𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐌𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 ❦ (𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐝)

Chapter 24

I receive a special gift today. A bouquet of gorgeous, red roses in a beautiful package.

My dear Arthur,
Let's meet tonight.

– A. Solazzo

Solazzo comes twice to the club this week, and he asks me to join me each time. He is getting more and more intimate with me. This rendezvous is my chance to deepen our relationship!

For the occasion, I put on a nice suit, velvety the way Solazzo likes it, or so I hope.

"And where do you think you're going, dressed like that?" Madam Lana asks me severely. I show her my invitation? "...Dear heavens! Mr. Solazzo invited you on a date? You only have thirty minutes left! Go to the hall! Don't make him wait!"

Madam Lana almost pushes me out of the room. She checks my make up and dusts my shoulders quickly, adjusting the fabric. The hall is empty during the day. The chairs are upside down, which looks like a serene and quiet little forest.

The only source of light, when the power is out like that, comes from the rays of light piercing through the partly closed windows. Solazzo hasn't arrived yet. I grab a chair, I sit down near the stage and sort out my thoughts.

How to behave to peek Solazzo's interest even more? I remember what Mr. Iero told me. He said that I was attractive... Did he mean Gerard Way's charm? When I pretended to be Arthur, the countryside boy, I didn't get much success. Maybe I should change my strategy? I don't want to upset Solazzo, however I must do anything to convince him.

A tall and well-built man walks through the door. He faces me with the light behind his back. "Mr. Dawn."

I stand up and dust my pants quickly. "Mr. Solazzo."

He quickly gets closer to me. "Have you been waiting for a long time?"

He stares down at me with a teasing smile and a half-smile. I take a deep breath and smile slightly to express a lack of enthusiasm.

"I am still waiting for you."

He pinches my cheek like I was a child. "What's wrong? You didn't want to wait for me?"

He wraps an arm around my waist and leads me to the door, unphased by coldness. We go to his car and he sits at the back. I join him.

"What do you want for dinner? Whatever you want."

I hum. "I'll let you decide. Anything is fine by me."

Solazzo ends up being embarrassed by my reserve and throws an annoyed gaze at me. But he doesn't say a word. He lights up a cigar after giving his instruction to the driver.

Our destination is a fancy restaurant. The waiter salutes us as soon as we enter.

"As usual, Mr. Solazzo?" he says with an accent.

"Of course." Solazzo smirks. "In fact, no whiskey for today. Bring me some Barolo of the 90s."

"Yes Sir." After leading us to an elegant room, the waiter respectfully salutes us and leave us. The room is private. Just Solazzo and I.

I am looking for an empty seat, but Solazzo grabs my arm. Then he drags me to him. I loose balance and fall in his arms.

"What are you doing?" I breathe out. Solazzo holds my waist firmly, and I have no other choice but to sit on his lap. His face is too close to mine. I can only look down to avid his eyes and his breath.

That might have angered him because he grabs my chin and forced my head up. He narrows his eyes and his face gets closer to mine. The smell of cigar is getting stronger... Is he trying to kiss me?