The room was enormous, and the table was set right in the middle of it. Staff came and went with the food, placing fine wines and other delicious things on the table in front of the guests. I didn’t know who anybody was, although Arturo had briefly introduced them all at the beginning.
They were all “business associates,” which clearly meant they were all important mobsters. Nobody was saying that out loud, of course, but the implication was pretty clear.
The first course came, and I started eating. I avoided Lucas’s eye, although he became embroiled in a conversation with the portly man next to him. I kept wondering about my stepsister and why she hadn’t shown up yet. I assumed the empty seat was meant for her.
After the salads were cleared, I leaned in toward Lucas. “So,” I said, “where’s this famous sister?”
Lucas paused and glanced at his father. “In her rooms, I expect.”
“Why isn’t she here?”
He gave me a strange look. “Louisa is busy. That’s all.”
He seemed to be avoiding the question entirely, and I could tell by his expression that I shouldn’t press.
“Did you get my gift?” he asked.
“Obviously,” I said.
“Not obviously since you aren’t wearing it.”
“That wouldn’t be appropriate.” I felt myself blushing, wondering if anyone was listening to us.
“Just a simple gift, Natalie.” His smile was so disarming, so handsome. “Nothing more than that.”
I felt his foot suddenly move up my leg.
What an asshole. I kicked him away and he grinned even larger.
“Natalie,” Arturo said suddenly, “what are you studying at school?”
“Computer science,” I said.
“Computers!” Arturo exclaimed, laughing. “You would get along well with Louisa.”
I glanced at Lucas and he looked surprised. “I’d love to meet her,” I said.
“Ah, well, soon enough,” Arturo said.
“I would too, Artie,” Mom said.
Artie? I wanted to fucking vomit.
“Soon, very soon.”
“Louisa keeps to herself,” Lucas said quickly.
“What do you mean?” Mom asked. “I’m her new stepmother. I should at least meet her.”
The look on Arturo’s face was strange. “Mother,” I said quickly, “maybe you should tell Arturo and Lucas about your last show.”
“Well, I’d love to.” She launched into a description of her last reality show.
Mom was always good for a quick distraction, especially if you asked her about herself. But I could tell there was something weird about Louisa, something that strained Arturo and Lucas’s relationship.
The night wore on slowly, and I began to get bored. As the main course was removed, I felt my phone vibrate in my bag. I reached down to the floor and pulled it out.
One text from an unknown number. Having a good time?
Who is this?
Look up.
Lucas had his phone out and was smirking at me. “How—”
“Lovely wine, right?” he said quickly, interrupting me.
“Sure,” I said. My phone vibrated again.
You know why I sent you that dress?
Because you’re an ass?
Because I wanted to fuck you while you wore it. I’d slip it just up above your hips and sink my cock deep into that tight, wet pussy.
Too bad that isn’t happening.
It is too bad. Just think, if I got you off with only my fingers, imagine what I can do with my tongue?
I felt a deep, scarlet blush come onto my cheeks.
“Darling?” my mother said to me. “What’s the matter? You look a little warm.”
“Ah, nothing,” I said. “I’m just feeling tired. It was a very long day.”
“Say no more, dear,” Arturo said. “Go. Don’t let us old men keep you here.”
“Thank you, Arturo.” I stood up quickly. “Good night everyone.”
I quickly turned and left the table, heading back toward my room.
As I got out of the hall, my phone vibrated again. My cock is hard just thinking about you in that dress. Come to my rooms and wear only that any time you want.
I leaned up against a wall, breathing heavily. Lucas was such an ass, but I didn’t know why I let him get to me so easily.
I turned off my phone and put it into my pocket. How the heck did he get my number? Probably some mafia crap that I didn’t even want to know about.
I shook my head, getting myself together. I really was exhausted from the long day.
It only took one staff member to give me directions this time before I locked my bedroom door.
What a day. I flopped down into my bed and tried not to think about my stepbrother, my husband.
Chapter Ten: Lucas