Bella Mafia

Chapter 9

I took one last look in the mirror trying to decide if my dress was still appropriate.  I didn't want some old fart drooling over me the entire time we are at dinner, so I turned to look at my backside one more time and sighed.

I wasn't going to change my clothes because someone might look at me.  Screw that.  I was going to wear what I wanted to wear and I didn't care who thought what about it.

My makeup was at a minimal but still looked great and flawless, my hair was shiny and healthy looking but because of the back of the dress, I opted to wear it in a high pony tail.  And last but not least, my perfume.

Holding on to the counter in the bathroom, I slipped on my red high heels and grabbed my clutch off the dresser on my way out.  I was going to make this a fun evening, even if I died trying.

Nona and James were sitting in the living room, looking like parents waiting on their daughter for prom night.  Nona I never minded, but James wouldn't quit leering at me and it was starting to become an issue.

"Oh my dear" nona gushed.  "You look absolutely enchanting.  Mr. Siranni is not going to be able to keep his eyes off you this evening."  Yeah and that's exactly what was bothering me.  I wanted to have a nice dinner, not be man-handled by an octopus.

"Thank you, nona" I murmured.  Then James stood up and walked with me out of ear shot of nona and said spitefully "You're gonna wear that?"  I looked at him incredulously.  "I don't really think it's any of your business what I wear!" I seethed.

"You look like a trollop" his hateful words just kept pouring out of his hateful mouth.  "You think I give two f*ucks about what you think of my dress?  I quit caring a long time ago, James.  Now excuse, I'm off to have a bit of fun" I said sweeping by him.

I didn't get two inches away from him before he roughly grabbed my wrist and twisted it.  "You'd better care, bella.  You're mine and I won't have you dressing like this for other men."  His eyes were dark, cold and soulless.

For the first time ever, I got a good look at James Lanza.  He was domineering, controlling and an ass hat.  I was so glad that he'd cheated on me, because I would probably still be with him.

Before either of us could say anything else, Abrielle called out from the other room.  My escort was here and he couldn't have come at a better time.  I wrenched my wrist free of James' painful clutches and despite the fact that it hurt like hell and probably would leave a mark, I never showed anything on my face.

"Get out of my way" I gritted through clinched teeth and begrudgingly, he stepped aside.  I licked my lips and threw my head back, trying to stop my body from shaking over what had happened a few seconds ago.

You could imagine my surprise when I walked out and saw the gorgeous hunk of flesh that had helped me out with my gloves the other night at the hotel gym.  Luca Adamo was my escort.  Then that meant...

"Calli.  Good evening.  You look exceptionally beautiful" he said, winking at me.  I let out a tinkling laugh.

"Luca" I replied.  "How are you this evening?" I asked.  We chatted a minute and then he told me that we were on a time schedule and needed to take our leave.

I went over to nona, bent down and kissed both cheeks, whispering "Wish me luck."  She patted my cheek and told me to just be my self and everything would be great.  Taking Luca's arm, we left the suite.

I completely ignored James, which just made him seethe and I would probably hear about it later as well.  God, he was totally out there in another atmosphere calling me his.  Really?!  I shook those thoughts from my mind, as I wanted to have a good time tonight, even if my date was old and balding.