“But for real, I need a job. I can’t just sit around; I will lose my mind.”
He lets out a laugh. “I can see if there is something available.”
“I’m very experienced in managing nightclubs.”
Gabriel folds his arms, eyes dark. “Absolutely not.”
“Why?” I ask, tilting my head, amused.
“First, the position is filled,” he growls. “Second, you can only work there over my dead body.”
I smirk, leaning closer. “I can arrange that.” He narrows his glare at me. “I’m joking.”
“That’s not an appropriate joke.”
“Fine, find me something, and until you do, I will just be sitting around and hanging out with Clara.”
“I have to go, but I will be home at seven,” he says, heading toward the door.
I shift on the counter, letting my voice carry just enough to stop him. “Dinner will not be waiting for you; I don’t cook.”
He chuckles. “Fine by me.” I watch him leave and second-guess my choice. Was sacrificing my freedom and what I could have become worth all of this? A man who is keeping something from me. Is my obsession truly worth everything?
seventeen
Valentina
I step through the glass door of the high-end boutique, and I’m greeted with the flowery scent of peonies. Soft music plays in the background, and my eyes search for the person who brought me here. Somewhere between the silk and lace gowns, I spot her; she looks like she has been drowning between them.
I take a step toward her and smile. “When I asked to spend some time together, I never had this in mind.”
Clara peeks from between two dresses, one red and one pink, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “Good, you came. I wasn’t sure you would.”
“Well, since I asked us to meet with short notice, it’s only fair to come to whatever place you're at.”
“Perfect, so what do you think? Red or pink?” She raises the two gowns. I inspect both. The red one is long, basic, and minimalistic, with straps and a deep V-neck. It has a deep leg opening, though. The pink one is short and sparkling, with sleeves and a V-neck.
“For whom?” I raise my eyebrow.
“For me.” Her lips spread into a wide smile.
“What’s the occasion?”
“I will be attending the annual gala of the Lotus Group. I will have a chance to work and not just be behind the scenes.”
I narrow my eyes. “I don’t think I understand.”
“The don holds two annual parties. One for the Lotus Group, which is where all the rich and powerful attend, and one smaller, for the heads of the family. Normally, I organize the one for the family and help with the one from the Lotus Group. This time, I had a call and was asked to find a nice dress because I will be working at the front with the organization.”
“Well, that makes sense. Go with the pink one.”
She places the red dress on the rack and keeps looking between the other dresses.
“This one will be perfect for you.” She waves a golden dress in my face, and I laugh.
“First, Clara, I don’t wear gold and sparkles. Second, if you think I will be going to a party, you're wrong. I don’t even know about the party.”
“Don’t worry, you're the wife of Gabriel Savastano; you don’t need an invitation.”
