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CARLOTTA
I ’m surrounded by my brother’s wives and we’re all getting ready together at Miceli and Alessia’s place. They live on Billionaire’s Row on the 129th floor of the swankiest penthouse I’ve ever seen. It’s extravagant and far too much for me, but the security is top notch, so it reminds me of a fortress. No one is getting in this place that isn’t invited.
My sisters-in-law have convinced all of my brothers to dress up—not that it took much cajoling because they’re all pussy-whipped—and the girls have spent the last two hours doing each other’s makeup, hair and choosing accessories.
A lot of attention has been directed toward me and I think it’s sweet that they’re so gung-ho about finding me a man tonight. I’m not going to pretend to be cool about it, either, because all day, my nerves have been bouncing around in my belly. I’m not sure why exactly, but I have the strangest premonition that I might just meet someone special.
Of course, I don’t want to get my hopes up too high and have them come crashing down all around me after I meet no one and return home alone. But, I’m feeling extremely hopeful and have a good feeling like I haven’t had in the longest time. I don’t even remember the last time I was this excited to go out. Maybe it’s because I get to wear a big, beautiful dress or because I get to hide behind a mask and there’s such an element of mystery to the upcoming evening. Whatever it is, I’m ready.
Although Miceli and Enzo have attended the masquerade party benefit in previous years, the rest of us haven’t, so it should be a fun evening.
“Wow,” Hannah murmurs, stepping back and looking me over. She just adjusted a red ribbon on my dress. “You look stunning, Lottie.”
An appreciative flush makes my face turn warm. “So do you,” I say. “You all do. How my brothers managed to snag the most beautiful women in New York is beyond me.”
Alessia tilts her head and grins. “They are lucky, aren’t they?”
The girls all agree with smiles then focus back on me.
“And you look beyond amazing,” Alessia states. “I think every male eye is going to be on the Queen of Hearts tonight.”
“Thanks, but I’m not going to get my hopes up,” I tell them.”well, maybe just a little.”
“You’re going to be a hit,” Gabriella predicts, and Blake nods encouragingly, tossing me a wink.
I sure hope so.
Once we’re done primping, we all sweep out into the living room and the men whistle and express their appreciation.
“Lookin’ good, Lottie,” Angelo says, and the rest of my brothers nod.
“Stay close to us,” Miceli states, eyeing me with a frown.
“Why?” I ask.
“Because I have a feeling I’m going to have to beat the guys off in order to keep them away from you.”
“She doesn’t want to keep them away,” Alessia informs her husband, but he only grunts in response.
My brothers can be extremely overprotective, but I suppose it’s a good thing. Tonight, however, they can lay off. And if they don’t? Well, then I guess I’m going to have to sneak away in order to do a little flirting.
“I’ll be fine,” I assure them, but I don’t miss the worried looks they’re all exchanging.
Lifting my voluminous skirts, I follow Miceli and Alessia down to his Range Rover. Everyone drives separately, but since I’m a third wheel, I have to tag along with someone. My skirts are way too big to stuff into some of the smaller cars, so I figure my best bet is to get in the SUV so I can spread them out on the backseat.
On the drive over, Miceli tells Alessia and I about a phone call he received from his mysterious friend, Archer. He warned my brother about Carmine Gallo, a ruthless businessman who put Angelo and Blake on something called the Kill List not long ago. They ended up flipping the tables and Blake had every bounty hunter and assassin in the city going after Gallo. Apparently, he’s holding a massive grudge and is out to usurp my family’s position of power at the table of the Five Families.
I don’t get too involved with the mafia side of things. That’s Miceli’s domain. But things have changed over the last year and now I’m encouraged to attend meetings with the alliance which consists of the five most powerful mafia families in the city—The Rossi’s, The Bianchi’s, The DeLuca’s, The Caparelli’s and The Milano’s.
