HOLD ME AGAIN

Chapter 8

Rayne P.o.v

I stood on the balcony of my suite looking out at the Duomo. The warm yellow lights illuminated the Cathedral making it glow against the darkness of the night.But the beauty of the architectural wonders of Italy was not the center of my thoughts. I was scared, I was really scared to taste happiness and then see it disappear as soon as it appeared.I wanted happiness....feel loved...attention. but when you are used to feeling pain....abandonment....loneliness- happiness almost scares you.You're not used to it but deep down you crave it.The 'you' you know is so different than the 'you' you want to be.It's like there's so many voices in your head ,but you need to find your very own voice.

Walking out of the room I headed downstairs,Leo must have been waiting for me.There he was waiting for me.I couldn't move the way his eyes roam my body from head to toe shamelessly.he takes a deep breath and then approaches me slowly and with each step I feel my heart quickens...

He stops so close to me, my breast almost touching his chest, and he keeps looking at me hungrily with a smirk playing on his lips.

Clearing my throat I shift my weight on my legs.

"You look stunning...breathtaking!"he wihispers the last part and I feel myself blushing hard. We stepped out the door and saw that the chauffeur was waiting.I followed him down the step and he got inside the car first not allowing me to go before him and kept the door open for me.I took a seat and buckled my belt up.

"Rayne, you may address me as sir if we are at a formal event such as this one."irritation stilly. I frowned in confussion, was he ash me. "Okay s-..I mean um..."I trailI cof not really knowing what to call him."Leo.."he said turning to me as he raised an eyebrow. "Get it right, Rayne. Tonight isn't the time for mistakes."I nodded not knowing what to say so I put my head down and hoped he wouldn't talk to me.

I thought we were working things out, he didn't care about my wellbeing he just didn't want the hassle. There was no Freya but there was someone else who got my husband attention wrapped on her fingers like a ring.
"Don't talk to anyone who asks how we are related." he said suddenly. His tone was calm but there was an edge to it that made me frown.
"Yes...Leo."I said and gave him a tight lipped smile before looking out of the window at the buildings we were passing by.It was a habbit of mine trying to shut down what I felt."We are almost there,so remember what I told you."He said warningly as my head faced the window.

"Okay" I said as I continued to look out of the window not turning to face him."Mhm."he hummed and I felt his glare on me for a little before I heard him shuffle and turn his head away.

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We pulled up to the venue, a grand building adorned with sparkling lights and an elegant red carpet leading up to the entrance. The driver opened my door, and I stepped out, feeling the eyes of the waiting crowd on us. Leo joined me, his hand firm on my lower back as we made our way inside.

The place was secluded and huge, more like a castle. At least a hundred people were scattered around the front of the vicinity, mingling and chatting. Statues and gargoyles loomed over us, their stony eyes watching the scene unfold. Like Leo's front yard, there was a fountain, much bigger and grander, water cascading in a mesmerizing display. Everyone was dressed impeccably, their attire screaming wealth and class. The men wore sharp, tailored suits, and the women glided gracefully in designer gowns, each one a masterpiece of elegance.I suddenly felt insecure, my dress, even though it was one I had bought while shopping with Leo, felt inadequate in comparison. The scrutinizing eyes of the guests made my palms start to sweat. People's attention always gave me the creeps, and tonight was no exception.

Leo, unfazed by the attention, guided me through the crowd. His presence was commanding, a silent declaration that he was someone not to be trifled with. He moved with an air of authority, and the guests parted effortlessly for him, offering polite nods and murmured greetings.