I don't get the sense he's trying to flatter me just to get me to agree.
"If that's all, can I get back to work now?"
"Yes, but remember, Signorina Caruso, there are eyes everywhere."
Bristling with annoyance at the return to formality and the warning, I go back to the lounge. I stop by a booth where five young women I don't recognize are sitting. A nervous energy buzzes about them that suggests it's their first visit to the club, or at least to the VIP lounge. It turns out one of them is celebrating a promotion at work, so I have a complimentary bottle of champagne brought to them.
As I move around the room, checking everyone is happy, a strange sensation comes over me. It's that prickling awareness you get when you know you're being watched. I glance over my shoulder but nobody is looking at me.
Giorgio's words about there being eyes everywhere come back to me. Every inch of the club is covered by security cameras and Damiano has a team monitoring them constantly, but I sense there's something more than that. I just know someone is paying particular attention to me right now.
I glance up at the security camera in the upper right corner of the room. It's one of those discreet black domes you wouldn't realize was there unless you were looking for it.There's no rational reason for my suspicion, but I'm convinced Damiano is watching right now.
I hold his gaze just long enough to let him know I'm aware of him. Pressing two fingers to my lips, I blow him a kiss.
Then I turn and walk away.
THIRTEEN
Violetta
Several more dayspass before Damiano finally returns to Florence. I've spent time working at the club, getting used to my new role and the altered hours that come with it. Giorgio agreed that creating content doesn't require me to work so late.
In fact, much of what I've worked with so far has been gathered before the club opens. I've done cute little videos introducing key staff members, showcased images of our most popular cocktails and worked up ideas to run competitions to gain access to the VIP area.
The response so far has been fantastic and Giorgio suggested I expand my content to highlight the other venues Damiano owns.
When I've not been working, I've enjoyed exploring the incredible palazzo Damiano calls home. Though I love every inch of the building, my favorite places are the small sitting room overlooking the gardens and the glass-domed building on the east side of the house which houses an enormous swimmingpool. Featuring mosaic-tiled flooring and marble columns, it evokes the grandeur of Ancient Rome.
I'm sitting on the bed reading a thriller with a nonsensical plot when Gianni knocks at the door. It's easy to distinguish his sharp raps on the wood from Lina's gentler tapping.
"Come in, Gianni." Setting the book to one side, I get to my feet.
"Signore Volante requests the pleasure of your company for dinner in one hour."
Gianni is painfully formal. Over the past few days I've tried to thaw him out with warm smiles and friendly chatter, but it would be easier to melt a glacier.
"Oh, he's home then?"
"He will arrive imminently." Gianni casts a disparaging eye over the pajamas I threw on for comfort. "He will expect you to dress appropriately."
My shoulders stiffen. Being told how to dress makes me feel like a child.
"Appropriately for what? To be in his exalted presence?"
Gianni pointedly ignores my snark.
"One hour, Signorina. Do not keep him waiting."
I glance at the clock on my nightstand and see it's seven thirty. As petulant as it may be, I decide on the spot that I won't arrive on time. Damiano needs to learn I will not be dictated to.
However, I am going to put in some effort with my appearance. If I want to not only survive this world but bring one of its most dangerous men to his knees, I need to use every weapon at my disposal.
I search through the clothes Olivia helped me choose before she left and find a dress suitable for the occasion. The emerald silk strikes the balance between alluring and demure that I was looking for.
Skimming my curves rather than hugging them, it has a low enough neckline to hint at what lies beneath without showing too much skin. It falls to just above my knee and might appear modest if it didn't have a revealing slit up the side. When I put it on, I know I made the right choice.
I apply my makeup, ensuring my crimson lipstick creates the perfect pout. For my hair, I keep things simple, brushing it out and letting it fall in loose waves down my back. I check the clock and realize it only took me thirty minutes to get ready. With time to kill, I pick up my book and read a few more chapters.
