The Mafia's Hired Wife.

An Invite.

Florette's POV.

"Miss Florette"

I stare up at him with my eyes as wide as plates. This has to be the most embarrassing moment of my life. After how posh I made myself look the other day, of course he would not expect to see me in a tiny pub like this.

Oh wait... What the hell is he doing here then?

Straightening my dress and lifting my chin, I look into his eyes with all the courage I can muster.

"Hi"

"Hi. I didn't expect to see you here" He says.

"I could say the same thing, Mr..."

"Derek"

I nod my head. "That's right"

"I'm sorry to interrupt your night but Mr Dorian would like to see you" He says.

"What? Why?" I ask, looking around for a certain redhead. Of course, Bexley is nowhere to be found. I doubt I have hope of still seeing her tonight.

"I do not know. But you have to come with me"

"Wait. He needs to speak with me right now?!"

"Yes. I am to return with you" He looks down at me, "Is there a problem?"

"I came here with someone, my friend..."

"The redhead? I saw her with a guy by the entrance on my way here. I doubt you should be worried"

"Ah..." I nod my head, pulling my lips to the side. I guess Bex is already settled for the night. Bold of me to assume she needed my care anyways.

"Are you ready?" He asks.

I am about to nod my head but then I look down at myself and see how I look. Mr Dorian would have my head if he sees his future fake wife looking like some random hooker. Clearing my throat, I look up again.

"Uhh... Can I get changed first?"

He gives me a slow and tentative once over, an eyebrow slightly raised, then he steps aside.

"Of course. We can stop by your house"

Nodding my head, I lead the way out of the small pub, having to squeeze my way through the moving bodies in the pub. I turn back to see if Derek is having the same problem, only to see him walking majestically in the midst of the crowd. They are naturally parting away for him like a fog. That must be because of his build. He has a very broad chest and strong arms, you can easily mistake him for a bouncer.

Now that I think about it, Zavian has almost the same build, he is just not as broad as Derek, but they could both serve off as bouncers. I huff and turn back around, focusing on getting out of that place since the broad man behind me doesn't care to help.

As I approach the entrance, I see Bexley talking with a guy just like Derek said, and stomp over to her.

"You cannot be serious right now, Bex" I grab her arm and pull her aside, away from the guy who looks confused at the interruption.

"What the hell are you doing, Flor?! That was my best shot tonight!"

"Shut the f**k up" I roll my eyes, at the same time Derek finds us and stands only a few feet away, his hands clasped in front of him as he waits for us to be done. I don't miss the surprised but lustful look Bexley throws his way.

"Woah who the heck is that?!" She whisper yells, leaning in so he can't hear, although I'm sure he did since he is still within earshot.

"That is Mr Dorian's right hand man"

She visibly flinches back with wide eyes, the lustful look she was throwing Derek's way now gone, replaced with a fearful one.

"Why is he here?"

"I need to go with him. Mr Dorian needs to speak with me"

"Right now?! Its almost midnight, besides, the contract begins tomorrow. Can't he wait?"

"Obviously not, since he sent him here" I say with a shrug.

"That is..." She tilts her head.

"Yes I know" I roll my eyes and swat her arm "By the way, how could you leave me dancing with that stranger"

"Was I supposed to assist you in dancing with him, or watch you the whole time?" She asks with a raised brow.

"You should have notified me when you leaving"

"Okay I'm sorry. So what now?" She glances at Derek, "You are going with him?"

"Yes, but we need to make a stop at home first. I can't see him looking like this" I motion down to myself.

"Can I get a ride. I'm done here anyway" She says.

"How come? Weren't you talking with someone?"

"Yea, that was the shot you ruined. I'm not interested anymore, I just need a nap" She rubs her head. "So what, can I come with you guys?"

I shrug and we both look at Derek. We don't have to repeat the request because he gives a small nod and walks outside, Bex and I walking closely behind him. As expected, we reach a big black car parked by the street and climb inside, the both of us claiming the back seats while Derek stays alone in the front.

In a few minutes, Derek is parking the car in front of our flat and we are both stepping out. I turn to look at Derek as I shut the door.

"You can come in if you want" I tell him. He silently nods as he follows the both of us inside our home.

We walk onto the house and I go straight into the room to change into something more comfortable. I really hope Zavian is not expecting me to doll up tonight because I doubt there is any need.

I settle with a straight silk gown that I own, coupled with my boots. Its simple and seems okay for the occasion-- whatever that is.

As I walk out of my room, I am surprised to find Bex and Derek in a small conversation, their voices low and comfortable. There is a small smile on Bex's face as she talks to him while his remains unreadable, but you can see the interest in his eyes. I almost laugh out loud at the irony of this situation. Thoughts of them being together begin to sneak into my mind and I shake them off. That can never happen. They both will never allow it and I won't too. The only reason we know Derek is because of the contract.

No need for any other unnecessary bond with him.

I enter silently so as not to announce my presence but they notice anyway and their voices die down. I stop in front of Derek and look down at him, getting a cool glare from Bex, probably for interrupting her conversation with a guy for the second time tonight.

I'm not to be blamed, she has terrible timing.

"I'm ready" I tell Derek and without a word, he stands up and walks to the door. I follow him expectantly, but I stop in my tracks when I feel a pull at my arm. Turning to my left, I see Bex looking at me with her cute but worried eyes.

"Be careful" She whispers to me.

"I will" I nod assuredly to her and I mean it.

I rush out after Derek with a curious mind as to what Zavian may possibly want from me.