"He already knows I'm bringing you."
It's one of the reasons I bought the collar for her to wear. I wanted to show she isn't here as my equal but as a convenient date. I'm not entirely sure how true that is.
I put my hand at the small of her back. She inhales sharply, responsive as ever to my touch.
"Ready?"
Not waiting for a response, I lead her to the red carpet. A couple of photographers call my name and I oblige by stopping Eliza to pose for a moment.
There's nothing genuine about her smile but my grin is real. It might make me an asshole but her discomfort amuses me.
We walk into the venue and along the corridor to the ballroom where two hundred people are trying to outdo each other in the wealth and influence stakes. Comparing who has the biggest real estate portfolio isn't a game I play. My family could buy a small country and walk away with change.
Eliza looks around the room, taking in the frescos on the walls and the chandeliers on the ceilings.
"First time here?" I ask.
"No. My high school had its graduation party here." She smiles fondly at the memory. "They filled it with balloons and put a photo booth in the corner."
"Classy," I murmur.
She sticks her bottom lip out in a pout. "I'll have you know, Signore Volante, we drunk the finest non-alcoholic prosecco money can buy that night."
Horror fills me. "They have such a thing?"
"They do. And we ate mini hotdogs and sliders."
"What the hell is a slider?"
Eliza laughs, a sound that rumbles up from deep inside. She slaps my chest.
"Adriano, you're not serious?"
I shrug.
"It's like a mini burger."
"Then why do they call it a slider?"
"I don't know. I'm not in charge of naming things."
It's good to see her sass is back. She'll need it in this roomful of sharks masquerading as benefactors of the San Martino School for something. I don't remember what. Like everyone else I'm here to be seen to be doing good.
The men in the Volante family all take turns to attend charitable functions. It makes our legitimate businessmen facade a little more believable.
I keep my hand on Eliza's back as I steer her through the room introducing her to various important people. We don't linger to make small talk.
On a normal night I dislike it but tonight I really can't be bothered with idle chatter. So far every man I've introduced my date to has undressed her with his eyes. There's only so much ofthat I'm prepared to put up with before I blind someone. What would that do to the Volante's do-gooder image?
We take champagne from a tray. Eliza holds hers without drinking. She's keeping a clear head which is smart in this crowd.
I take her to the table where the items for the silent auction are laid out.
"See anything worth bidding on,cara?" I murmur.
"Hmm, yes. There's a sky-diving package in Namibia."
I can't contain my surprise. I didn't have her down as a thrill seeker. "That's something you'd like to do."
