As we step into the night, I am glad of the fur wrap because she was right. It’s freezing out here.
I don’t miss the usual shadows guarding every step we take, and it’s not an uncommon sight. My father had the same protection, and I wonder how wealthy the Raveras must be if they require the same.
Wealth breeds enemies, which is why I prefer the simple life, although when I dressed to impress, I loved every second of it.
I didn’t miss the admiration in Joseph’s eyes when he caught sight of me, and I felt the same. He is one impressive man, and his clothes are obviously expensive ones because they hang off his body like a second skin. He has an aura of power that I never realized I crave and the heat that sizzled between us wasn’t lost on me, making me wonder what will happen tomorrow, not really fearing it anymore.
We head past similar mansions. Smart white townhouses surrounded by iron railings, gleaming plaques on the walls revealing the number of the street. Beautiful potted trees, many with fairy lights, twinkle as we walk and it’s as if the air is filled with wealth and the pavements sparkle under our feet.
Joseph says nothing, and I am not about to engage him in conversation either.
We reach a house similar to his, and as we approach, the door opens and a uniformed butler nods with respect.
“Mr. Ravera, Miss Zaferelli, you are most welcome.”
I’m awestruck when he bows as we pass, before saying, “May I take your coat, Miss Zaferelli?”
“Of course, um, thank you.”
All around me are glittering chandeliers, marble, and warm lighting. Expensive art, golden objects, and the faint sound of classical music wafting from what appears to be a large room.
Joseph takes my hand in silence and leads me through the door, where I catch my breath. It opens up into a large room with tall ceilings, expensive furnishings littering the space, gleaming marble floors, and waiters walking around offering champagne on silver platters.
The guests are impressive, and the ambience is rich and engaging, and as we enter, I note a man who causes me to stop breathing.
I have never experienced so much power radiating from one individual. The Middle Eastern features of a tall man are accompanied by an extremely dark gaze. Beside him is a woman who firmly deserves her place by his side. Glittering in a silver dress, her hair long and intertwined with diamonds. Her smile is a genuine one, but his eyes strip me bare inside and read my secrets like an open book.
“Malik.”
Joseph offers the man his hand before turning to his wife. “Eliza.”
He kisses her hand like a gentleman, and I almost pass out when Malik turns to me, his gaze searing my soul.
“Miss Zaferelli.”
Malik takes my hand in much the same way and kisses the back of it, his gaze sharp, his interest obvious, and Joseph stiffens beside me.
I turn to Eliza and am relieved when she gives me a sympathetic smile and nods toward the door leading onto a veranda outside.
“You look as if you could use some air.”
“Thank you.”
I smile my gratitude because she’s not wrong about that.
The cool airreinvigorates my senses, and I breathe deeply as she chuckles beside me.
“It’s a lot to adjust to.”
“What is?”
“Life outside the convent, I’m guessing.”
“How did you know?”
I’m a little uneasy and she shrugs. “My husband has the ability to discover even the smallest of titbits and keeps me informed. I kind of love that skill of his, among others, of course.”
Her infectious giggle warms my heart and breaks down any defenses I had in place.
