hands to stop whatever the hell was about to happen, “and—”
“All right, boys.” A taller man came to my rescue. He placed himself between the two men and me, then turned and spoke directly to them with a big smile. “Let’s give the little lady a breather.” He handed me a glass of wine and ushered me off the dance floor.
“Thank you for that.” I took a breath, happy that someone had come to my aid.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes, of course. Though they were a little intense. I appreciate your help in diffusing the situation. Thanks again for that.”
“It was the easiest money I’ve ever made.” He winked then turned and walked off, leaving me to wonder what he meant.
As soon as he left, I spotted Tommaso heading my way again, so I shook my head at him.
“I just need to use the ladies’ room. Give me a few minutes, and I’m all yours.” I quickly began to move through the crowd, searching faces for Ugo. I spotted him across the room. He was standing on his own and caught my eye. He gave me a nod and pointed to the hallway as he held up five fingers. I nodded back and began to make my way slowly in that direction.
It wasn’t easy to move quickly through the crowd, as I couldn’t look like I was in any hurry. I made sure to stop and chat briefly whenever someone spoke to me. I filed away their names in my already overcrowded memory and laughed loudly when I could. Quick, funny lines popped into my head, and I had people laughing here and there as I made my way across the room.
I stopped as a few women asked about my dress and my hair. I felt that I played my part to everyone’s liking, and though I was exhausted, I was proud of the image I was casting. They loved me, and I knew it all would trickle back to Nonna and the uncles.
My heels clicked on the floor as I turned the corner, leaving the hungry crowd behind, and leaned against the cool wall, taking a much-needed minute.
You can do this. You can do this. Just take a breath and focus.
“There you are.” Salvo appeared out of nowhere, and I found myself relieved to see a familiar face. “Trying to escape?”
“Don’t tempt me. I just needed a moment.” I laughed and acted like I was overwhelmed when really I was looking for my cousin to get a report.
“Can I get you anything?”
“I’d love a water if it isn’t too much trouble.”
“One water coming up.”
“Thanks, Salvo.” I squeezed his arm and smiled kindly.
I scanned the room after Salvo left and spotted Ugo. He inclined his head for me to follow as he slipped into a room off the hall. I quickly hiked up my dress and made my way toward the door.
“Why did you leave me with the wolves?” I exhaled with relief as I stepped into the room, happy to be free of everyone, if only for a few moments. “Ugo?”
A hand slapped over my mouth and pressed me close to their body. For a split second, I wondered what in the world Ugo was doing, but my senses told me it wasn’t him.
“The urge to kill,” Elio’s warm breath brushed over my cheek, “every man who touched you this evening is overwhelming.” I was momentarily paralyzed at his presence. His fingers brushed down my arm as he breathed me in.
I stepped away and locked the door behind me then turned and studied his face for a moment, then I jumped into his arms and slammed my lips to his. His lips matched my intensity as my mind clouded with emotion. His hands were in my hair, around my waist, then touching me everywhere he could reach.
I had missed his touch, his taste, his smell, and my senses were flipping out, needing more. He slid his arms down and lifted me off the floor, taking a few steps to carry us behind a barrier to be out of view if the door opened. Suddenly, my back was to the wall, and he was kissing me harder. I knew his body and his behavior as if it were my own, and something must have happened, because he wasn’t thinking clearly.
Wait. I wasn’t thinking clearly either.
“Elio?” I whispered when he finally let me come up for air. “You can’t be here! It’s too risky!”
“Stop,” he warned as he went for the ties on the back of my dress. I wanted to give in so badly, but…I reached back and grabbed his frantic hands, pulling them away from my dress.
“There isn’t time for this. Stop. Someone might come in.”
“Let them.” He licked from my collarbone to my ear while his hands flexed on my hips, then he moved them up to palm my breasts through my corset. I gasped as my body reacted to him, but I knew I had to stop this. I was the guest of honor and would be missed.