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They nodded, standing up to leave the room, but Sofia remained seated, her gaze focused on me. I could see the determination in her eyes, the fierce intelligence that made my blood hum with excitement.
It also made my cock hard as a fucking rock.
“What are you thinking,bella?” I asked, leaning closer.
She smiled with a confidence that made my heart race. “I’m thinking… it’s time I took a more active role in this. I’m not going to sit back and wait while you fight this battle alone. I want to help.”
I chuckled softly, admiring her spirit. “You’ve already helped more than you know,” I replied, reaching out to take her hand.
Her eyes sparkled with excitement. “I’m serious, Massimo. I’m in this with you. Whatever it takes.”
I nodded, my smile widening. “Good. Because we’re going to need every bit of help that we can get. And I have a feeling you’re just the person we need to tip the scales in our favor.”
“Okay. Good. Because I have an idea,” Sofia grinned.
“Then let’s hear it,” I leaned in, meeting her sparkling gaze. Her bravery shone through, and I couldn’t be prouder.
My queen indeed.
CHAPTER 22
Sofia
Today was day one of my plan.
My heart felt like it was thumping in the back of my throat.
The auction room was buzzing with energy, laughter, and the clinking of champagne glasses. I stood beside Massimo, my arm loosely linked with his, feeling the rush of excitement that always came with being in his world.
I had never imagined myself here, in rooms like these, among people like this. But the more time I spent by Massimo’s side, the more I realized I belonged here. I felt the eyes of others on me as they whispered my name, tried to figure out who I was to him, what role I played. They had no idea that I was more than just a pretty face, a new companion for the city’s most powerful man.
I was in this world now, and I was going to prove that I deserved to be here.
The charity auction was in full swing, and the guests—wealthy socialites, powerful business magnates, and, of course, the ever-present political figures—were dressed in their finest, every inch of them polished to perfection.
I adjusted the strap of my dress, feeling the silky fabric slide against my skin. The gown Massimo had chosen for me was a deep emerald green, the kind of color that seemed to shift in the light. It clung to my curves in all the right places, flowing elegantly to the floor with a thigh-high slit that added just the right amount of seduction. The neckline was daring but tasteful, plunging just enough to hint at what lay beneath without giving too much away. A simple diamond necklace adorned my throat, and my hair was swept up into a loose, elegant bun.
I felt powerful, confident, like I could take on the world.
Because I could.
I felt a bit naughty too, because I wasn’t wearing any panties beneath the dress, since I didn’t want any panty lines.
I was completely bare, and Massimo knew it too. I’d shown him on the car ride to the charity hall and he’d made me come once on his tongue by the time we’d arrived.
It made me smile just thinking about it.
Massimo’s hand rested possessively at the small of my back, his thumb brushing against my skin in a way that sent a shiver through me. I looked up at him, catching the way his eyes swept over me with a mix of pride and something darker, something that made my pulse quicken.
“You look stunning,bella,” he murmured, his voice low, meant only for me. “You fit in perfectly here.”
I smiled, feeling a rush of warmth at his words. “I feel like I’m finally where I’m supposed to be,” I replied, my voice steady.
His lips curved into a knowing smile. “Good.”
As the auctioneer continued to call out bids for a priceless piece of art, I leaned in closer to Massimo, allowing my body to brush against his in a way that would be impossible to ignore.
“Are you sure about this?” I whispered, my lips just grazing his ear.