Relationship Status: Mafia

Chapter 15

________ Alice POV_________

After a hot shower and a dozen scolding hot hair curlers, I'm transformed from a mess into a decent woman. But, to say I felt self-conscious would be an understatement. Even though my dress is modest compared to the other one, I still feel out of place. I appreciate the high neckline reaching my collar and sleeves down to my wrists, but the lace is nearly transparent. Plus, the fabric scratched against my skin, making it feel like a sandpaper dress.

White wasn't my favorite color, although it works for this dress and style. Sadly, Anne required heels with this outfit, no matter how much I detested the idea. All in all, this dress is more comfortable than the last, for damn sure, and breathing without constriction is a bonus.

"Alright," Anne flicked the makeup brush against my cheek for the last time. "That should do it."

A pleased smile parted her lips as she stepped back, giving me a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Again, a small smile found itself on my lips but only for a second.

"Thank you Anne, I like it much better this way. It's more natural and easier to take off," I laughed slightly.

Makeup and I will never get along. I know nothing about eyeliners, lipstick, and other overpriced junk. Now, I know my way around a shooting range better than I do with shades of concealer. I'm better off using chapstick instead of lipstick, not to mention the many eye pokes bound to happen with me wielding an eyeliner pencil.

"Now that I know you like minimal amounts of makeup it was easier to apply, I'm glad you like it."

She fluffed my hair once more before helping me to my feet. With these heels, I stood a good inch above the blonde, having to stare down at her. Anne glanced at her wristwatch, forming an 'o' with her lips, then placed her hands on my shoulders.

"Time to go."

Rushing out the door, I stumble unceremoniously into the living area with Anne behind me. I first notice Zhen pausing from drinking to give me a once-over before looking across the bar. My eyes flicker in the same direction, landing on Matsuo as I suspected. Brown eyes seize mine capturing my undivided attention.

He looked good.

Anne bid me goodbye rushing away to the elevator with a wave but not before looking over at Zhen and Matsuo. Once she was out of view, I swallowed a lump that formed in my throat, gazing back at Matsuo.

Next to him, I'd be the one with the good personality and him with the good looks. Matsuo's black hair is styled back except for one unruly strand that dangled above the brows. The sharp edges of his jawline were prominent, freshly shaven, and smooth.

As he drew near, I could faintly catch a whiff of the masculine after-shave that smelt like mint. I tensed up, watching him stride closer from the bar, practically gliding over to me.

How does this man look dangerous and harmless at the same time?

Up close, I could see the valley of his chest between the unbuttoned top of his white shirt accented by a navy blue jacket. I was so used to towering over Anne in heels that I was surprised when Matsuo stood tall over me.

"Tonight you and I are meeting a friend of mine," Matsuo informed me cooly.

"It's not with the god father and his snake charmer daughter, is it?"

A ghost of a smirk tugged at his lips, "No. But the rules I have set before-hand apply; don't speak and no touching of any kind."

A huff escaped me as I fought off a blush as he refers to the kiss, as I recall it was to save my own ass from Serenas' questioning. Matsuo could of at least thanked me for shutting that pain in the ass up.