The Mafia Leader's Girl: Dangerously Destined ~☑️[Complete]

Chapter Eight: Charity Ball

The week had gone by quite quickly and it was already Thursday. And let me tell you; my dad wasn't too excited about me spending time outside of my internship with the Moretti's, but my mom explained to him that it is a good cause. Finishing up at Moretti Towers for the day, I decided to head to the mall and buy an outfit. Mateo explained to me that he does this event every year to donate money to sick children and children with disabilities.

My parents used to host Charity Balls when Carlos and I were younger, but as life got busier they would just write out a check to the organization of their choice. I passed by this one little boutique that sold beautiful dresses. Hopefully I was able to find one last minute. I looked around and the most gorgeous dress had caught my eye. A long, red satin gown. It was an open back. The dress carried a train with a split at the front and a draping neck line.

I took the dress off the rack and tried it on. This was it. I had the perfect heels to match them. A pair of Christian Louboutin with Swarovski crystals. I purchased the dress and headed home. Friday evening finally arrived and it was time to get dressed. Mateo told me that he would pick me up around 7:30pm. "Mia, I believe your father wants to meet Mateo," said mom. I rolled my eyes as she helped zipped up my dress. I turned around to look at her.

"You look absolutely gorgeous babygirl," she said as she embraced me. "Please make sure dad doesn't embarrass me," I pleaded. She laughed. "Don't worry, I will," she assured me. We were distracted when the door bell rang. We left my room and headed downstairs. Obviously my dad got to the door first. As he opened the door, Mateo glanced up as I came down the stairs carefully, not to take a tumble like Humpty Dumpty. Seeing him all dressed up with his hair nicely gelled and a crisp black tux, had my stomach in butterflies and knots.

I mean, it's one thing to see him in a business suit.. But in a tux? He looked like a 5-star meal. The image burned through my mind. He smiled. *Ahem*, as our attention was now focused to my father. He turned to Mateo. "Mateo Moretti," he said in a pained voice as he extended his hand out. Mateo grabbed his hand and shook it. I could've sworn I felt the tension. "Luca Salvatore," said Mateo as he smirked.

My dad swiftly let's go of Mateo's hand. "I'll be sending my men along with you so there ain't no funny business," said Dad. "I can assure you Luca, that isn't necessary. But she is your daughter which I can understand," said Mateo. My Dad looked at me up and down. "No fucking way you're wearing that!" he yelled. "Luca, leave her be! She's a grown woman," defended Mom. "If you want Luca, you can have your men posted outside from the venue," suggested Mateo.

Dad thought about it for a moment. "The place will be 100% secure. Security will be tight inside and also outside now that I'll have the extra muscle," he assured my Dad. My Dad sighed. "Fine Moretti," he said. He turned to my Mom. "Can you go grab my cheque book? " he asked. My Mom quickly went to grab his cheque book and a pen while bringing it back to him. I looked at him confused as he signs away at the piece or paper.

He rips it and gives it to Mateo. "Here's 500K as a donation," he said. Mateo and I looked at each other. "Thank you Luca," said Mateo. We said our goodbyes and headed out the door. As we drove off to the venue, accompanied by my father's men behind us, it was a silent ride. I stared out the window watching the street lights as we passed them by. Time went on and we started to slow down. Lights and cameras flashed everywhere infront of the venue.

"Ready?" asked Mateo. "I- uh you didn't tell me that there would be news crews," I said nervously. Mateo smirked. "You'll be fine. Just smile and look pretty," he said as he got out the car. Honestly I hated being the centre of attention. Mateo came around and opened the passenger side door. I could already hear the paparazzi call out Mateo's name, trying to grab his attention. Mateo took my hand and helped me step out the car. Infront of us from a distance, I could see Nina DeLaRosé Cartier slowly walking along the red carpet and posing for photos with her arm candy.

Nina looked at us, snarling. She abruptly grabbed her date and pulled him into the venue. "Mr. Moretti, Mr. Moretti!" called out a reporter. Mateo's attention was now focused on the reporter. "Who's the new woman?" he asked. Mateo smiled. "This is my lovely date tonight for the ball, Miss Mia Salvatore," he introduced. The cameras began to flash like crazy as everyone began to ask questions all at once. "Miss Salvatore! You must be the daughter of Luca Salvatore?" asked reporter number 2.

I looked at Mateo as he gave me a warm smile. "Yes, I am," I answered as I smiled at the press. "Miss Salvatore, is there something going between you and Mr. Moretti?" asked reporter number 3. The camera's began to flash again, this time uncontrollably and with each reporter now yelling to get our attention. Mateo snaked his arm around the small frame of my curvy waist. He directed me in slowly to the venue. "No more questions, thank you," he said as he smiled, walking off with me in one arm.

He leaned in my ear. "Those assholes are like leeches. Don't let em' get to you Mia. They only want a reaction out of you, " he said. I laughed. "You're telling me," I replied. We disappeared into the venue, with the doors closing behind us.