When She Fell for the Billionaire(60)

In his gut, he knew Sabrina would not make a scene. How he had lumped her together with Markos’ other bimbos, he couldn’t imagine. Why Markos had chosen to let her go was another thing he couldn’t fathom. The man was a fool.

Still… “You are not to approach Markos in the reception until I tell you to.”

That didn’t sit well with her, judging by her small frown.

“That’s my condition, strega. Take it or leave it.”

She nodded. “I promise. Luca, I-,” she started hesitantly then shook her head. Then restarted, “It means a lot to me, that’s all. Thank you,” she said simply.

It meant a lot to her, seeing Markos again. Her statement was like a punch to Luca’s gut.

By the end of the night, there’d be only one man who could claim her. He hoped he would be that man once and for all.





Chapter 17





Should she tell him?

Sabrina debated with herself as she got dressed, donning the gown that had been one of Luca’s purchases for her. He had left her alone to get ready after Antonia had discreetly knocked to inform Luca that his suit had arrived. Apparently he had been wearing a morning suit to the wedding and had to change into formal evening attire.

There was no time for Luca’s driver to fetch her things from the villa. They didn’t want to arrive too late to the affair. As a result, she still didn’t have her contact lens solution with her. She blinked to moisten her eyes. This was the longest time she had gone without removing them.

If she went without them, Luca would ask questions. She wasn’t ready to answer them. He might change his mind about bringing her to the reception.

After the reception, she would tell him. Hopefully he wouldn’t be angry with her for keeping her secret. They had given her purpose for the last two years.

“Signor Argenti said if you want some help with your hair and make-up?” Antonia had that half-smile that showed she was uncertain if her offer would be taken kindly.

“Yes. Thank you. I’m hopeless when it comes to doing my face and hair.”

Antonia stepped inside the room and gasped when she took a good look at her. “You look lovely, signorina.”

There was a full-length mirror concealed in one of the doors of the closet. She studied her reflection. The gown was a sleeveless slender sheath of blue taffeta. From the décolletage up, it was made of a sheer¸ gauzy material embroidered with tiny clear crystals that winked when hit by the light. It was an Argenti couture gown. She loved it because it matched the blue of Luca’s eyes.

“Grazie, Antonia. The gown makes me feel beautiful.” Perhaps that’s why women were willing to spend thousands of dollars on couture dresses–it did made one feel like Cinderella. Transformed. Magical. Like the night was filled with possibilities.

“Will you follow me please?” the stewardess said.

“Where are we going?”

Antonia smiled. “You’ll see.”

They descended to the lowermost level of the yacht. She followed Antonia to a room. This time, it was her turn to gasp in surprise.

The yacht had a parlor, complete with reclining seats, shampoo sink bowls, and standing hair heater equipment.

Antonia seated her in front of a mirror with Hollywood lights. She had an impressive array of beauty products on the counter. She must have caught her stunned expression from her reflection, because she said, “Sometimes there are fashion shows on the yacht. The models and the guests have their hair and make-up done here. Several professional make-up artists will come on board for the fundraising party, but for tonight you will have to make do with me.”

“Just simple make-up will do.”

Antonia nodded. “Of course. We’ll not hide your beauty under heavy layers of paint. Signor Luca will not like it.”

Sabrina’s cheeks pinkened.

Antonia laughed. “We’ll have no need for blush on.”

Gratefully, her face had been spared from her encounter with the Jack and Jill Street. Antonia had assured her she could cover some of her cuts with camouflage make-up. She had assisted some of the make-up artists before, calming diva models and prima donna guests, sometimes acting as translator.

Sabrina likened Antonia’s job to being general manager of the yacht. She inquired about Alessa.

“She’s at the mainland now with my mother. When there are guests and upcoming events, my mother babysits her so she will not be underfoot. The Argentis are kind employers and they let her stay with us most of the time.”

As she was already dressed, Antonia draped a towel around her neck to protect the dress. She pulled up Sabrina’s hair in a simple upswept do and started immediately on her make-up.