Leonardo looks at me as I walk down the stairs slowly. My dress is tight, which doesn't allow me much space to move. "You look fucking incredible!"
"Do I?" I grin widely, and once I'm on the ground level I do a spin. "Tell me more, Leo!" I laugh because I've had a three glasses of champagne whilst getting ready.
"Undeniable, Valentina," He tells me, grinning widely. "You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen!" Leo's an older man who has a wife and children in America. He's good friends with Al, which is why he and I get along so well. He doesn't judge my decisions, and I know he respects me as well.
"Thank you, Leo." I stop spinning and finally see the door open and close. My lips move from a grin to lips pressed together. Thomas is in my house again, and looking more desirable than ever.
His eyes go wide, and he blinks but I can see that he's absolutely shocked by my attire.
"You look-." He stops himself from complimenting me, his voice stern.
I smoothen our my dress, knowing it's hugging me tightly. I smell good, I look good, I have diamonds on my fingers, ears. I feel like a goddess. And Thomas's eyes tell me that I take his breath away.
"And you look amazing too." I say watching him shift awkwardly. I feel my clutch from underneath my arm and pull it out, I've got my cheque book, my smokes, a pistol, compact mirror and lipstick.
Thomas pulls out his pocket watch and squints at the time. He's got his glasses on, I've never seen him wear them before. He looks a little aged in them but oozes handsome. "We should get going now.."
He moves swiftly and opens the front door for me.
I turn to Leo, "I'll be riding with Mr. Shelby."
"No worries." He replies. "Ah, Valentina,"
"Yes?"
"He likes you a lot, this man." Leo's eyes narrow. "If he tries anything that makes you uncomfortable please tell me. I will make sure he gets the message."
"I know, Leo," I wink before turning to face Thomas. A cool breeze surrounds the evening, the smell of a fresh cut lawn warms me. I need a smoke.
"Isn't there another way of getting to London?"
Leo had told me something about a two hour drive. And sitting in a car with Mr. Shelby will be unbearable. This I know. My hands on my body was more than enough before I met Thomas. Now all I crave is him and my hands, my fingers don't do nearly enough.
"I was thinking we don't go to London, tonight." His leans into the wheel, steering elsewhere.
"What?" I pull my eyebrows together.
"Fuck the charity event."
"So then where are we going?"
"There's a boxing match, amateur boxin'."
"Thomas I don't-"
He lets out a laugh, "A posh woman like you can't handle men fighting?"
"That's not what this is about." I mention my clothes, my hair, my makeup. "I wanted to go to the ball, eat, dance, drink. Meet the rich folk of London."
"They can wait," He tells me, "Plus —," Thomas turns and faces me but looks like he's thinking. "Mr. Capone wants me to keep you safe."
"And you think I'll be safe at a boxing match with a bunch of men looking like this?"
"I think you'll be safe seated right beside me, with nowhere else to go."
"Why didn't you just tell me this morning?"
