A Z A L E A

Chapter 11

LUCA

I glanced at my watch one more time,  reading the time.

7:26

What's keeping her so long?

I waited for a few more minutes before I stood up from my chair and into the base of the stairs, I was about to fetch her myself but when I glanced up the stairs, there she stood in all her glory.

I tried not to let my mouth fall open at the sight.

She's beautiful.

I stared at her as she descended the stairs carefully.

The dress she was wearing was hugging her curves in all the right places, her milky white skin looked like it was glowing contrasting with the color of the clothing.

As she land on the last step a few inch away from me I tried my hardest to refrain myself from touching her.

She glanced at me under her lashes with those caramel eyes of hers and I swear to God if no one else was in the room, I have already devoured her.

She looked so ravishing just standing there looking so innocent and for a moment I reconsidered continuing to attend the ball or just staying here and admire her all night.

"What do you think? Is it too much? Do you think I should change? It's not too revealing is it? Is it decent enough? Oh God, I knew it was a no no!" she rattled and I just stared at her, unable to look away.

"Luca?" she mentioned my name and that got me back to reality.

"No! It's perfect. Sei bellissima" (you look beautiful) I said, knowing she wouldn't understand what I said last.

"Are you sure?" she asked one more time.

"Yes, Mia moglie, now let's go!" I said and offered my arm to her.

She looked at me once but gladly wrapped her arms around mine anyway.

The way to the venue consisted of me telling her everything she needed to know about the ball.

"A lot of dangerous people would be there, so please be careful. I might not be by your side all the time since I'm sure a lot of talking would be done especially with some people that I know of,"

"The Mafia..?" she whispered and I nodded.

"If anyone acting suspicious approach you, act with caution and look for me in the crowd, and then you yawn,"

"I yawn?" she asked, trying to make sure she heard me right.

"Yes! That'll let me know of your distress," I answered.

She just continued nodding as I discuss to her a few more reminders and before I knew it, we were already outside the venue.

I opened the car door for her and closed it briefly after she walked out.

"Smile Cara mia," I whispered before we entered the room.

It was packed but it was hard to make up faces because of the masks that we were wearing.

We bumped into a few people and with closer inspection I was able to recognize a few.

"questa è mia moglie, Azalea" (this is my wife, Azalea) I introduced her to a few of my business partners and she smiled at them nodding and shaking hands.