Guarded: Worth the Risk

Chapter 10

                                                                                        Natalia

            After showering, I sit at my vanity for my hair and makeup to get done. I try to push all the thoughts and feelings I have for Nico to the back of my mind. Being that close to him and feeling those emotions, bring up memories of the past, memories that I worked so hard to burry deep in the back of my mind.

            I can’t allow myself to fall back into the same pattern as before. I spent the past five years building back up a wall that was shattered by someone I thought I loved. But part of me can’t help but wonder if the connection I’m feeling with Nico is real. Even if it was and I were to act on it, could he accept the truth about me? The whole truth.

            “What is going on in that mind of yours?” Dimitri asks looking at me through my vanity mirror.

            “Nothing- “

            He stays silent for a few moments, taking in my expressionless face before speaking again.

            “Do you really need to know everything going on in my mind?” I snip.

            “Well, if it helps keep you from self-destructing than, Yes.” He pulls the ottoman next to my car and pops a squat next to me.

            “Not now Dimitri.” I demand.

            “Seriously, what happened between now and what happened thirty minutes ago in the gym?” He sighs in frustration. Why does he always have to pry? Is it to get under my skin and taunt me?

            Maybe both.

             But that Dimitri for you. He’s the only person, other than Kara who truly understands me deep down.

             Going to my walk-in closet, I grab my gown and stilettos and carry it back to my bedroom. I quickly get dressed and wait for touch ups to be made to my hair and makeup. I throw on my stilettos and take one last quick glance in front of the mirror. I should be used to these events; I’ve attended at least five hundred by now.

            I smile and look at Dimitri who has an unamused look on his face. I return the same glance and make my way towards to front door.

            As soon as I reach the foyer, an extremely handsome and dapper Nico awaits me. I try to not to make eye contact for too long, but I fail miserably.

            “Wow, you look amazing.” He says, his eyes roaming down my body.

            I walk towards the front door grabbing my clutch and cellphone. “Not to bad yourself.” I say looking back slightly before grabbing the door handle to head to my black town car.

            God damn, he looks so damn good right now in the suit Kara so graciously picked out for him.

            Loft on the Lake, the venue for this evening’s gala. I would say I could breathe out a sigh of relief, but I would be lying. The feeling of panic has settled in for the evening. The Gala used to be my favorite event of the year, that was until the everything fell apart. Now my father tries to set me up with every Joe Some he thinks will sweeten the family and company name.

            “You look absolutely amazing.” My date say’s as he meets me at my car when we arrive.

            Declan O’Brady. Yup. Typical f**k boy is what he looks like if you ask me.

            I don’t answer. Instead, I plaster a fake smile I’ve become accustomed to on my face and walk down the gala red-carpet hand and hand with this fool. The faster we get inside the better.

            We take a few photos, and I can’t stop myself from looking at Nico whose waiting in the wings making sure everything is secure. For a moment there his eyes meet mine, them darkening with lust and anger as he watches Declan’s hand wander a little lower the small of my back. I quickly break our eye contact and pull away from Declan’s grasps, making my way inside.

            “Getting a little handsy, was he?” Nico whispers in my ear while I wait at the bar for my glass of champagne. “A man who looks like he has hook-ups nightly doesn’t deserve someone as beautiful as you.”

            I feel the blush rushing to my cheeks at our closeness and his comments. “Believe me, I wish I wasn’t obligated to be here with him tonight. It’s all apart of a business deal my father somehow managed to finagle without me knowing.”

            “Oh, really?” He looks shocked that I would agree to such a thing. “Well, if you need any back-up, I’ll be over there with Dimitri.”

            I watch him walk away and as much I want to stop him; I know its best that I keep my distance.

            Declan and I stand and talk business with some major investors I’ve signed, and I can’t help but glance in Nico’s direction. Though I only glance at him every so often, I feel his piercing through me, never leaving me once. I take a moment to excuse myself and find Dimitri and Kara at a near by table.

            “You ok?” Dimitri asks.

            “Yeah, a little distracted. Just a lot on my mind.” I sigh.