At one time, we all had a very strained relationship. There was plenty of strife and rivalry, especially between certain members. But the bad apples have all been weeded out and eliminated. Our families have come to the realization that it’s more beneficial to work together than against each other. Plus, no one wants Gallo at the table But I have a feeling he isn’t going to give up easily.
All of that is out of my hands, though, and I’ll leave it up to my brothers to handle. Or, so I think, at the time.
Once we reach the fancy hotel where the event is taking place, my mouth drops at the long procession of expensive cars waiting in the valet line. “Oh, wow,” I murmur, pressing my nose against the glass. “I didn’t know this was such a big deal.”
“Everyone of importance in this city attends the masquerade,” Miceli informs me. “I don’t give a shit about kissing ass or rubbing elbows with these people, but my wife likes dressing up.” He smiles at Alessia. “Plus, it’s for a good cause.”
“A very worthy cause,” Alessia reiterates. “The Prevention of Child Abuse. And anything we can do to help, we will, Plus, yes, I do love dressing up in a fancy gown. I can’t believe you haven’t attended yet, Lottie.”
I shrug. “No. Tonight will be my first time.”
There’s no denying the excitement running through my body. Everyone getting out of their cars is dressed to the nines and I love seeing all the costumes. Once we get closer to the drop off point, I place my mask over my face and tie the ribbons at the back of my head. Some people appear to be dressed as characters or following a theme. Kind of like me.
Tonight, I’m dressed up like the Queen of Hearts. A little ironic, I know, but when I saw the gown and matching mask, I couldn’t resist. The little twist on the character from Alice in Wonderland has me looking much more glamorous than the short, dumpy, unlikeable queen who screamed “Off with his head!”
My take is much more striking. The crimson and white dress has a sweetheart neckline, sheer lace sleeves and a large skirt covered in red satin hearts. My red lace mask matches perfectly and little red hearts decorate it. I also have a scepter as my prop and I’ve never felt more regal.
Let’s just hope my Prince Charming is in the building.
With that thought swirling through my head, Miceli finally pulls up to the front of the building. My door is opened and a hand helps me out.
“Thank you,” I murmur to the attendant, slipping out and fluffing my skirts. I doublecheck that my mask is securely in place then look up at the glowing lobby. There must be a couple hundred people milling around in there and security is everywhere.
The moment has finally come and I pull in a deep breath and follow my oldest brother and sister in law up the steps and through the double, gilded doors. Miceli escorts us over to the ballroom, through the crowd of people, and hands our invitation to one of the masked people standing just outside the massive, floor to ceiling door. With a nod, the man allows us to enter, wishing us an enchanted evening which happens to be the theme.
As I step into the grand ballroom, I suck in a sharp breath, not expecting it to be so elaborately and beautifully decorated. Three enormous chandeliers hang from the tall ceiling, dripping with crystals, and they provide a dim ambience that resembles a bright, full moon. One entire wall is lined with food and I barely have time to blink before a passing waiter hands me a glass of champagne. I take a sip and the bubbles tickle my nose.
There must be a smoke machine hidden somewhere because it looks as though a fog covers the floor and it swirls around the edge of my dress. A band plays jazz music and I glance over to the dance floor which is crowded with masked couples.
Across the way, I see guests bidding on various items in a silent auction and Miceli takes Alessia’s hand, tugging her in that direction.
“Time to spend some money for a good cause,” he says, but I don’t move, still soaking in the incredible atmosphere. “Lottie, are you coming?”
“In a bit. I’m going to check out the food.” More specifically, the desserts. A tray of petit fours has caught my eye and I walk over where a dozen trays are filled with the little frosted cakes.
I choose a red and white one and take a bite. Mmm, delicious. As the thought rolls through my head and I chew the sweet treat, my eyes land on a tall man standing not too far away, shoulder propped against the wall, arms leisurely crossed, watching me. He’s wearing a black suit, black shirt and tie, and a skeleton mask that only covers the bottom of his face. It’s creepy, yet sexy at the same time.
