Page 65 of Dangerous Games of Trust

I nod in understanding, kind of. “Why do I feel like they’re all staring at me and not them then?”

“Because you’re a beautiful woman. They’re probably hoping you are on offer at the auction.”

I laugh nervously, covering my mouth, hoping to God he’s joking. “Are woman really auctioned off at these events?”

He shrugs like it’s no big deal. “Sometimes, men can be as well. Just depends on what the big buyers are interested in on the night.”

I blink back at him mortified. “They signed themselves up for it though, right?” I ask, needing clarification as to what he’s actually telling me.

Alessandro forcefully pushes open the weighty double doors, revealing a spacious room adorned with illuminated artwork, each piece showcasing its flawless beauty. In this place, the silence is almost deafening compared to the hustle and bustle out on the casino floor.

I wait anxiously for Ricky’s response, but all I hear is silence. Instead, I’m led quietly over to a fully dressed circular table, adorned with a beautiful flower centerpiece. As he finds his seat, he gently releases his grip on my hand. Our table is front and center amongst a gathering of about ten more tables, and I feel every set of eyes in the place watching me. I’m not sure if I’m just being paranoid because I feel so out of place or if they really are watching me.

Alessandro, with a gentlemanly gesture, pulls my chair out and takes a seat on my left, while Geovani settles down on my right.

As our glasses are filled with champagne, conversation flows between the boys easily, they’re so relaxed here. I swallow nervously glancing around the room, not sure what to do with myself. This feels like a lot, all of them at the same table with me. There are also two seats still vacant, and I don’t have to wait long to work out who they belong to. Because with a smile as fake as the woman herself, Valentina moves gracefully toward us in a long silver gown that twinkles under the light. Enzo joins her, handing her a flute of champagne. They exude the ultimate power-couple vibes. It seems he hasn’t been taken down a notch at all with him handing over the reins to Alessandro. He still looks like the cocky motherfucker I despise.

I lean into Alessandro’s shoulder. “You failed to mention your parents would be joining us,” I sass, bitterness dripping off my every word. After all this fucking time he’s still keeping me in the dark. And he has no fucking idea how badly I don’t want to see either of them. I should have killed Enzo when I had the chance.

“You wouldn’t have come if I did,” he replies, straightening his dinner suit out.

“Exactly.” I roll my eyes in irritation. He’s fucking unbelievable. I meet Ricky and Maddox’s gazes from across the table. They look apologetic, but I can tell they both knew what I was in for tonight, and neither of them cared to share the information with me. It doesn’t matter how close we get, they all still follow his lead. It stings more than it should because what did I expect from them.

Alessandro’s warm hand gently squeezes my thigh. “I need you by my side, princess,” he whispers, his voice filled with longing. He rises to greet his parents, with a tender kiss on his mother’s cheek. Alessandro’s papa warmly embraces him, their firm pats on each other’s backs resonating with the familiarity of old friends. I want to throw something. Possibly that centerpiece right in front of me or a bottle of wine, whatever I can get my hands on first. Because right now I’m fuming.

As Enzo moves to stand in front of me, my fists ball, ready to throw a punch if necessary. His lips turn up at the sides in greeting, and I wonder what the fuck he wants me to do. I’m not welcoming him with open arms like his son. He fucking sold me out, and I know he was the one who killed my ma. He’s lucky he’s still alive. If it were up to me, he wouldn’t be.

“Harley, how wonderful to see you.” He bends to kiss my cheek.

“Stand up,” Geovani growls out under his breath, his voice holding a commanding edge that I don’t appreciate. But I stand because all attention is on me, and I know it’s only going to be worse for me if I don’t.

I brush the silk fabric of my dress over the knife I have strapped to my thigh, trying not to fiddle but not sure what else to do with my hands. I want the earth to swallow me up so I don’t have to face this man. Enzo takes my hand in his, kissingthe back of my fingers. I cringe, staring back at him, my eyes burning with flames of hatred. Alessandro’s hand comes to my lower back protectively, and Enzo drops my hand as they share a silent conversation with only their eyes.

“Harley, you look stunning as always.” His mother greets me with a kiss to my cheek. My body is clenched so tight I feel like something is about to snap. I can’t even pretend to be nice to these people. I’m screaming inside at Alessandro for even letting them be in the same room as any of us. After everything they have done to all the people at this table.

“You’ll have to forgive Harley, she’s not feeling one hundred percent this evening.” His hand slides over my stomach, and I flinch, flicking my angry eyes to him. What the fuck is he doing?

“Oh, of course, darling, I remember that feeling all too well. Congratulations, we were so happy to hear you’re expecting.”

My body stiffens, and I blink back at her, not sure what else to do. What the actual fuck is she going on about?

“Not ideal that the two of you aren’t married yet, but we can fix that quickly enough since you’re already engaged.” She grins at me, like the cat that got the cream, and I stare back at her, my mouth gaping open.

“You’ll have to excuse my rudeness, I think I need to use the restroom. Alessandro, can you please show me where they are?” I get out through clenched teeth, not sorry at all for my snippy attitude toward them. But if I don’t leave right now, I’m going to pull my knife on them. My fingers itch to wrap around the handle.

Alessandro’s hand comes to my shoulder, and he kisses my cheek. “Of course, gorgeous.” He escorts me toward the bathrooms, and to anyone else, we would look like a happy couple.

“What the actual fuck is going on?” I spit out when we’re out of earshot.

“Playing Enzo at his own game. He won’t let anything happen to you if he believes you’re carrying his grandbaby and heir to the Moretti throne,” he explains like it’s all so fucking simple.

I look back at him, horrified, my heart racing out of my chest. “So, you told them we are having a baby and still engaged?” I shriek.

He takes my hand, rushing me around a corner and out of view of the other guests. “We could be.”

My brow furrows, and I fight back the urge to thump him as I pull my hand free. “But we’re not. Right?” I know I’m not pregnant, but I wouldn’t put it past these assholes to tamper with my birth control or something like that just to get what they want.

“Not that I know of.” He shrugs. “But can you put on an act tonight? It’s for your benefit as well as it is mine. Remember, you agreed to help me. Your engagement ring is waiting for you back in your room at home, whenever you're ready to put it on again.” He smiles, all charming, trying to win me over. But he has to know it’s not that fucking simple. This isn’t a little lie.

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