You Will Be Mine(44)

I waved my hand at him. “Don’t mention it. It was nothing. I wasn’t going to get you into trouble for something I did.”

“Something we all did,” Mia protested.

“Well, anyway. It was done, and it can’t be undone.” I smiled and saw the way both Mia and Alessandro were looking at each other. It would seem they were more than just in-like with each other. That got me thinking. “Alessandro, can you do me a favour this evening?”

Alessandro looked my way and nodded. “Certainly, Clara. Anything.”

I looked at Mia for a moment and smiled. “Can you make sure Mia is kept entertained for the evening?” I looked at him so he would get my meaning. He soon caught on and beamed at me.

“Of course. It would be my pleasure.”

Nodding, I tried to walk past, but Mia grabbed my arm on the way. “You don’t have to do this. I can work.”

I shook my head. “No. I’m not going to make you do anything you’re uncomfortable with. We have already been paid for this evening so your presence alone is the only thing warranted.”

Mia squeezed my arm and smiled. “Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it.” I carried on my journey, feeling a little good about myself. In fact, I was feeling really good. I knew tonight would be the night for me and Luca. I could feel it. I was going to seduce that man if it was the last thing I did.

Looking down from the top of the stairs only cemented that idea. Luca was at the bottom, and he stared up at me like I was the only woman in the house. Our eyes locked for a moment before he leisurely took in the sight of me. I made sure I was wearing my mask before I came down—just to add to the effect. He knew straight away it was me, though.

Luca’s smile spread wide as I took to the stairs. When I neared the bottom, he said, “My lioness has come to join me.”

“I thought you would like it,” I purred.

“Like it—it looks phenomenal on you. My God, you’re one sexy cat.”

I chuckled. “Thank you. You’re looking rather dashing yourself.” And he was. He, too, was wearing a tux, and he looked about a million dollars in it. He didn’t just command a room; he bellowed sex appeal through it.

Kissing me on the cheek, he lingered. “The guests are starting to arrive, but I’m starting to regret arranging it all now.”

“Why?” I asked astonished.

“Because I would much rather be upstairs, peeling this beautiful dress off you.”

I shuddered as he trailed his fingers down my arm. One single solitary touch, and I was his. I knew I was kidding myself. Luca was right; I had been his from the start.

“I’m going to get the word out.”

I frowned. “What word?”

He leaned in to whisper in my ear. “The one that tells every horny fucker in this place to keep away from the prowling, sexy lioness. She’s off limits.”

I smiled as he pulled his head back to meet my eyes. “Oh she is, is she?”

“Yes. Do you need help remembering? I can always offer you a refresher. My cheeks flushed with the intensity of his words. “Yes, please,” I whispered.

“Oh, Clara, what am I going to do with you?”

“I’m sure I can think of something.” I raised my eyebrow at him and winked.

“Stop it, Clara. I only have so much restraint.” I laughed, thinking that he had too much at times. “Can I get you a drink?”

“Yes, please. That would be lovely. Champagne if there is any.”

Luca left and took the time to look around. The place was already filling with people. Some I recognised, and some I didn’t. The ones that knew me smiled a hello, and the others just looked at me like I was a shiny new plaything. They needed to get that out of their heads. Luca was right about one thing. I was off-limits, but only because I always had been—not because he was saying I was.

“Clara, you look exceptionally beautiful this evening. I’m guessing that must indeed be you underneath that mask?”

I looked to my left and spotted Matthew walking towards me. “Yes, Matthew. How are you this evening?”

“I’m very well. Glad this bug business has finally been cleared up. I’ve been eager to see Melinda again.”

Instinctively, I looked around the room to see if I could try to spot her. “I can’t see her as yet, but I’m sure she will be joining us shortly.”

“Clara, your champagne.” Luca placed a very possessive hand behind my back.

Matthew smiled at Luca. “Mr. Belatoni, how nice to see you. I didn’t realise you frequented here.”

“Oh, I don’t. Clara and I are partners.” Luca smiled, but I could tell he meant more than business.