𝒫𝑒𝓇𝑒𝓃𝓃𝑒

Chapter 17

Eleanor finished her curls, admiring the final result in the mirror. Her naturally curly hair was well-defined and shining, framing her face perfectly. With a satisfied sigh, she turned her attention to the dress laid out on the bed—a stunning black gown that had been carefully chosen for tonight's ball.

She slipped into the dress, carefully zipping it up and smoothing out any creases. The fabric felt luxurious against her skin, hugging her curves and flowing elegantly to the floor. The gown had a fitted bodice with delicate beading that caught the light, and a full skirt that swayed gracefully as she moved.

Standing in front of the mirror, Eleanor turned from side to side, examining how the dress complemented her look. She was both excited and nervous; tonight's ball was a significant event, and she wanted everything to be perfect.

As she adjusted the gown, she noticed the way it highlighted her newly styled curls and the overall effect of the look. She decided to add a touch of makeup, just enough to enhance her natural beauty without overshadowing the elegance of the dress. With a bit of mascara and a subtle lipstick, she felt ready to step out.

She took one last look in the mirror, her heart pounding with anticipation. The black gown made her feel sophisticated and confident, and she hoped Alessio would be pleased with how she looked. As she headed towards the door, she glanced around her room to make sure she hadn't forgotten anything.

Eleanor made her way downstairs, each step deliberate as she made sure her dress flowed gracefully around her. Her heels clicked softly against the marble floor, adding an extra touch of elegance to her already poised demeanor.

As she reached the bottom of the staircase, she saw Alessio standing by the entrance. He was on the phone, his brow furrowed in frustration as he spoke rapid Italian, his tone sharp and commanding. The room was filled with the low hum of his conversation, a stark contrast to the quiet anticipation Eleanor felt.

Alessio's gaze flicked up from his phone just as she reached the final step. His expression shifted immediately, the intensity of his anger replaced by something softer, though no less intense. The line of his jaw tightened, and his eyes darkened as they swept over her from head to toe.

He ended his call abruptly, the phone clattering onto the nearby table. His eyes remained locked on Eleanor, taking in every detail of her appearance. The soft, dim lighting of the foyer accentuated the elegant curves of her gown and the way her curls framed her face. She looked absolutely breathtaking.

Alessio's gaze lingered, and for a moment, he was visibly caught off guard. The harsh lines of his face softened, replaced by a mix of admiration and something more raw, more visceral. He had seen her in many settings, but tonight was different—tonight, she was stunningly perfect.

"Eleanor," he said, his voice gravelly and filled with a mixture of awe and something deeper. "You look incredible."

Eleanor felt a flush of warmth at his words, her cheeks tinged with a soft pink. She met his gaze, and for a moment, the rest of the world seemed to fade away. Alessio's intense scrutiny made her feel both vulnerable and cherished, and she held her breath as she waited for his next words.

"You're absolutely breathtaking," Alessio continued, stepping closer to her. His eyes softened further, and his usual stern demeanor was momentarily replaced with something gentler. "I'm not sure if I'll be able to keep my eyes off you tonight."

As they navigated the opulent ballroom, the mix of luxury and excitement created an air of anticipation. The guests were dressed to the nines, their conversations a blend of soft murmurs and elegant laughter. Alessio's hand remained firmly on Eleanor's lower back, a subtle yet unmissable gesture of possession and protection.