As we race away in the car, a storm of anger and fear swells inside me. How could she be so reckless? How could she risk everything like that?
When the empty road stretches before us, I slam on the brakes, my heart pounding in my chest. I throw the...
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The moment I saw Chiara in that deep emerald green ball gown, I was speechless. The way the fabric hugged her curves and the elegance with which she carried herself left me unable to think of anything else. Her image was seared into my mind, a beacon of beauty and grace amidst the chaos of my world.
As we approached the venue for the charity ball, I knew she couldn’t be seen entering with me. The press would swarm, and questions would arise. “Antonio, take Chiara through the back entrance. Make sure she’s not photographed,” I instructed, watching her disappear into the shadows with Antonio.
Entering through the main entrance, I was immediately surrounded by businessmen eager to talk. Handshakes and pleasantries were exchanged, but my mind was elsewhere, still fixed on Chiara. Suddenly, I felt a presence beside me and turned to see my ex, Camila Valencia, accompanied by my father.
“Gabriel, darling,” Camila purred, her voice grating on my nerves. I forced a smile, unable to avoid her without offending my father, who regarded our interaction with approval.
“Camila,” I acknowledged, irritation bubbling beneath my calm exterior. I caught sight of Chiara entering the room from the back, her eyes scanning the crowd. When her gaze landed on Camila and me, a flash of jealousy crossed her face, quickly masked by indifference. But I saw it, clear as day.
Camila droned on about some socialite gossip, but my focus was on Chiara. She made her way to the bar, her steps purposeful. I excused myself, catching up just as she ordered a drink. “Whiskey, neat,” she said to the bartender, her tone clipped.
I slid onto the stool next to her, my presence causing her to glance sideways. “Jealous?” I asked, my voice low and teasing.
Chiara’s eyes flashed with defiance. “Of what, exactly?” she retorted sassily. “Your ex and her endless drivel? Not likely.”
I chuckled softly, admiring her spirit. “You’re a terrible liar,” I said, leaning in closer. “Your eyes give you away.”
She took a sip of her whiskey, her gaze unwavering. “And yours give away how much you enjoy this little game.”
Before I could respond, Camila’s voice cut through the air again. “Gabriel, darling, are you ignoring me already?”
Chiara turned to face Camila, a sharp smile on her lips. “Maybe he just prefers more stimulating company.”
Camila’s eyes narrowed, but before she could respond, I placed a hand on Chiara’s back, guiding her away from the bar. “Enjoy your evening, Camila,” I said over my shoulder, leading Chiara towards a quieter corner.
As we walked, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of pride and frustration. Chiara’s jealousy was clear, but so was her strength. She wasn’t afraid to stand her ground, even in unfamiliar territory. And that, more than anything, made me realize how deeply she had rooted herself into my life. The charity ball continued around us, but all I could focus on was the woman at my side, and the way she made everything else fade into the background.
As Chiara and I took our seats at the table, the auction was nearing its end. We sat in silence, observing the bids for various items. I hadn't made a single bid all night, and I could feel Chiara’s curious gaze on me.
"Why aren't you buying anything?" she finally asked, her voice low but insistent.
I leaned in, a small smile playing on my lips. "I have my eyes on the best one," I replied, my tone teasing.
Her eyebrows arched in surprise, but before she could respond, the final auction item was announced—a vintage car. The excitement in the room was palpable as the bidding began.
"Starting bid, 50 million dollars," the auctioneer declared, and hands shot up around the room.
The numbers climbed rapidly. "70 million... 100 million... 150 million..." Chiara watched in astonishment.
"Have people gone mad?" she whispered, clearly bewildered by the staggering amounts.
I couldn't help but smile at her reaction. "Wait for it," I murmured, raising my hand. "200 million dollars."
Chiara’s eyes widened. "Are you serious?" she asked, her voice incredulous.
Camila, seated a few tables away, raised her paddle. "250 million dollars."
"300 million dollars," I countered, my gaze steady.
"350 million dollars," Camila responded, her eyes locking with mine, a challenging glint in them.
"400 million dollars," I said, not backing down.
"450 million dollars," Camila's voice was sharp, her determination evident.
I raised my hand one final time. "500 million dollars."
The room fell silent, all eyes on us. The auctioneer's gavel came down. "Sold! To Mr. Romano for 500 million dollars."
Chiara stared at me, a mix of shock and disapproval on her face. "Are you crazy? You just spent 500 million dollars on a car! If you're so rich, at least spend your money wisely."
I chuckled softly, finding her concern endearing. "Trust me, tuono. I know what I'm doing."
She huffed, clearly not convinced, but her reaction only made me smile more. She didn't understand the true worth and purpose of that car, and I didn't expect her to. It wasn't just a vehicle; it was a piece of history, a symbol of prestige, and it held strategic value in my world.
As we sat back, waiting for the auction to conclude, I felt a strange mix of amusement and satisfaction. Seeing Chiara's genuine concern and her fiery spirit only reinforced why I had to protect her, even if it meant making decisions she didn't understand.
As the auction concluded and everyone stood up to move towards the dining area, I took the opportunity to pull Chiara close. The tension in her shoulders was still palpable, so I leaned in and whispered, "Don’t worry, tuono. I’ve got us covered."
She glanced up at me, her eyes softening slightly, but the worry hadn’t completely disappeared. I brushed my lips gently against her neck, feeling her shiver under my touch. Her reaction was intoxicating, the way her breath hitched and her eyes fluttered closed for a brief moment.
Before I could fully enjoy the moment, Camila’s sharp voice cut through the air. "Gabriel, darling," she sneered, her eyes flicking disdainfully towards Chiara. "Does she even know the dangers of your world?"
Chiara straightened, her eyes narrowing. "I’m aware, Camila," she replied confidently, her voice steady and unyielding.
Camila's lips curled into a mocking smile. "You’ll regret it, sweetheart. Mark my words."
I stepped closer to Chiara, wrapping an arm protectively around her waist. "She won’t regret anything," I said firmly, locking eyes with Camila. "I’ll make sure of that. I'll be by her side, through every challenge and obstacle. She won’t have to face anything alone."
Camila’s sneer faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered. "We’ll see," she said before turning on her heel and walking away.
Chiara looked up at me, her eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and determination. I could see the resolve in her gaze, the fire that made her my tuono. "Thank you, Gabriel," she whispered, her voice softening.
I leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "I mean it, tuono. I’m with you, always."
Her eyes softened, and a small smile tugged at her lips. "I believe you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
As we moved towards the dining area, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride and affection for the woman beside me. Chiara was strong, determined, and unafraid to stand up to anyone—even Camila. And no matter what dangers lay ahead, I was determined to protect her, to stand by her side and ensure that she never had a reason to regret being part of my world.