            “It’s the hot bodyguard, isn’t it?” Kara waggles her eyebrows at me.

            “Ha, funny.” I say sarcastically. “I can’t get him out of my mind, but then thoughts of Orlando pop into my mind and this anxiety and fear I have that something bad is about to happen weighs heavy on my chest.”

            “Understandable.” She say’s taking a sip of her drink. “Guy f****d you over big time, but he’s in a very secure place now. He can’t hurt you anymore Natalia.”

            Kara’s right. Orlando has been under lock in key for five years now. He’s written letters, but thanks to the restraining order I’ve had in place I’ve neve received any of them. I shouldn’t feel this way, but I just feel as if at any moment, he’s going to waltz through those doors.

            “So, lets go out there and shake our asses for a few and enjoy the evening.” Kara grabs my right hand, while Dimitri grabs my left, pulling me from the chair and onto the dance floor.

            After a few songs, I feel the need for some fresh air and a drink. “I’m going to get some air.” I yell at them both before making my way to the balcony.

            As I’m standing on the balcony feeling the cold air on my face, I am approached by a server with a tray holding a glass of champagne and a note.

            “For you Miss.” He speaks.

            “Oh, thank you- but I didn’t order this.” I say in question.

            He doesn’t speak, but hands me the glass and note before walking away. Not quite sure what that was all about I open the note. My breathing becomes rapid, and my chest begins to rise and fall as I read the four small words written on the paper.

            What the f**k. Is this some sort of joke, I ask myself as I glance around the room trying to take in my surroundings and the faces of the guests. As I make my way further into the room, I am taken aback by a pair of hands gripping onto my waist.

            Turning around quickly, I am faced with a concerned Nico. “Everything, ok?” He asks studying my face. “You look as if you’ve seen a ghost.”

            Not a ghost, but the words of the devil himself.  

            Unable to speak, I try to steady my breathing. “We need to leave now.” I rush out making my way towards the exit.

            “Where do you think you’re going?” Declan spits out as I push past him. “We had a f*****g deal. You can’t leave until we seal the deal.” His arrogant smile has me fuming.

            “I’m going home.” I fire back as he tightens the grip on my wrist.

            He chuckles. “I don’t think so princess. A deal’s a f*****g deal.”

            I could care less about some business deal my father has whipped up. I needed to get out here, the feeling of safety was no longer present and the weight I felt earlier is now very much a reality. Though It hasn’t been completely confirmed yet, I was not about to stick around to find out.

            “Let me go-“I snap struggling to release my hand from his grip only for him to tighten it.

            A loud growl comes from behind me. “She’s asked you nicely, but I won’t be so kind when I ask” his deep voice roars.

            Declan’s grip is quickly broken, as he stands taller and approaches Nico face to face as if he’s sizing him up. “What are you going to do about it?”

            Nico clearly pissed doesn’t respond but connects his fist to Declan’s face before gripping my hand and walking me toward the exit. The masculinity pouring off him has me soaked.

            Standing on the sidewalk waiting for Vincent to bring the car around, Nico grabs my hand and pulls me close to his chest. My blood is boiling, and I’m also stricken with fear. My entire body tense: First the note, and then the s**t that Declan just tried to pull has me seething.

            “Look at me Natalia-“His voice low and soothing. “What has you so wound up and wanting to dash in a hurry.”

            I back slightly away from him, putting distance between us. He’s intensely watching me, waiting to see if I’ll burst at the seams at any moment. I have to tell him.

            “Well?” He stares intently at me waiting for a response.

            I take a deep breath, swallowing hard before explaining. “I received a note tonight.” I pull the note from my clutch, handing it to Nico for him to take a look.

            “See you soon! ~O.”

            His brows furrow as he reads the note. “Whose O? and what does he mean by see you soon?”

            I hoped I didn’t have to ever explain to Nico who O was and why this note shouldn’t be taken lightly. However, here I am, faced with the reality that I now have to reveal the past that I’ve been trying so hard to forget.

            “Natalia- who’s O?” He repeats.