His Collateral

Chapter 14

Bella's POV:
It was some minutes past eight o'clock and we had just arrived at the venue for the event. The place was filled with a lot of reporters, camera men and women as well as other guests arriving.

"The Royal Oak." I read the hotels name aloud in my head. The building was brightly lit and stood about 20 story's tall. There were so many people outside, and I felt reluctant, coming out. I never attended the parties back at home, not to talk of big events like these. The thought of it made my body tense up.

"They are paparazzi's and they're going to ask a lot of questions. Pay no attention to them." Alessandro spoke suddenly before getting down from the car. The security guard came down from the passengers side of the car and opened the door for me. I stepped out, and my hands immediately flew to cover my eyes from the cameras bright flashes. In an instant, I felt a hand hold mine and another hand go around my waist, making me self conscious. Looking up I found Alessandro's eyes on me.

"Relax." He whispered in my ear and turned back to look at the cameras. He maintained a straight face like he was used to this while the camera men took pictures after which we were escorted to a red carpet right in front of the hotel, where we stood for more pictures.

"Mr. Rossi, we see a ring on her finger. Is she your Mystery bride?" One of the reporters asked.

"When did the wedding take place?" Another one asked. Alessandro's grip on my waist only became firmer as he leaned his head into my neck and intertwined our fingers.

He was giving them the answers they wanted without saying a word.

Following the media frenzy, security escorted Alessandro and me into the hotel and then into a stunningly decorated hall filled with a sizable crowd. The room was beautifully arranged with round tables and chairs on either side, leaving a central pathway with a long carpet leading up to the stage. There were floor to ceiling windows that had dark red curtains draped and impressive chandeliers that hung all across the room.
I walked hand in hand with Alessandro as he greeted several people, introducing me as his wife leaving my face aching from excessive smiling. We were seated at a prime table at the front of the hall and soon the event commenced. I was surprised to learn that it was a fundraiser to support cancer patients nationwide. After the opening remarks, donations began pouring in, including a substantial amount from Alessandro and the man seated with us.

I could've sworn my mouth dropped at the amount of money donated. I had never been in a room where so much money was being mentioned.
Soon, the sound of music filled the room and the dance floor was now open. Couples took to the floor, twirling and swaying to the music and me? I sat there, watching them.
Here's a rewritten version of the text with a few minor adjustments for clarity and flow:

Alessandro approached me, his hands extended in invitation. "Would you like to dance?" he asked

I hesitated, my heart racing with anxiety. I was a terrible dancer, and the thought of embarrassing myself in front of everyone was daunting. But I couldn't decline, not with all eyes upon us.

"Okay," I whispered, my voice barely audible. I placed my hands in his, and he led me onto the dance floor. The weight of everyone's gaze was crushing, and I was terrified of making a fool of myself.

Alessandro took my hand, and we began to move to the music. We started slowly, our bodies swaying to the rhythm, then glided across the floor, our movements becoming more fluid. I could feel his warm breath on my neck, sending shivers down my spine. I tried to relax, letting the music guide me, but my nerves and awkwardness lingered.

Alessandro's hand rested lightly on my lower back, just below my zipper, sending a spark of electricity through me. His other hand was intertwined with mine, and I felt my pulse quicken as we moved. I felt a contradictory mix of safety and vulnerability, unsure of how to process the emotions swirling within me.