A kiss in the dark
1054 Words
Charlie’s POV
Lucian De Rossi.
Of course I recognized him….everyone in this room would.
The De Rossi family controlled half the political machinery in the Romanian region. Their influence stretched from government halls to business empires.
Lucian himself was practically raised to be a political pawn for alliances and power.
Which made it strange that he smelled…
Good.
Not the stiff, artificial perfume most elite men wore.
Something darker, colder and clean.
My brows furrowed slightly, more because the moment stretched too long.
I was still in his arms.
Heat rushed to my face the moment realisation hit and I quickly stepped back.
“I’m sorry,” I muttered.
Lucian’s lips curved into a slow smile.
“No harm done.”
His voice was smooth. Too smooth.
I nodded politely and excused myself before the conversation could stretch any further. I really wasn't interested in a chit chat with some influential people today.
Every banquet always led me to embarrassment.
The corner of the banquet hall was where I belonged anyway, rather that was my spot mentioned by dad, from there I watched the usual performance unfold.
Powerful men shaking hands.
Deals hidden behind polite smiles.
My father stood at the center of it all like a king surrounded by loyal nobles.
Crystal chandeliers glowed above us while violins played softly in the background.
The perfect illusion of elegance.
Then the doors opened again.
More of the Benedetti children had arrived…my supposed siblings.
The ones who lived abroad.
My eyes instantly found the one face I recognized most easily.
Alessandra Benedetti, The eleventh child. She walked into the room like she owned it. She is tall, elegant, and confident. Her dark dress hugged her figure perfectly while diamonds sparkled at her neck.
Everything a Benedetti daughter was supposed to be.
Her gaze swept the hall.
Then it landed on me, for a brief moment our eyes met.
I looked away first.
The music continued.
The banquet grew louder as more wine flowed.
But something felt strange.
Every now and then, I could feel someone watching me.
When I glanced up again…
Lucian.
Standing across the room.
His eyes were on me.
Again.
And again.
Until finally he started walking toward me.
At the same moment I noticed another familiar figure moving in my direction. I tried to do it and noticed it.
Matteo.
My bodyguard.
His steps were calm but deliberate.
Lucian reached me first.
A glass of wine appeared in his hand.
“For you.”
I didn’t take it.
“I’m not interested, thank you.” I declined politely but Lucien didn't seem to want to back off.
His smile didn’t fade.
“Not even in conversation?”
“I prefer my peace and quieness”
“Harsh.” he said as he but his lips.
“I prefer honesty.”
Lucian chuckled quietly.
“Fair enough.”
He lifted his own glass instead.
“To be honest then.”
I sighed and reluctantly accepted the wine just to end the exchange.
The conversation should have ended there.
But Lucian didn’t leave, He kept talking, Light jokes, Sharp remarks, Questions I ignored.
Yet somehow…
I found myself responding.
Short answers at first.
Then longer ones.
Before I even realized it, we were no longer in the crowded hall.
We were outside.
On the rooftop terrace.
Cool night air brushed against my skin.
Several other young heirs from powerful families had gathered there.
Laughing.
Drinking.
Playing games.
Freedom.
The kind I had never been allowed to experience.
Someone suggested a game.
“Truth or dare.”
I immediately shook my head.
“No.”
Lucian leaned closer.
“Come on.”
“I don’t play games.” I muttered then took some steps to get back to my position as instructed by dad.
His hands curled on my waist a little, I sensed it firm and disrespectful.
Where's Matteo? I muttered inwardly.
“Live a little.” he said as he walked me through to a seat.
I hesitated.
Looking around the rooftop.
The city lights of Rome stretched endlessly beyond the mansion walls.
For once…
No servants whispering.
No suffocating expectations.
Just people my age laughing.
Maybe…
Just once…. just onces won't hurt.
“Fine,” I muttered.
The group cheered.
Shots of alcohol appeared.
The game began.
Questions.
Dares.
Laughter.
Someone pushed a drink into my hand.
Then another.
And another….the liquor where harsh but haven't felt this freedom feeling I'd been craving my life for.
What could happen….if I don't have the fun.
The warmth spread through my body…. Not long enough after all the madness I felt really weird.
Maybe I should use the bathroom or something.
The world started spinning slightly.
I laughed.
Actually I laughed.
Maybe the alcohol was stronger than I thought.
Somewhere in the distance, I noticed movement near the entrance….that familiar figure I could really sense after a few moments he had lasted…
Matteo.
He was scanning the rooftop.
His expression looked tense.
Almost… I panicked.
Our eyes met briefly….I didn't look away…go the first time I could see something I didn't wish I wanted, at least not now.
He started walking toward me.
But the game pulled my attention away again.
“Got it wrong, Charl, another shot for you, Kayla and you too.”
Another shot.
Another laugh.
Another spin of the bottle…..I really wasn't seeing it all but I enjoyed it all
By the time Matteo reached us, my head felt light.
Very light….that I had to signal Matteo to come by….dad mustn't see me like this neither should the media.
“Lady Charlie.”
His voice cut through the noise.
“It’s time to leave.”
“Noo….argh…fuck I mean wait.” I mumbled.
Someone laughed.
“She’s staying!”
Matteo didn’t argue.
He simply walked forward and lifted me over his shoulder.
The world tilted suddenly.
“Put me down!” I protested weakly.
He ignored me completely….
As we crossed the hallway. I could hear some shameless sounds from the doors.
“Arghh….fuck…”
“Ough…Jason, bene.…harder.”
Jason? That was my brother.
Moments later we reached the car waiting outside the mansion.
He opened the door.
Just as he lowered me toward the seat…..
I grabbed his collar.
Pulled him down.
And slammed my lips against his….
- Writer
