Page 40 of Temptation

From the corner of my eye, I see Fabrizio setting down his crayon, satisfaction on his face. “Did you see the things I purchased for you?” he asks, breaking the comfortable silence.

When I woke up earlier, the bed was empty beside me. And as I got up, my eyes fell on three beautiful evening gowns hanging on the closet doors. Each one looked more exquisite than the last, their fabrics shimmering in the morning light. But in the heat of the moment, I had almost forgotten about them again.

“Yes, I did. They’re stunning. Thank you.” I smile at him, genuinely touched by his gesture and generosity. “But—to be honest, I can’t think of an occasion where I would wear something this nice.” My voice trails off, uncertainty lingering in the air.

“I want to take you to dinner tonight,” he says, his tone firm and commanding. It’s a statement, not a request, and it leaves no room for argument.

“What about the twins?” I ask, concern creeping into my voice.

“Oliver and Vance will manage an evening alone with them. Don’t worry, it’s not the first time,” Fabrizio explains.

“Of course,” I nod, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

A moment of awkward silence stretches between us, the air thick with unspoken thoughts. “Be ready at seven,” he says, his voice again a gentle command.

It’s twenty minutes to seven when I finally finish curling my hair and applying my makeup. A nervous flutter fills my stomach as I touch the luxurious fabrics of the dresses Fabrizio had gifted me just for this occasion. Each one is exquisite, far surpassing anything I own. The material feels silky and soft beneath my fingertips.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves, though I know there’s no logical reason for my anxiety.It’s just dinner,I tell myself.Just the two of us.

After one last lingering look at the beautiful dresses, I choose one. The red silk feels even softer against my skin as I slip it on. I smooth the dress down with my hands, turning in front of the mirror to admire how it hugs my curves. The gathered fabric at my hips accentuates my figure, while the high slit elongates my legs. This isn’t the kind of dress I typically wear, and I can’t remember the last time I felt this beautiful. I shake my head at my reflection, almost not recognizing the transformed girl staring back. This is the kind of outfit worn by the type of woman a powerful, wealthy man like Fabrizio Moretti would date. The kind of woman I am certainly not. Yet, I can’t help but feel a twinge of excitement as I slip into my high heels and head downstairs.

“Wow.” Maddy’s eyes widen in awe as she looks up at me. “You look beautiful, like a princess.”

“Thank you, sweetheart.” A blush rises up my neck, intensifying as Fabrizio steps into the room. He’s traded his usual dark attire for a light beige suit that highlights the sun-kissed tan he’s acquired over the past few days. My mouth goes dry at the sight of him. If I feel anything like a princess, then Fabrizio looks every bit the knight in shining armor straight out of a fairy tale. Sexy. Muscular. Powerful. Breathtaking. His eyes lock onto mine, piercing straight into my soul as he slowly approaches. He studies me, scrutinizing every detail of my appearance. With each step he takes, I grow more self-conscious. When he’s only inches away, his fingers brush my waist as he leans in to whisper in my ear.

The soft, seductive timbre of his voice makes the tiny hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. “You look stunning,cuore mio.”

“Thank you,” I whisper back, my voice barely audible. His hand glides down to the small of my back as he gently guides me out of the room and toward the front door, where Oliver is already holding it open for us.

“Please make sure the children are in bed by eight,” Fabrizio instructs, his tone firm yet kind.

“Of course,” Oliver nods curtly. “Enjoy your night.” When his eyes meet mine, I think I see the faintest hint of a smile playing on his lips.

“Good evening, Mr. Moretti. Miss,” the host greets us with a warm smile and a slight bow of his head. “Allow me to guide you to your table.”

The older gentleman, dressed in a black suit and a crisp white button-down shirt, leads us through the dimly lit restaurant. The gentle flicker of candlelight dances across the white-clothed tables, casting a soft, nearly romantic glow. The enticing aroma of gourmet dishes fills the air, tantalizing my senses and making my mouth water.

As we navigate through the elegantly appointed dining room, I notice the patrons at each table. They are dressed to the nines, immersed in animated conversations and laughter. A few heads turn subtly in our direction, their curiosity piqued by our presence. Well, most likely notours.

We continue our journey, eventually stepping out onto a beautifully adorned patio.

Here, a pianist and a violinist are stationed, their instruments weaving a tapestry of soft classical music that envelops the spacein a blanket of romance. The music is soothing, creating an exquisite ambiance that feels almost otherworldly.

Finally, we reach a secluded area right on the beach. White fairy lights are strung delicately among the surrounding palm trees, their gentle twinkling mirroring the stars above. Each table is bathed in the soft, warm glow of candles, enhancing the magical atmosphere. Despite having dined at countless restaurants, I have never been to a place like this—so elegant, so enchanting, almost like a scene from a fairy tale or a movie.

There are only five tables outside, each strategically placed to ensure privacy and intimacy. The distance between them allows for quiet, personal conversations, free from the prying ears of others.

Fabrizio pulls out a chair for me. Once I am comfortably seated, he takes his place across from me.

I take a moment to absorb the breathtaking view. The ocean waves gently lap at the shore, their rhythmic sound blending harmoniously with the background music. It’s as if the entire setting is conspiring to create a perfect evening.

“How do you like it here?” Fabrizio asks, his voice filled with genuine curiosity.

“It’s perfect,” I reply, my voice barely above a whisper, as if speaking louder might shatter the spell of the moment.

Just then, a waiter approaches with a bottle of wine. My eyes widen, and a smile spreads across my face as I recognize the label—a Chateau Margaux. A bottle of this exquisite wine costs a small fortune at a store, and I can only imagine the price at a restaurant of this caliber. Yet, I choose to keep my thoughts to myself, savoring the luxury of the experience.

Fabrizio lifts his glass, a playful smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as his eyes lock onto mine. I mirror his movement, raising my glass and taking a sip. The wine is divine, and it’sstarting to become my absolute favorite, even if I could never in this life afford it myself.

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