The Mafia In Love

Part 28

The dinner so far was a bit overwhelming, but it was definitely a nice way to clear my mind. Dante's mom threw bunch of questions at me, asking how long Dante and I had been a thing. That was when it clicked at the back of my mind that we weren't even a thing yet. I didn't lie to her, I told her we were taking things slow. I wasn't planning on rushing things, at the same time, I was scared of being hurt. I won't obviously admit that out loud. Nobody needs to know that. 

Dante and his father had left us to catch up with some people according to what he told me. I was only allowed to move around with Luciana because he was way too worried about my safety which made me wonder. It's just a dinner and yet he's being so highly attentive of me. Is there something going on?

''Hey, you've been spacing out for a bit, you, okay?''. Luciana broke my trance, looking at me with a hint of worry in her eyes. I let her know that I'm fine. I don't obviously want to share my thoughts, besides this wa the first time i'm attending such formal gatherings. Luciana is used to things like this so who I'm I to even wonder.

We spent a good amount of time talking on the table. Dante's mother decided that this was the best time to give me the gist of his childhood which definitely brought a big smile to my face. His face was always stoic, barely any emotion, except when he's with me. So, it was weird to hear how smiley he was back then. 

I wonder what changed him.

After a few hours of chitchat, my ass started to hurt from how long I was sitting. I needed to stretch my legs a bit. 

''I need to use the toilet, i'll be back''. Luciana's face turned to one that expressed a bit of worry, again. I don't blame her, won't be suprised if Dante threatened her to watch me. He's very capable. 

''Don't worry, i'll be back before you know it''. I assure her before excusing myself from the table. 

Now, where exactly is the toilet to begin with. The hall was so huge, it would be hard to find one. Clearly not having the energy to take matters in my own hands to find it, I asked a waitress that passed me for the directions. There was a hallway at the end of the hall which led to it. It was a bit of a length, but I had no choice. I swayed through the crowd, muttering 'excuse me' at anyone I mistakenly bumped into. 

After doing my business, I decided to touch up my face a little, considering my make up started to melt. After I was satisfied with my look, I exited and started making my way back to the functioning hall. I sighed as I had to sway through the crowd, again. The table was at the other side of the building. As I was making my way through it, a voice called me name.

''Willa?''. I frowned, turning around to see who called me. Dante's voice relayed at the back of my head. He said I shouldn't talk to anyone, although that all left my head when I saw the familiar face. 

He had a smirk on his face, his eyes trailing down my outfit with his lower lip in his teeth. ''Didn't think I'd see you here''. 

I almost rolled my eyes at him. ''Neither did I, Nikolai''. A triumphant smile made its way to his lips, happy that I remembered him. ''So, you do remember me''. He said, taking a step forward to me. 

''I don't see any other Nikolai in this hall''. I responded, ignoring his weird behavior. Maybe i'm the one that's paranoid, who knows? 

''Who'd you come with?''. He asked, taking a drink from the tray of a waiter that walked past us. My mind travelled to Dante's words. What would happen if he sees me walking to him? would he be pissed? probably. 

Should I tell him I came with Dante? I mean, paparazzi already had clear shots of us coming out of the same car together, might as well say it now. He'll still find out sooner or later anyway. 

''Dante''. Hearing his name, his smirk widened as his eyes held a twink of mischief. ''the famous Brambilla, isn't it?''. A slight frown made its way to my face. Something was starting to get off with this guy. I knew it was a bad idea talking to him. He's acting strange. 

''Does that bother you?''. I didn't even know when the words slipped out, but it did. His reaction to the name was a bit weird, suspicious. If anyone could see my thoughts, they would probably think I'm stupid. What if I'm just all up in my head? 

A chuckle escaped his lips, making me feel even more stupid than before. ''No, no. Not at all''. He slurred, taking a sip of his wine that glittered in the glass cup in his hand. 

''Just amused at how he chose you''. Now my frown deepend, this time I couldnt hold in my reaction. What the fuck is he on about? Is he trying to say that i'm not worthy to be here? I mean it is the truth but still, I dont need to be told to in my face. That's embarassing. 

''What the fuck do you mean by that?''. I asked, getting agetated with his weird behaviour. This is probably why Dante said I shouldn't talk to anyone here. I should have listened to him, that way I wont have to hear the nonsese that comes out of Nikolai's lips. 

''Woah, calm there princess. It was just a question''. He said calmly, amused by my reaction. What's so funny? Now I wanted to slap it off his face but that would create a scene so I held back. ''Sounded more like an insult to me''.

''So quick to anger about a man you know nothing about''. He mused, coming closer  to me and I feel myself taking one step back aswell. ''What do you mean?''. Now I was getting confused. Was he referring to himself or Dante? Who is he to question if I know Dante or not. 

''He hasn't told, has he? tsk, typical''. He said, bending to my face level before uttering his next works. ''Your prince charming isn't who you think he is, princess. It's sad how naive you are''. He said with a taunting smile. I clenched my knuckles to the point it was turning white. If there was one thing I hated being called, it's naive. I'm not some little girl who's stupid, but somehow, I always end up being called one because I choose to ignore. 

The only difference is now, I genuinely don't know what he's talking about, proving his point valid. ''Still confused right? Why don't you ask him for yourself''. He suggested to me and to be honest, it seemed convincing. At the same time, I shouldn't let his words affect me on how I view Dante. For all I know, he could be wrong, wanting to step on my toes. 

''Bambina?''. I froze at the sound of the familiar voice but I didn't bother to look back, knowing who it was already. ''Look who it is, Mr. Brambilla. Long time no see''. Nikolai said, with a big smirk on his face. Why is he acting so different compared to the day we met? at the same time, I'm not surprised. He's a man. 

I felt Dante's hand around my waist before I heard his voice speak in my ear. ''I told you not to talk to anyone if i'm not there''. I bit my lip at his tone of voice. Clearly, he sounded pissed. Obviously, I broke his rule that he's been warning me about all night but to me, he sounded so sexy right now. I'm so unserious and it's going to get me in trouble. 

He gently tugged me away from Nikolai, taking me through the crowd and back to the table that I was on before I decided to use the toilet. As he led me through, my mind couldn't help but replay the words of Nikolai. 

What did he mean? Dante isn't who I think he is? 

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I didn't read the whole thing through because i'm tired but I hope this is good enough. GN!'