Mafia Heir

Chapter 44

Luca

"No peeking!" I chided as I led Charlotte into the club. Her eyes were covered with a dark blindfold and I wanted this to be a complete surprise for her.

"I want to see!" She whined excitedly. I don't think she'd stopped smiling since I told her I was going to take her to the club this morning for her own private viewing of her paintings. 

There was a lot to get done in preparation for tonight, and crews started working at 5AM to make sure everything as perfect. This was important, though, and so I sent them away for a little while so I could have this intimate moment with Charlotte. I wanted it to be special for her, and was almost giddy myself to see her reaction. Her art was, after all, what ultimately brought us together, and now it would be on display for thousands of patrons who came through these doors. 

"Patience, woman." I teased, leading her a little further inside. She jumped at the sound of the heavy front door shutting behind us.

"Just let me see!" Her excitement was adorable. It was like she was child and couldn't hardly contain herself, and I loved seeing the sparkle of excitement back in her eyes. 

"Your wish is my command." I smiled, slipping the blindfold off of her eyes.

Charlotte took a few steps, and gazed up at her pieces hanging throughout the room.

Her work was spectacular but not nearly as breath taking as watching the wonder in her eyes as she saw them, finally in place. Each piece was illuminated with soft lighting in the otherwise darkened room. It was as if all the attention would be drawn to them once this place was occupied. 

"What do you think?" I snaked my arm around her waist, pulling her close to me. It was hard to contain my smile as I watched her.

"They're... It's..." she stuttered, scrambling for the right words.

"Speechless?" I laughed. "I didn't think I'd ever see the day."

"Luca, this is amazing." She spun around to face me, and wrapped her arms around my neck. "I can't believe you did all of this!"

"This is all you, Char. Anybody can hang them on a wall and show them off, but it takes real talent to create such beauty."

She looked up at me with deep eyes, practically begging to be taken back to the bedroom. This woman had such a hold of my heart, I could crumble at the flick of her wrist. This was dangerous--kind of like speeding down a backroad with no headlights on. I had no idea what was waiting for us on the other side, but damn, was I enjoying myself. 

"Thank you. You didn't have to do this. I know you care about this club, and you want people to come. There's still time to change out my paintings and put up someone more..."

I put my finger to her lips quieting her mid sentence. "More what Charlotte?"

"Talented? Well known? I don't know, I just don't think they're good enough..." She slumped her shoulders, defeated. Her excitement was slowing fading.

"Look at me." I said sternly, lifting her chin so she had no choice but to look at me. "My patrons are going to love your work, and they're going to love you even more when I have you on my arm here tonight. Now," I narrowed my eyes. "You are amazing. I've seen art all over the world and you are one of the most talented artists there is. I don't ever want to hear you talk about yourself like that. You shouldn't doubt yourself."

"Thank you."  She blushed.

I leaned down, pressing my lips to hers. She moaned into the kiss, gripping the back of my neck with her fingers.