Santi's Downfall

Chapter 18: The Party

One does not leave a convivial party before closing time.

Winston Churchill

Santi Marchesi's POV

I stared at the man who was probably the last person I wanted to see today. I should have known that there was a chance that I would meet him at this party because...well, he was simply the devil from Rome, and as much as I hate to admit he was a very influential businessman. So I should expect him to this kind of gathering.

"Marco," I acknowledged the man with a fake smile on my face. Whenever I had the misfortune to see him, disaster was coming on my way. Always.

"Good to see you here, brother," he chirped, his dark eyes dancing with mischief while looking at me. "It's been a while since the last time I saw you."

I rolled my eyes in his direction. "Don't be so dramatic. It's only been two weeks since we last saw each other." And then he threw a disapproving look in his direction. "Why are you bothering me the moment I arrived? Where is your wife, by the way? I thought you never wanted to leave your wife's side even for a moment during parties?"

Marco gestured somewhere in his back with his thumb. "She went to the ladies' room and I decided to greet my good friend who just arrived while waiting for her."

"As far as I remember we're not good friends, bastard," I announced harshly while glaring at him insolently. I still couldn't forget that once again he reduced me to being his henchmen when I was instructed to bring along Enzo Fiorenza's girlfriend to Los Angeles while the man nearly went crazy looking for the woman. I swear he enjoys messing with the lives of his friends daily. He must be bored with his life.

"Oh? I beg to disagree, my friend, because I know that we're good friends, Santi, don't try to deny it." He contradicted me lightly with a smug smile on his face. "Don't wound my fragile heart, amico."

I shook my head in disbelief. That was a blatant lie. Because anyone who knew this man would agree with me that his heart is anything but fragile. Sometimes it makes me wonder who was the mafia and the businessman with the two of us because he was more fucking cunning than me.

"Get away from me, Orsini." I motioned my hand shooing him away.

His lips parted and formed the small letter 'o' when his gaze settled on the woman next to me. I automatically hide Haven slightly behind my back to protect her from this man's attention. "Dio! You have a companion, amico." His dark eyes met mine with unmistakable amusement in their depth. "Is this her?"

"Fuck off, Orsini, if you know what's good for you." I threatened darkly while clenching my jaw.

Instead of feeling insulted Marco merely raised an eyebrow and then slid his gaze on me before setting his attention to Haven. He even ignored my warning and held out his hand in Haven's direction. "Marco Orsini. May I know the name of my good friend's beautiful companion for tonight?"

She looked at me with questioning eyes. I shook my head slightly silently telling her not to take the offered hand but I guess she didn't get the memo. She accepted the hand and shook it briefly. "Haven Pierce. I am Mr. Marchesi's ward from the US."

"I know." He replied with a mysterious glint in his eyes. I glowered. Why is he still holding Haven's hand? Was he fascinated with her beauty and her unusual pink hair, is that it? When I couldn't take it any longer I snatched her hand from his grasp which made the bastard's smile broaden in my direction. "Holy hell..."

"What?" I asked defensively because I didn't think I liked the glint in his eyes while looking at me like that.

Before he had the chance to answer his very pregnant wife called his attention. "Marco, dear..."