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The diamond earrings are perfect complementary jewelry, and so are the stiletto heels.
There’s a strawberry-flavored lip gloss in my purse, which always accentuates the shape of my lips. I fetch it and drag it across my lips, smacking them together.
Satisfied, I pick up my matching silver purse and head down the stairs to look for Elio. I run into Cortez midway.
He holds my gaze, allowing his eyes to travel down my body in a quick glance before dipping his eyes. “I was just coming to get you,” he says, his head bowed slightly. I nod, giving him my hand when he offers it to help me down the stairs.
The sound of my heels against the marble floor is sharp, dragging the attention of Elio, whose back is turned towards us.
The living room looks like an intentional showcase of wealth with its vaulted ceilings designed with intricate molding, a huge crystal chandelier dripping light like liquid gold, and state-of-the-art furniture.
Elio’s lips part quietly as Cortez bows to us and exits the room. His eyes narrow to slits, holding my figure in his gaze like his life depends on it. They travel from my face to my shoulders, following the way the strapless dress clings to my breasts and falls to the pool at my feet.
I absolutely love his navy blue tux and black shoes. His black hair has been slicked back away from his face, and his goatee has been trimmed, giving him the air of a perfect gentleman.
“You look…” he struggles with opening his mouth and closing it again for a short time before saying, “ravishing.”
A chuckle escapes my lips as I wave his compliment away with a wave of my hands. “Don’t try to be charming or anything.”
His lips turn into a smile as he says, “I don’t try, baby. It’s all natural.”
My head falls back as my chest explodes with laughter. “I mean, this isn’t really my thing…so…”
“Well, it is now.”
My smile wipes off my face as my eyes lock with his. My fingers brush lightly against the fabric of the dress out of reflex, as if I can shield myself from his gaze just by that gesture.
He takes intentional steps towards me, tightening the invisible thread between us. When he stops right in front of me, my hands are sweaty and trembling.
For a moment, neither of us speaks. We just hold each other’s gaze, the tension in the air around us nearly suffocating the life out of me.
“Shall we?” he says, finally breaking the silence with a tight-lipped smile. I hesitate for a second but eventually reach out to take the arm he is offering and walk out to face the world, Elio in tow.
***
The Belladon Grand Hotel, one of Elio’s hotels, is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Elio Donatelli has definitely made a good name for himself.
My eyes dart from one end of the unbelievably large ballroom to the next, examining its towering chandeliers spilling light acrossthe marble floors. Gold accents gleam from every surface of the intricate carvings on the walls and the gilded edges of the tables.
The place is filled with the chatter and laughter of acquaintances, accompanied by the clinking of glasses and the soft music from a live orchestra.
Wealth is displayed all over this room; the ladies are well-clad in designer gowns, while the men are in expensive, tailored suits and have the poise that comes with a lot of money.
I would never have represented well if Elio didn’t get me my entire look.
“It’s beautiful,” I admit in a whisper, completely unaware that Elio is staring at my lips.
“This is nothing compared to my other hotels.” His voice knocks me out of my reverie causing me to blink furiously with embarrassment.
This may mean nothing to him, but to me, it’s extremely impressive, and I’m both glad and overwhelmed that I’m here amidst all this opulence.
The entire extravagance makes me feel small, like I’m playing dress-up in a fantasy world. A familiar figure catches my eye, and my heart sinks immediately. Edmund Henderson, one of the department heads I work with at the DA’s office, is walking straight towards me, a small smile on his face.
“Anita!”
“It’s Aria,” I correct him, acknowledging his polite nod with a small nod. His bald head catches the light from the chandelier. I suck in a sharp breath to prevent myself from laughing. What a sight.
“Yes, yes, that’s what I said.”