Page 15 of In Ruins
ARIA
“Would you quit squirming around in your seat?” Giana tells me with a laugh.
“I can’t help it! I’m too excited to stay calm. I’ve never been to an Andretti party before.”
We're almost there, and along with the excitement, my nerves are fluttering in my stomach. I want to ask her whether she thinks Enzo will be there, but I refrain. I don’t want her to think I’m fishing around for any information about the man, even though I’m dying to know.
“Well, from what I hear, their parties are always a hit, and it’stheevent to try and snag an invitation to the inner circle.”
“That does not make the nerves in my belly settle at all,” I deadpan.
“Relax. No one is going to know who you are under that mask. Plus, no worrying. Tonight’s the night to let loose for a while, and after that, we’ll head to the club to find someone who will take care of that v-card for you.” She smirks, but then her expression turns thoughtful a second later. “Unless you’ve changed your mind…”
“I know. I know. I’m worrying too much. But I can’t help it since this is the first time I’ve ever done something like this. Hellno! I’ve not changed my mind. That will be my ultimate fuck you to Father and Salvatore,” I mutter.
A moment later, we finally pull up to the entrance of the Andretti compound, and Giana drives through the open gates where the guards—Bruno being one of them—are directing people on where to go. He points out a spot to Giana, and she drives that way. Thankfully, it’s one that’ll be easy to get out of later when we’re ready to go, since we plan to leave early.
It’s only eight thirty, and the front lawn is already packed with cars. Numerous people are still out here, all of whom are making their way up to the house. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised to see this many people here, since the Andretti name is pretty big and powerful here in Chicago.
Both of us quickly put our masks on before stepping out of the car. Now that we’re actually here, I am a bit anxious and worried that a full-face mask and being dressed like a guy will not be enough to hide behind. No one here must know my true identity.
I smooth the front of my suit down a bit to hide my nervousness. I just hope the wrap I used to flatten my chest doesn’t look too bulky in this suit. I might be a little scared, with nerves coursing through me, but I’m determined to see this night through. I want to spread my wings for at least one night because I’m pretty sure I already know how my life with Salvatore will go. It’s going to be me in another cage, similar to the one I’m currently in. Though I have a feeling Salvatore’s will be much worse.
Giana looks pretty in her dress, and I know she definitely dressed up for Bruno tonight.Sometimes I wish I were as free as she is, able to do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, instead of being stuck in my house.
But in the grand scheme of things, I’m glad it’s me instead of her. She’s one of the best people I know, and I wouldn’t want her to suffer my fate.
“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do tonight,” I whisper when I spot Bruno making his way over to us.
“Please! I’m not even a virgin anymore. Bruno took that already, so I’m going to do everything you haven’t done yet.”
“For your information, that’s all going to change tonight!” I laugh, and she joins in before turning serious a moment later.
“How do you want to play this?”
“I’ll entertain myself, wander around a bit so I can see what the Andretti party is all about. You go have fun with Bruno. His shift is supposed to be ending soon, right?
“Yeah,” she responds, looking at her watch. “He’s pretty much done already. Are you sure about this?”
“I am. I’ll be fine, don't worry.”
“Okay. We’ll meet back here at ten thirty and head to the club if you’re still up for it,” she tells me, and I nod my head. “But take my phone with you just in case I need to reach you for any reason. I’ll use Bruno’s to text.”
“Sounds like a plan,” I tell her. I know she doesn’t want to leave me, but I need some time alone so I can pretend my life isn’t about to end soon. Plus, I want her to have some fun with her boyfriend since he’s about to be done with his shift.
To be honest, I still haven’t really come to terms with the fact that tonight really is the last night I’ll be able to consider myself a single woman. Tomorrow, I’m officially going to meet the man who is going to be my husband. After that, all I’ll be known as is Salvatore’s fiancée.
I hate that man more than I can fathom. The thought of marrying him brings me nothing but dread. Had I known this would be my fate, maybe I would have tried running after all.
“Are you sure?” she questions again.
“Yes. I want you to have a good time with your guy tonight,” I tell her. Just then, Bruno finally reaches us, a warm smile on his face.
“Are you two excited to party tonight?” he asks. “I’m off now. I just changed shifts with the new guards.”
“Absolutely!” We both speak at the same time.
“Let’s go then,” he says. Giana wraps her arm around his waist as we start to make our way up to the mansion. They look so cute together, I think as I walk a step behind them to give them some privacy. Halfway to the door, Bruno puts on his mask as well, and when we finally make it up to the house, he walks us inside.
