Beyond the darkness

Chapter 9

Ava's POV

What...what is he doing here? I mean he's famous for not attending banquets and parties, he barely shows himself to the media. Why here....why now? Do I look good? Nate's voice broke me out of my thoughts

"Ava, are you okay? You've been staring at that man for a while now"

"Ah...I'm fine Nate, let's dance" I put my hand in his and he smiled leading me onto the dancefloor. I saw Sofia at the drinks table still talking with a guy well...I'm not surprised. when we reached the dancefloor, I placed my hand on his shoulder whilst his hands wrapped around my waist. "It's been a while since I've danced so go easy on me okay?" he chuckled and nodded just as the music began to play again. Nate led me on the dancefloor and we waltzed to the beat. Almost halfway through the song I felt a piercing gaze on me so I turned and my eyes met with Mr. Ricci. He looked....not happy, not happy at all. Why though?

"Is something wrong?" Nate suddenly asked me which made me turn to him

"Urm Nate....what do you do when someone is angry but you don't know why?" he twirled me around before answering

"Well it depends...are we talking about the man who keeps staring at you?" I nodded then he laughed "Ava he's not angry he's jealous....very jealous"

"Jealous?!" Ah....I see. I smiled, so Mr. Ricci cares enough to be jealous, I'm happy.

"Is he your boyfriend?" I glanced at him talking to a businessman with an unhappy expression on his face and couldn't help the chuckle that came out of my lips "No, not yet"

"Not yet huh? Well I'm glad" I tilted my head a little, confused

"You're glad?" he nodded and just then the music ended

"I'm glad that you're going to have someone special in your life. It's a truly wonderful thing" I smiled

"Thanks Nate"

"Oh and also this means you won't bake yourself to death so at least Mia and I can cross that off the list of ways for you to go" I stared at him dumbfounded

"Just what kind of conversations do you two have?" he smirked then kissed the back of my hands

"Wouldn't you like to know? Well I'm leaving you before your future boyfriend kills me. Seriously that look feels like it's drilling a hole into my skull" I laughed and curtsied slightly

"Thank you for the dance fine sir" he smiled and walked to the other side of the banquet hall. I got off the dancefloor but Mr. Ricci was still talking to the man. I stood in the corner again when I saw something that made me freeze in my tracks. No...no way, I hid my face instinctively and took a deep breath. They didn't see me they didn't. I want to leave....suddenly a hand tapped me breaking me out of my thoughts. I turned to find Mr. Ricci and my heart calmed down...instantly.

"Ava, what's wrong?" I smiled and shook my head

"It's nothing I thought I saw something that's all. Anyway Mr. Ricci, I thought you didn't like public gatherings" 

"I don't....I only came because I knew you would be here" I felt my face become hot "Are you sure you're okay?" I nodded

"Yeah I guess I'm a bit overwhelmed I mean...It's been a while since I've been to gatherings like these"

"A while?" Ah I blurted it out accidentally

"Anyway I'm fine I promise" he stared at me for a while then nodded. I could feel stares on me because Mr. Ricci was talking to me but I ignored it. Suddenly he went on one knee and stretched his hand towards me. Huh?!