Page 9 of War Within
“It was a pleasure meeting you.” He extended his hand.
“You too.” I placed my palm in his before hurrying out the door.
Indigo, one of Mr. Rovati’s personal bodyguards was posted next to a limo, arms folded over his chest. The moment he saw me, he muttered something into his earpiece.
“Hello,” he greeted me in a clipped tone as I approached.
“Hi, Indigo.”
“You ready?”
I nestled my fists on my hips. “That depends on what’s going on.”
Opening the limo door, he rolled his eyes, giving his head a shake as I slid into the back seat. He climbed in after, taking a seat across from me. Reaching behind his head, he tapped on the privacy glass. It lowered instantly.
“Take us to the house please, Lenny.” Though it was dark, he slid on a pair of sunglasses, then leaned forward. “Can I offer you a little advice?”
“Okay?”
“I would suggest not lying to the boss ever again.”
Instantly, my cheeks felt warm. Awkwardly staring out the window, I remained silent the rest of the car ride. Indigo was quiet as well. Even though his eyes were concealed, I could feel him watching me.
Once at the mansion, he led me into a side door where we were greeted by Jackson, pleasant as always.
“Good evening, Miss Jane.”
At least he got my name correct. “Hi, Mr. Rovati sent for me?” I was utterly perplexed.
“Yes ma'am, he did. Follow me. They are upstairs waiting to help you get ready.” He led me up a small, sandy-brown staircase. “You must hurry. Mr. Rovati does not like to be kept waiting.”
“I’m really confused.” I ran my fingers through my hair, looping a strand around my finger. Each step I took made me a bit more nervous than the last.
“He will explain everything when you get to the Gala.”
“Wait what?!” I froze.
The crisp autumn air finally started to trickle in during the evenings. Hands nestled in my pockets, I stood on the back veranda of my hotel, looking out across the river. The clatter of conversation, glasses clinking, and the ambiance of jazz music echoed through the open ballroom windows and doors. Inhaling a deep breath through my nose, I sought to detect the origin of the cigar aroma wafting through the air in in the distance. It was oddly familiar. Still, I could not quite identify it.
Though I supported the reason of these events, I despised attending them. People wanted my money and expected my family and I to go out of our way to host lavish parties. They did, however, always follow through with generous donations. It was a cycle all the wealthy families took part in.
Mirabella was supposed to be my date for the evening, but at the last minute, I requested she not attend. While I enjoyed her company, last night she became clingy. Today, she texted me puppy photos, asking ifwecould get a puppy forus. I felt my assistant would be a better choice for the evening’s company. She would not expect sex at the end of the night, and there was no way I planned to fuck her.
“Hey.” Her voice ripped me from my reverie.
Adjusting my tie, I turned toward her. She wore a current-red, floor length gown. A lengthy split on the side accentuated her slightly exposed leg. Her long, layered black hair cascaded down her body. The jewelry I had left for her sparkled in the flickering light of the kerosine torches.
“Wow!” For once in a long time, shock overcame me. “You look amazing!”
Her cheeks turned crimson as her gaze lowered.
“I mean it.Reallyamazing! You didn’t have to remove your glasses.”
“They are only for reading anyway, and thank you, Mr. Rovati.” She smiled, trying her best to mask her shyness. “Likewise.”
“Tonight, you’ll call me Giovanni, please.” I remained stoic. I did not want her to know I was admiring her.
“What happened to your date?”
