chapter ELEVEN
Entering The Chapel on Vittorio’s arm, I felt like a movie star, but there was no red carpet, and no photographers. Everyone watched as we entered. Stunned by the attention, I didn’t have a chance to feel weak from Vittorio’s closeness. We ascended the stairs to the balcony, and settled onto a love seat while Felicia took our drink order. I opted for a Coke this time.
“You are gorgeous, mia bellezza,” Vittorio breathed into my ear as he nuzzled my neck.
I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. His lips lightly touched me, and suddenly it was just the two of us, alone in the world. The warmth of his body close to mine erased awareness of anything else; even the seat on which I sat disappeared. My heart hammered; my breath came fast and shallow. That one touch was better than any sexual encounter I had ever experienced. I didn’t understand it, but that slight amount of contact left my body screaming for more.
The sound of Vittorio saying my name brought me back to my senses, but I was confused, as if I was coming out of a dream. “What?”
“Are you alright? Shall I take you home?”
I shook my head to clear it. “No, I’m alright, just a little dizzy. Must be all the fresh air from today or something. I just need something to drink.” I looked around, and saw that our drinks sat on the table near the love seat. I reached for mine, and took a long drink through the straw.
“If you feel ill and want to leave, please say so.”
“Thank you, but no.” Vittorio looked at me, brow furrowed, and I wondered what was going through his mind.
We talked with some of the other people around us, and I was thankful to not have Vittorio’s full attention. I looked around, wondering if any of the young girls were Courtney or Miriam, hoping to see Elizabeth, but could hardly focus. I don’t know how much time had passed when Samuel appeared next to him. “You seem quite enamored of your new plaything, Vittorio,” he said, gesturing toward me.
That brought me fully back to my senses.
“Excuse me?” I stood up, fists clenched at my sides. “I am no one’s plaything. Just who do you think you are?”
“Surely Vittorio told you we are business partners?” Samuel said, head held high.
“Surely he did, but that gives you no right to be rude and condescending to me. You don’t know the first thing about me.”
Vittorio stood. “Samuel, I expect you to apologize to Elena. You have no right to be so rude to her.”
“Apologize to your latest toy? I don’t think so,” Samuel said.
“I hope you don’t think I am your plaything,” I said to Vittorio.
“Of course not. You are every bit my equal, and a strong, independent woman.” He looked at Samuel. “You will apologize.”
“You think so?” Samuel asked and raised an eyebrow.
“Yes. I do,” Vittorio said through clenched teeth.
“Why the hell should I? She is no different any other tramp you traipse through here with.”
I slapped him. My father’s mistress had called me a tramp every day before I ran away from home for good. I hadn’t stood up to her, but I damn well would stand up to Samuel.
Everyone turned to see what the sound was. A look between horror and amusement graced Vittorio’s face as a red handprint blossomed on Samuel’s cheek. He stepped between Samuel and me, facing me, his back to Samuel.
“Elena, please. I think you have made your point.”
“Obviously I haven’t. I want Samuel to apologize.” Through my anger, I found myself able to stare into his eyes and remain unaffected. I felt hostility in mine. Did he really expect me to stand there and take this?
Apparently not, for a look of resolve replaced the amusement. He turned toward Samuel. “Samuel, you will apologize to Elena. I told you; she is not just another piece of arm candy. As far as I am concerned, she is the only woman in the world. And she is her own woman. I would never dream of thinking of her as less than an equal to myself. You, on the other hand, may not be such an equal as I once thought.”
Whatever Samuel saw in his face seemed to frighten him.
“I’m sorry, Elena,” Samuel said, looking down at the floor.
“Look at me when you apologize.”
He looked at me, eyes wide and frightened. “I’m sorry. Please forgive my rudeness.” He pleaded with his eyes.
I wondered what Vittorio would do to him if I didn’t accept his apology. “Apology accepted.”
“Elena, would you excuse Samuel and me for a few minutes? I think I need to have a discussion with him.”
“Sure. I’m going to go talk to Bryn.” I started to walk away before he gently caught my arm. The touch was slight, but the energy was enough to stop me in my tracks. I turned back to him.
“I am sorry for this.” He leaned down and brushed his lips against mine. I almost fell. I grabbed him for support, and he wrapped his arm around my waist. His strength was all that held me up. My body was fully pressed against him in his grip.
“This isn’t helping.” I didn’t want him to know what an effect he had on me, but had no choice at that moment. I lay my head against his chest, weak, but that made it even worse. I took deep breaths, feeling as if I was drunk.
He nodded to Felicia, who rushed over. “Felicia, help Elena downstairs. She’s feeling a bit faint.”
Felicia wrapped an arm around my waist, and I draped an arm over her shoulders, trying to act as if we were close friends, but knowing the act fooled no one. I hated showing this much vulnerability in front of so many people, especially Samuel, but had no choice unless I wanted to collapse to the ground, which would be even more embarrassing.
We slowly made our way down the stairs. “Shall I help you into the restroom?” Felicia asked.
“No, just to the bar, please. Thank you. I must have eaten something bad today. I’m so embarrassed.”
“It’s okay, don’t be. Vittorio has that affect on people.”
I looked at her in alarm. What did she mean by that?
“He is extremely handsome,” she said.
“Yes, he is, but men, handsome or not, do not affect me like this. I think I’m just coming down with something.”