The serpent’s kiss

Chapter5

“You look.. Really beautiful Aurora, no sorry.. "Miss Giovanna D’Amico” Matteo said to me in a low tone and a look of want in his eyes as he stared at my reflection in the mirror.

I was all dressed in a fitted knee-length dress to show off my legs and to accentuate my figure. I was a little confused about the color to wear, but I settled on soft gray. I paired it with pearl earrings and a simple soft diamond necklace to bring enough attention to my neck. It was a family heirloom of the D’Amico that Valentina gave to me.

My heels were a little pointed and my hair was held up in a ponytail with little strands of hair falling down my neck and I smelled like coconut oil to announce my presence.

I must say, Valentina did a great job dressing me up as I couldn't even recognize myself in the mirror. I had a little dark under-eye as Valentina and I stayed up all night giving me lessons on how to take up the character of a mafia princess. She taught me softness, patience, and boldness.

“Never look away when he is speaking to you. Make sure you stare back deep into his eyes while he is talking and reply with the softest voice you’ve ever used. "Mafias always want to think that they are superior no matter what” I nodded and took notes.

“Also, always make sure to look vulnerable. Let him always want to protect you, even if you can protect yourself” she added “And… always look your best. "Always look beautiful every moment though I know you would have no problem doing that” Valentina nodded and smiled at me

She secretly also taught me the art of seduction and that was what I learnt best.

Marco, Valentina, and the new Giovanna, drove to Lucchese's mansion in their Cadillac limousine.

“Let's get all our acts in check. We must be able to convince them”, Marco said to us

In twenty minutes, we reached Lucchese’s mansion, and I was helped out of the car by my father as the princess that I was. Action is already taking place

“Welcome to the Lucchese estate Sir and Ma'ams,” one of the guards said ushering us in

Impressive doesn't even have to describe how this place looked. It was breathtaking. The architecture, a blend of Italian Renaissance and modern luxury. The garden was stunning with fountains and statues. The air filled with the scent of a thousand roses

“Wow” I looked dreamily while whispering to myself “it's like stepping into a fairytale”

Valentina pinched me immediately

“Ouch!” I winced in pain

“Shush! You don't want them to know this is your first time seeing something like this. Get a grip on yourself!” Valentina warned and smiled at the guard who looked at the back

“Is everything alright?” he asked

“ Assolutamente!” Valentina answered swiftly and we headed on

Advanced security features were everywhere with outstanding features for safety and privacy

We continued and stepped into the entrance hall. It was a symphony of marble and gold. Sunlight seeped through a massive arched window illuminating a grand staircase that seemed to float upwards. The walls were adorned with priceless paintings, their frames gleaming, the chandeliers.. This place is a museum!

I was in awe as I took in every bit of the paradise before me. This was going to be my home. I almost squealed but caught myself

The guard brought us to what seemed like the sitting room with like ten guards each positioned at each corner of the room. The ballroom was far behind with a crystal chandelier and a polished dance floor, for formal parties

“Capo will be with you shortly,” he said, and left as we made ourselves comfortable each in our chairs

“Benvenuto! Benvenuti a tutti! Welcome to my humble abode” Alaric said laughing coming in from the side of the room

This was far from humble, I yelled to myself inwardly

I saw him for the first time and his voice was a correct fit to how he looked. Fit and good-looking with a stern look. He looked like he worked out because, for his age, he still had muscles bulging in his arms. A woman followed behind him. I presume his wife Guilia

She had the palest skin with flowing hair and a curvy figure. She was dressed in a well-tailored blouse and fitted skirt embedded in lace. Her designer brand shoes spoke money as she walked over to us in grace, following her husband

She glowed.. She was beautiful. I stared at my soon to be mother in law

“Alaric,” Marco said and stood up for pleasantries. “Meet my daughter Giovanna”

I stood up in elegance and looked at the almighty Alaric Lucchese “Good day sir” I said firmly with a soft tone and gave my best smile

“Hmm, good day” Alaric stared at me with a reluctant look while his wife Guilia looked at me with a satisfied look, a smile lingering on her lips

Good! She liked me, I thought

“Well, let’s get to the point. Reinardo and Zeno have been called already and they will be here any moment from now” Alaric said hurriedly like he had somewhere else to be

“How old are you dear?” Guilia asked in her soft voice. She seemed nice

“Twenty four Ma’am,” I said

“You’re very beautiful,” she said smiling at me with a loving look “I’m sure my sons will like you,” she said to me still smiling, her eyes sincere.

It looked like she was happy with this contract. It benefited her more. I've always heard how hard she tried to have a girl child of her own after Zeno but it didn't work out. This was probably her opportunity to care for a girl. She was happy

I smiled at her, genuinely this time

“Ahem” I heard a person clear his throat to catch attention as he walked into the room

“That's my younger son Zeno” Alaric announced

He was quite the charmer, striking, just like his dad. He dressed impeccably in his dark tailored suit with expensive fabrics but there was something about his eyes that didn't add up. He got this air around him. He looked like a strategic thinker

“Good day everyone! Marco! Lovely to see you” he smirked at him then moved his eyes towards me. He stopped in his tracks and stared at me in awe

I always have that effect on guys, I wasn't surprised.

“This is Giovanna, Marco’s daughter” Alaric introduced

“I didn't know Marco had a fine daughter” he looked at me seductively and I almost rolled my eyes at him scoffing

The room seemed to hold its breath as our last visitor entered, his rich perfume announcing his presence. He moved with a predatory grace, each step deliberate, each glance a calculated assessment.

I stared at him in awe as we made brief eye contact. He was a study in contrasts, the sharp lines of his tailored suit offset by the relaxed way it hung on his frame. His dark hair was perfectly tousled, as if he'd just run a hand through it, and his eyes, the color of a stormy sea, scanned the room with a dangerous intensity.

His jaw was set in a permanent line. His voice, when he finally spoke, was a low, gravelly rumble, a promise of both pleasure and pain.

“Father” It was a voice that could soothe your fears or shatter your world, and you wouldn't know until it was too late, a dangerous man who was undeniably, devastatingly attractive.

“God!” I whispered to myself