Savage Crown II

8. Eight

Natalia
The following morning a big red box was delivered to my family's doorstep. Mama rushed into my room where I was brushing Zoey's hair out. "Saint sent you this for the charity event tonight"

I sighed "I don't know if I want to go"

"And why not Natalia? I think this is the best for you to finally come back home to us" mama smiled."Go out have some fun, we'll watch Zoey for you tonight"

"That's the thing. Showing up tonight is announcing I'm back mama" I protested."Zoey amor go with your grandpa, he's waiting for you in the solarium" I said as I gave her a kiss on her forehead. Zoey turned around to hug me and then mama and ran out of the room excitedly.

"As it should be Natalia....you belong here amongst your family, we will fight for you if we have too" she continued the conversation looking over my shoulder as I opened the big red box revealing a red tight corseted midi dress with thin straps and black heels. "Saint chose this for me? I asked pulling the dress out of the box bringing it to my chest to measure. "It suits you so well" mama smiled. "It'll look amazing on you tonight for Saint" she giggled.

"Mama me and Saint aren't anything!" I snapped.

"He's clearly taken a liking to you Natalia! He's matured so much and he's good for you and Zoey adores him, he'd be a great father figure for her and a great husband who'd protect and love you both!" She continued, "and as a Lombardi you will be well provided for"

"Everyone has been telling me that with their little remarks especially Gio!" I raised my voice as my temper began to flare, "why is that?!" I paused as her smile faded, "is Papa going to arrange my marriage to Saint, like he did when he handed me off to the Irish?" I scoffed. "Zoey will always be my priority, not marriage or anyone else mama."

"Sorry Natalia, you know we wouldn't do that to you again" she focused her dark brown eyes on me and silently smiled observing me as I walked away to put the dress back in its box on the couch. "You still love Callum don't you?"

I was taken aback by her question and paused with my back turned to her. The truth was I didn't know what it was. I almost felt guilty that I still harbored something for him even after everything that had happened. I let out a large sigh and turned around to face mama and with that was all she needed to know that I still did.

"I think if you'd spend a bit more time with Saint and give him a chance you will forget about Callum" she said with his name rolling off her tongue like venom. Mama had always rooted for Callum when we decided to remain married. Her intuition had told her we would last and live happily instead it was wrong for the first time.

******

Later that evening I tucked Zoey in for bed early. She had been tuckered out having spent the entire day out with her uncles. When they came back from their outting they each came in carrying a bunch of bags all for her. Zoey was happier here surrounded by her family. What if we didn't have to hide anymore? Gio and Leo had done some heavy convincing that all they were missing was the powerpoint presentation to have me completely sold. I finally caved in and weighed out my options for Zoey and I. Now I just had to be strong and bury those feelings.

After showering I slipped into the dress Saint had sent for me. The torso was all corset emphasizing and lifting my breasts up with the help of the straps. The tight satin material giving it an elegant look that accentuated my curves. I slipped on the red satin gloves and some black heels on. I curled my long hair into soft waves and added a small diamond necklace to my neck with its matching studs. To finish my look I put on some red wine lipstick the made my skin glow warmly. I thought my fit was complete until Gio knocked at my door.