Silver Lining

Chapter 12 - What happens in Vegas (3) Lamborghini Centenario

Clara's POV

Despite having tasted one of the most delicious ribs ever, it still couldn't compensate for the loss in mood that Sam caused.

I excused myself to the restroom when we left the restaurant to catch a breath. When I came out of the restroom, I saw Luciano speaking to someone else over his Bluetooth earplug, "I don't care how you're going to do it, just clear all my appointments and meetings for the next three days and reschedule them at a later date." I felt intimidated from the dominance exuded from his words even though they weren't directed to me.

When he ended his conversation, I walked up to him and told him with my mustered courage, "Actually... I'm fine to tour Vegas on my own, you don't have to take time off from work for me."

He seemed shocked that I overheard his conversation as he kind of stumbled on his words when he replied me, "Oh! No no, don't worry, it's not like what you think it is. I er... I was just trying to free up this three days from the rest of my work commitments so that I could focus better on getting this rating done."

I raised my eyebrow as I was unconvinced and I asked him, "Are you sure?"

He looked back at me firmly and replied, "Of course." Then he mumbled to himself, "Besides... I'm also really enjoying my time with you."

I was delighted to know that he was enjoying his time with me because I certainly did too. I smiled back and him and said, "That's really nice to know, Thank you."

"So what shall we do now?" I asked excitedly. Luciano thought for a while and smiled back at me sheepishly which left me puzzled at his plans. Suddenly, he grabbed my hand and said excitedly, "I've got a plan, follow me!" Then he led me down to the lobby holding onto my hand as I tried to catch up with his fast pace behind him. Oh gosh... His manly warm and large hand... It set my stomach fluttering with butterflies, I had to mentally remind myself once again not to read too much into this feeling.

When we reached the turnstile at the exit of Carlos Hotel, I backed out naturally. Luciano felt a tug at his hand when I stood still. He cracked up and said, "Oh ya, you were bad with the turnstile." Then within an instant, he lugged me up by my waist and I wrapped my arms around his neck by surprise as I let out a shriek and squinted when he did that. When I opened my eyes we were already out of the turnstile and he whispered in my ears, "There you go, safe and sound." I blushed uncontrollably at what just happened.

He led me up to his car which the valet had just left it parked outside the entrance of Carlos Hotel. I couldn't believe what I saw as I dropped my jaw at the gorgeous vehicle in front of me. What?! He drives a Lamborghini Centenario?! Isn't that one of the most expensive cars in the world?!

        I entered into the gorgeous vehicle when he opened the door for me as crowds of people watched us in envy which made me really uncomfortable. I could feel the strong horsepower of the engine when he started to drive, my body was jerked back against the seat by the inertia force at the start.

I was really curious what job on earth would pay him so well to afford this much of luxurious items in his life, so I asked him, "I hope you don't mind me asking, but what job are you into that can pay you so well to enjoy these luxurious items in your life?"

He took a while to reply me as his eyes shifted around, "Oh, you mean this car? I... I'm a professional mystery shopper like what I've told you earlier on. This car is not mine, it's with me temporary as I'm also paid to do a rating on this."

"Wow... That sounds like the best job in the world that you've got, I wish had at least 1% of what you've at your job," I said with envy.

"Why do you say that? Don't you like your job?" He asked me as he shifted his eyes to me for a moment and looked back at the front to continue driving.

I sighed and told him, "Well, I never really wanted to be a marketer. I was forced by my parents to pursue an education in marketing in the university since the company I'm currently bonded to pays for my tuition fees. But I think my job wouldn't be so bad if my superior hasn't been ripping off my credits for himself while draining me to work for him..." I stopped ranting as I was afraid that I might end up whiny. "Oh sorry, I didn't mean to bog you with this boring rant."

"No, not at all, go on, I'm interested to know more about you," He said as he smiled at me.

I'm interested to know more about you?! This sentence set my heart thumping at an alarmingly irregular fast pace. Oh god, please don't make me fall in love with you, please don't because I know I'll never be worthy of you nor would I ever stand a chance with you.

"But... I... I'm not interesting at all," I said with an awkward laughter at my self-mockery.

"Why would you say that?!" Luciano looked at me like he couldn't believe what he heard.

"Because... It's the truth? I mean my ex-boyfriend said that I was just..." I didn't want to go on anymore as the flashback of Sam hurling insults at me surfaced in my mind again, it made me depressed whenever I think about it.

"No... Don't ever say that! Your ex-boyfriend is a douchebag, don't let him affect you!" Luciano sounded agitated in his tone. Then he calmed his tone and said, "Trust me...you're definitely the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."

I would be lying if I said I wasn't moved by his words, but still I rather believe that he was saying this out of good will to cheer me up. I didn't want to believe in love again as I've been misled by my own feelings and let down in life before. I turned to him and said, "Thank you for making me feel better about myself."

"So where are we heading to?" I asked curiously.

"Well, that's a surprise." Luciano winked at me as he said. There was just no way he couldn't be charming at any point of time, I'm screwed.