Swallowing down my cake, I pretend not to notice. I can feel the weight of his gaze, though, and I can’t help but look over. When I meet his dark eyes, he doesn’t look away. If anything, his deep espresso eyes seem to grow more intent.
Unmistakable interest flickers through those mesmerizing eyes of his and I can’t look away. It’s like they’re twin black holes, pulling me in, and there’s nothing I can do except succumb to his gravity.
Biting my lower lip, somehow I manage to tear my attention away and take a sip of champagne, hoping it’ll cool me off. My hand shakes slightly and I can’t believe how much that one look is affecting me. Beneath my skirt, I rub my thighs together, unable to miss the slick heat building there.
Who the hell is this guy? I wonder. And why is he affecting me like this?
Telling myself to relax and play it cool, I look back over and he’s gone. What? Confusion and disappointment flood me and I spin, ready to search the ballroom, when I realize someone has moved up beside me, an arm brushing against mine.
“How are the petit fours?” a deep voice asks, and I look over to see my mysterious skeleton man at my elbow.
Holy shit! How did he move so fast? My heart is pounding like a runaway freight train and I look into his swirling dark eyes. The entire lower half of his face is covered by his mask, so I have no idea if he’s smiling or not.
“Delicious,” I say. My mask doesn’t cover my mouth like his, so I send him my most dazzling smile.
“I’ll take your word for it.” He reaches out and snags one, lifting the bottom half of his mask and quickly popping the entire thing in his mouth. When he lets out a small moan of approval, I feel my core tingle.
How is it that he’s wearing a mask covering half his face, yet he’s the most attractive man I’ve ever encountered?
Maybe because he’s managed to snag my attention like no one else. Ever. It could be his height—well over six feet tall—or the way his suit fits his slim, athletic body. Like it was custom-tailored to show off every muscle lurking beneath. Or, it could be his magnetic presence. Whoever he is, he’s a man who can’t be ignored.
Before I can say anything else, Hannah appears on my other side and taps my shoulder.
“Have you seen Vin?” she asks. “He told me?—”
She abruptly stops speaking when she notices the skeleton hottie beside me.
“Oh, sorry. Did I interrupt anything?” She sends me a mischievous smile.
“Actually, I was about to ask the lovely Queen of Hearts if she’d like to dance with me,” he says, and my heart trips in my chest.
“Oh,” I murmur, slightly flustered, and Hannah gives me a little push, taking my scepter so she can hold it while I dance. “I’d like that.”
He offers his arm and I take it, guiding me away from Hannah who grabs my glass. She is nodding like crazy and giving me a thumbs-up sign. Oh, God, how embarrassing. I hope he doesn’t notice.
Once we reach the crowded, highly-polished, wood dance floor, he pulls me into his strong arms and sweeps me into the sea of dancers. I look up, barely daring to breathe, and meet his dark brown eyes.
I’ve always had trouble looking into men’s eyes for longer than a blink or two. But something about looking into this man’s eyes is easier. I have no idea why, but right now, our gazes are locked onto each other and I’m not uncomfortable. In fact, I’d like nothing more than to sink into their very deep, very mysterious depths.
“You’re the most beautiful woman here,” he tells me in a low voice, and I practically swoon. It’s a damn good thing his strong arms are holding me up.
“Thank you. You don’t get out much, do you?” I tease.
A hearty laugh bursts from his throat and I like the way his eyes crinkle in the corners.
“Occasionally,” he says, and I smile up at him.
I’m dying to know more about him, but I’m so caught up in the moment, of how it feels to be in a pair of strong masculine arms, that I feel a little tongue-tied and a lot intimidated. Plus he smells so ridiculously good that all I can do is inhale his slightly spicy scent and revel in it.
As we continue to stare into each other’s eyes, the rest of the world seems to fall away. I find myself moving closer with each pass around the dance floor. Maybe I’m imagining it, but I think he pulls me in tighter, and even though my voluminous skirts separates us, I can still feel our bodies touching.
Neither of us says another word and, for the first time in my life, I know what it feels like to be lost in someone’s eyes.