Belongs to him

3 | Bash of a lifetime

Alina Windsor

As the night drew in, the air was now warm instead of steaming hot. I leaned my arm against the open window while we drove through the streets of Florence, our destination unknown.

A driver arrived at our hotel to pick us up as we were ready to Uber. The only weird thing was that we never told them where we were staying. It was strange, almost too strange. But I'd let it go. They were kind enough to extend the invitation.

But I wasn't fully dumb. I'd told many people from home where I was headed with the details. Molly knew, my parents knew, and my sister Beth. I knew my other siblings would give me a bunch of shit; my Mother had already informed me of the prayers she sent for me. I was trying to play it safe.

The ride seemed to drag on until we entered a more secluded area. We were presented with a long drive surrounded by grand gardens and ahead of a golden fence. Its luxury didn't fail to impress me. Our car stopped behind a line of others waiting to make their way in. I could see people in the distance exiting vehicles.

Three armed guards stood by the gates. This was no longer a casual evening. But one thing I noticed: everyone had masquerade masks on. Our first mistake: we'd already been outcasts. At least the dresses I'd been able to catch a glimpse of were similar to ours.

"What the hell did we get ourselves into" The words of realization leave Townes mouth, a mutual feeling. That feeling of anxiousness filled my stomach. I wanted those butterflies. But instead, they felt like moths at the moment.

Our car made it to the gates; the driver rolled down his window. No identification was needed; the gates simply opened quickly. We were treated differently from the other vehicles that had lined up before us.

A fountain was presented with a pornographic statue in the middle. The whole place was incredible. It reminded me of a chateau I'd seen in movies.

"Ladies," the car stopped as the driver turned back to us. He handed over a black box, a white ribbon holding it together. It was a gift from Mr.Romano; he thanks you for your presence tonight." Vivian took the box and untied the ribbon.

Three laced masquerade masks were delicately placed inside. I chose the silver one; it accented my dress well. I heard the door shut and watched as the driver moved to my side of the car and opened my door. He offered his hand out to me, and as I accepted it, warm air wrapped around my skin.

My eyes gazed up at the castle before me, and through the dark black windows, I spotted his silhouette. He stood looking down, not just at any guest, but at me. As he caught my glance, he stepped back from the window and walked away.

"He's an interesting guy," Townes mumbled.

"You ladies know Mr.Romano?" A thick Italian accent stole our attention as a man stood in a suit; he was older, maybe in his sixties.

"Not at all," Vivian answered for the three of us and moved us along. I don't blame her; it was an odd question, but I guessed this was his home.

How this could be a home was beyond me, this was the size of my high school. Obviously, the architecture was staggeringly different. But as we made it to the big wooden arched doors, I felt more intimidated than before. They opened every few moments to greet more guests as they entered the house. We stood in front, and as they opened for us, a man stood dressed in a tux and a list in hand.

"Names," He asks.

"Vivian—" The man's throat cleared, and as he turned, he froze. Nicholas stood behind him, causing him to step aside.

"Bellissima ragazzas," Nicholas smirked and took my hand into his. He lifted it to his lips and then let go, turning to the guard. "Sono con me," he signaled for us to follow.