The crowd went silent, all waiting on pins and needles to hear the results. A few whispers here and there, surely hoping they would win the bid.
“Mr. Zaiella, congratulations, you are the highest bidder at six-point-five million pounds.” Heads whipped around the room, waiting to see who secured the painting, whispers snaking around. Dante cleared his throat and pushed his chair back. The room silenced. Anna stared, mouth agape.
What?I mouthed to Lucia across from me who shook her head in disbelief looking at Alexander who only smiled to his friend. Good God, how much was Wright paying this man for his work? He had to do something else too—over six million pounds, on a painting, on a whim.Holy shit.
Anna’s hand gripped Dante’s sleeve, an unreadable expression there. He reached out, patting her hand awkwardly.
“I like art,” he said gruffly, getting up and walking to the stage to shake the announcer’s hand.
“So Dante is a millionaire…” Lucia broke the silence.
“I’d say billion,” Alexander cut in, “by now anyways.”
“What—” Anna was slack jawed. “I need a damn raise.”
“Sure, send me what you want.” Alexander shrugged. Lucia looked to me, to Anna, to her brother, to the man sitting next to her.
“So, working for you is not his main job?”
“Uh, no,” Alexander replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Huh.
3
NICOLA
The evening unfolded with a plated dinner, each course more decadent than the last. The place settings themselves shimmered under the glow of crystal chandeliers, dripping with elegance. Once the final course was cleared and coffee had been poured, the evening transitioned into something more heartfelt.A woman who helped with the spotlighted animal shelter took to the podium in turn, offering a rather moving speech about how this money would save so many lives—reminders of why they were all gathered here beneath the chandeliers and candlelight.
A set of double doors at the far end of the ballroom slowly swung open. Beyond them lay an entirely different world. The second room pulsed with soft amber lights and golden uplighting that washed the walls, transforming the space into something intimate and electric. A polished wood dance floor stretched out, with a stage tucked into the corner hosting a local DJ. As guests filtered in, laughter grew louder, jackets came off, heels were kicked aside, and the room came alive.
“You did an amazing job, Nicola!” Lucia came over hugging my side quickly. “Everything has been perfect!”
“I had a very small hand in it all,” I brushed off her praise.
“I can’t believe the painting sold for that much, or thatDantebought it. Or that we met Dante,” Lucia rambled cheerily, her cheeks flushed and her blonde hair sparkling under the light. She was a burst of energy at most times, between her golden hair and her permanent smile.Add in her adorable daughter Gianna, and they really were sunshine incarnate.
“Let’s dance!” she shouted over the music, grabbing my hand, and then looked at Alexander and eyed her brother. “You too!” We all followed Lucia onto the dance floor. Anna joined after a few songs, leaning in near me and Lucia.
“I think I’m going to head back!” she shouted over the music.
“We can all go!” Lucia replied, looking around. Anna shook her head.
“No, no. You guys enjoy it! Nic, you did a wonderful job, the event was perfect! So proud of you.”
“Thank you!” I shouted back.
“Text us when you get back to your room, so we know you’re safe,” Lucia said, reaching out her arm. Alexander looked behind us.
“Make sure she gets back safe?” Alex asked. We turned to see Dante nod silently.
“Bye! Love you!” Lucia shouted, hugging Anna. Anna smiled saying she loved her right back. Instead of hugging me, she waved and then followed Dante.
“I cannot stress this enough; you look so hot in this dress. Nathaniel’s probably kicking himself,” Lucia said, ending in a little drunk giggle.
“He better fucking be.” I rolled my eyes, the alcohol clearly sinking in. Nathaniel was standing across the way, his smug smile faltering for a second when his eyes raked over me, landing on my curve-hugging dress like he just realized what he gave up. Good. I hoped it stung.
“Amore,” Matteo purred like we’d been attached at the hip all night, leaning in as he mumbled the term of endearment. “Play along, shithead is watching you.”
