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I cover his mouth with my hand. “If you guys continue trying to swell our heads by one-upping each other, we’ll be here all night.”
Sansone winks, nips my palm, then licks the skin to soothe the sting.
“Zakiya has a point, and there is another reason we’re here.” Sloane takes Valentino’s hand and leads him toward the entrance.
Sansone and I follow, as do our bodyguards, Mattia and Aurelio. They arrived in separate cars, and I’d bet it’s because of Sansone’splansfor me after the event.
Inside, artwork from the centuries lines the walls, champagne flutes clink, and conversation hums. The energy inside is unlike anything I’ve experienced.
“I hear music.” Sansone pulls me toward the singing from a cover band.
“I don’t know how to dance,” I whisper to him.
“That’s alright. You only need to sway to the music while I hold you in my arms.” We enter the room and he swings me into his arms to demonstrate.
While people dance around us, we stay in the same position. Having Sansone’s full attention is something I’m getting used to. We stare into each other’s eyes, and the look he gives me isn’t full of dark need, determination to bend me to his will, or humor—all looks that chip away at my defenses. Tonight, there is unfiltered happiness beaming from his gaze, and I’m responsiblefor putting it there. Damn, does he know how to make me feel good.
Everything about tonight and the last few days cement in my mind that I don’t need to fight him anymore. I can enjoy what we have, for as long as fate allows. One song flows into another and another, and everything is so magical I almost believe in fairy tales.
Someone pounds on Sansone’s shoulder, popping the fantasy bubble we were in. He spins around, only to see Valentino.
“Sorry, Sansone, but our host insisted on meeting you now since you don’t seem inclined to leave the dance floor anytime soon.”
“Where is he?” Sansone looks at the space beside Valentino.
His brother rolls his eyes, then nods to the entrance of the exhibit. “His men will escort us.”
Sansone turns to me, but I pat his arm. “I need to use the restroom, anyway. I’ll find you later.”
As we part, my phone buzzes. I glance behind me to find Aurelio two steps away. I rush to the bathroom, the only place I seem able to have these conversations without Aurelio snooping.
Tech Bro: There’s a sale going down tonight, and it’s bad.
Me: I’m at an event. My babysitter is breathing down my neck. If you can plan a diversion and escape, I’m in.
Tech Bro: You’ll have no choice. They’re selling a baby girl. She is barely over a year old.
He’s right. I can’t let whoever has her sell her. I tell Omari where I am.
Tech Bro: Give me time to make a plan. It won’t be my best, but time is short.
Isn’t it always?
Me: I’ll need a ride and a change of clothes. A ball gown is not suitable for messy work.
Tech Bro: Just another day in the neighborhood. Stay tuned.
I wash up and join Aurelio. My former happiness is dispersing at a rate faster than water swirls a drain. With my mood shifting down fast and the uncertainty of my upcoming departure, I decide not to seek Sansone. He’s too perceptive, and I need to work on my poker face. Aurelio’s constant glances in my direction support my choice.
I spy Sloane and join her.
She hands me a glass. “Zakiya, I’m curious about you. Sansone is a wealthy, attractive man who tells anyone willing to listen he wants to make you his wife. Why won’t you agree to marry him?”
I step back, surprised by her forwardness. As nice as she seems, we do not know each other well enough to share confidences.
“Did I come on too strong?” she asks. “It’s probably because I’ve known Sansone a long time and want him to be happy. You seem to be the person he’s set his heart on having, so I’d like to know if you’re going to leave him in a world of hurt after stringing him along.”
I begin to slam my glass on a nearby table but at the last second rest it without causing the liquid to spill. “I respect you looking out for your family, Sloane. I do. However, you can take what I’m about to say in any way you want. I don’t answer to you.”
