Wild One

Twenty-Six

Manon

That morning, I woke up to Niccoló's probing stare.

"Good morning," I greet him.

"Today, you will attend an event with me. There will be many important people there. You will take the card I give you, you will be ready by five."

I roll my eyes. Perks of being a temporary mistress.

"And if I don't?"

"You will. Get dressed I'll have a driver take you."

I do as he says. After all, what's the use in denying him? He wants to spoil me?

Fine. I'll enjoy it.

"Where's my good morning kiss?"

He eyes me, before bending down to peck my lips.

"Hurry up. Time is wasting."

I smirk.

***

I get in the shower, gawking at it again. It's gold plated. This man has too much money to spare.

When I come out, there's clothes waiting for me on the bed, and Niccoló is no where to be found.

I get dressed, venturing out on my own.

As I walk down the steps, the whole house falls into a hush. They all watch me, the men and women alike.

"Hello," I smile. "Niccolo told me a driver's supposed to be taking me out?"

One of the armed men rush toward me. "I am Angelo. I'll be your body guard while you're out. Let me escort you to the car."

Angelo isn't bad looking. Not at all.

"Why thank you," I grin at him.

He blushes, clearing his throat and leading the way.

He opens the door for me, a black SUV. Luxury.

I slide in. Angelo sits in the front with the driver. I watch the mansion fade away as we drive into the city.

We stop at boutique, an expensive one. I get out, and go shopping.

"This is the card, Boss left for you." Angelo hands me a black card. I thought these things only existed in fiction.

"If you need help I'll be right here."

***

I have fun shopping. We visit a few more places, but nothing seems to match me.

I shoot a quick text to Niccoló asking him what I should wear.

Formal. Ball gown. Not too guady.

I roll my eyes at the city texts, but heed his advice. I find a gold number, slick and elegant, off the shoulder.

Not too provacative, I don't feel exposed, but I do feel sexy.

My phone pings as I admire myself on the mirror.

Don't forget lingerie.

That man had the appetite of ten men.

***

We shop around until I find the perfect shoes. Then I get my hair and nails down. My hair is done at five thirty.

They start on my makeup. I hear gasps, and my eyes open. Women are swooning, some even have their thighs clenched.

Niccolò Vitale what the hell are you doing here?

His eyes are on me as he swaggers though the room.

"You look gorgeous, pulcino."

He bends down and gives me a kiss.

"I'm late," I grin.

"You are with me. I'm never late. Everyone else is merely early."

I chuckle, and he gives me a small smile.

"Help me up, hotshot."

He offers his hand and I take it. Elegantly, he eases me up, eyeing me with taste.

"Perfect. Now stay by side. I have a feeling no one will be able to keep their eyes off you."

I oblige. He walks me out of the salon into the car.

He opens the door for me, and shuts it when I'm fully in the car, even helping put my dress in the seat.

Reminds me of when I first met him.

"Where's the body guard?"

He smirks at me, taking a strand of my hair between his fingers twirling it.

"I'm here now. And I will guard your body very closely," He whispered hotly. "Don't you worry."

I look up at him, with a grin.

"I feel so much safer already."

***

We drive to the destination. Again, he's very gentlemanly, helping me out of the car.

"Remember, stay close to me."

We walk in and all eyes are on us. Whispers float up in the air. The first to greet us is...

I almost choked.

"Kaleb?"

He looks surprised to see me too. The last time I saw him...

"Mr. Vitale," he smiles, eyeing me.

Niccolò grins back widely. "Mr. Paulen. So nice to meet you."

I've never head him call anyone Mister anything. Why does he show this man such respect.

"Likewise. Please, enjoy your evening."

He steps away from us, but his eyes are glued to me.

"Why did you speak to him like that?" I demand in a hush.

He take a strands of my hair, wrapping it around his finger. Then like an animal, he takes that strand between his teeth softly, before letting it go.

"Well...I did sleep with his wife, so I figured I should show him a bit of respect."

I pale. "You knew?"

He smirked at me, putting his arm around my waist possessively. "Of course I knew Mrs. Paulen. Come, let me introduce you to some important people."

I think I'm gonna be sick.