Time seems to inch forward at an incredibly slow pace as I am holed up in the room. Draped across the bed scrolling through my phone a loud knock at the door causes me to jump. Opening the door to see Ciro looking down at me with his menacing gaze.
“The stylists are here when you are ready for them to come up.”
“Oh, okay. You can send them up now.”
Giving me a curt nod he turns to retrieve them.
17
LILIANA
Three excruciatingly long hours later the stylists are packing their things up. After helping me to get into my dress and shoes without ruining my hair and makeup they leave. Allowing me to sit and stir while my anxiety slowly rises. Stepping in front of the mirror I examined their work. Staring at the woman looking back at me I am stunned.
Is this really me? Not used to wearing much makeup, seeing myself like this is a bit strange to me. Though stunning, it hides the real me. Though maybe that is what I need tonight. A mask like everyone else seems to wear so well. Glancing back up I note that I look more like a woman and less like a girl who doesn’t know what the hell she is doing.
Sitting around waiting for Nico to get home, the clock continues to tick by. My stomach twisting into knots as tonight looms closer with each passing minute. I had expected Nicoli to be home any moment but he still hasn’t come back. Not being able to stand being pent up in the room any longer I head downstairs. Maybe Ciro will know what is holding Nicoli up.
Making my way out to the balcony I step outside. Taking a deep breath of the cool night air. I glance out to the city in front of me, admiring the lights. New York is beautiful at night. Fiddling with the tulle on my dress I hear someone clear their throat behind me. Whirling around as my dress wraps around my legs in my haste, I see Ciro is standing just outside of the doorway. His features have seemed to soften a fraction compared to the usual stone-like expression he wears all day.
“Nicoli just called. He was caught up at work and is running late. He wants me to take you to the hotel that we will be hosting the party at and said he would meet us there to go in with you.” My face falls.
“Oh, okay,” I say quite solemnly.
“Don’t worry he will meet us there, you won’t have to go inside by yourself.” Nodding in return to what he says. “I just need to quickly change then we can leave so we make it on time.” He goes back inside leaving me on the deck.
Panic starts to rise up at knowing Nico won’t be with me when I get there as I try to talk it away. Don’t worry he said you don’t have to go in yourself. Nico will be there.
After giving myself a few minutes to calm myself down I head back inside. I walk in to find Ciro adjusting his tie around his neck. “You ready to go?”
“Yes I am, let's get this over with.” Leading the way to the elevator he allows me to step inside before him. Standing together in silence as we descend, I look over at him as he faces forward looking at the door.
“You look quite nice.” He must not have expected that as he looks at me with slight confusion, almost like he wasn't sure I was talking to him.
“Thank you, you look quite beautiful yourself Liliana.” He glances down, seeing me fidgeting as I wring my hands in front of me. “You need not fret over tonight. Nothing will happen and no one would dare speak out tonight against Nicoli or yourself, you don’t have anything to worry about.” As the doors open he silently leads me out and into a car waiting outside where both of us remain that way for the rest of the drive.
It doesn't take long till we are pulling up in front of a lavish looking hotel. I begin to see others up ahead making their way inside. Forcing myself to breathe in and out as I can feel myself panic slightly again. As we roll up closer to the entrance I finally notice Nicoli standing off to the side by the doors. He is talking to a couple of men as we pull to a stop in front of the entranceway. His eyes turn up to the car and seem to look straight at me, even though with the windows tinted he couldn't possibly see me.
I draw in one more deep breath before the valet opens the door and helps me step out. Stepping away from the car I looked up to see Nicoli’s eyes ravaging me even from the distance. Cutting off one of the men mid-sentence he excuses himself and stalks towards me. His tongue peaks out wetting his lip as he comes to stand before me. He takes a moment to gaze down at me, a pleased look upon his face.
“Liliana you look…-” He trails off as if unsure what to say. “You are by far the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. You look absolutely stunning tonight.”
Blushing slightly. “Thank you.” He grabs hold of my hand and pulls me into him. Leaning his head down, he places a kiss on my neck. My pulse quickens below his lips.
“Nervous? Your pulse is racing.” He asks and I feel a slight grin break
