Page 82 of Heir of Darkness

LUNA

The last timeLuna was at an engagement party, it was eventful to say the least.

Now, she was sporting the same uneasy feeling in her stomach as she prepared for her second engagement party—with Valerio this time. She ran her hands down the length of the dress, smoothing out the silky material.

She had to go with a halter top dress, so it would be able to cover the fading bruises from her neck. Her back was exposed, but she still kept her hair down and curled like always.

Her engagement ring sat on her finger, glimmering in the light. Maybe she would have been less nervous had there not been security at every corner waiting to see if the person who set up her assassination showed up. How they would even be able to identify the person was still a question Luna didn’t understand.

They waited in the library while Valerio talked on the phone, ensuring the building was secure before they walked out. Her mind told her over and over again that this was a horrible idea. She played it off as anxiety and trauma from before, but the dread came from her gut.

It was too late to back out. They were minutes away from entering the party.

The girls had spent so much time setting up, helping to order the decorations and rent out the venue. They ended up choosing another ballroom located in the city for obvious reasons. Large cream pillars stretched across the outside of the building making the whole space feel like they were in ancient Greece. White and gold decorations were scattered around the room. It wasn’t overwhelming, but it did make the space feel dreamy. Luna saw all of it earlier and was amazed at the hard work that went into setting up the space.

Then she was ushered into the library where she waited with Valerio.

He looked handsome, even with the angry snarl on his face. He ran a hand ran through his hair, the black tux molded to his body. He was undeniably beautiful, but he had always been. She wished he held the same unease he had at his birthday party or when they were at the cabin instead of the worry that laced his face now. They were supposed to be celebrating, not doing all of this.

Finally, he hung up the phone, walking over. “Are you ready?” he asked.

“Are you sure about this?”

His eyes softened. “I won’t let anything happen to you. I swear.” He grabbed her hand, pulling her body into him.

She wanted to believe him. She really did.

Instead, she plastered on a smile, squeezing his hand. They walked out of the library, making their way down the long hallway to the ballroom. Three bulky guards walked in front of them, two behind. It threw off the entire romantic atmosphere Luna intended to keep.

The ballroom doors opened up for them. The couple walked down the stairs, taking in the claps, cheers, and stares that were passed their way. Luna held her head up high, holding on to Valerio’s hand with a death grip.

She looked around the room, noticing how a guard stood by every large window, completely armed. Her smile faltered.

Valerio promised not to let her out of his sight the entire night, which she appreciated. But it meant that before she could greet her friends, she was forced to say hello to the rich people his family worked with.

Her cheeks were killing her from the smile she kept on. And after what felt like a lifetime of mindless conversation, she finally found the girls waiting by the drink table. This time she dragged him over with her.

“You’re a busy woman, Mrs. Vitali,” Cecilia told her, taking a sip from her glass.

Luna snatched it out of her hand, emptying the contents. Valerio eyed her, removing the glass from her hands. “Easy on the booze,” he said.

“I need this more than you know,” Luna muttered, leaning against him for support. He held onto her waist, peppering a kiss in her hair.

“Have you found anyone yet?” Blair asked, shifting the conversation.

“Not yet,” Valerio said. “Where are Allister and Dante?”

“I saw them by the food,” Gianna said. “You should go find them.”

Valerio rolled his eyes, but Luna agreed with the less than subtle hint to leave. “I’ll be fine here for a few minutes.”

“Fine, but I’ll only be gone a second,” he said, kissing her forehead again. “Watch out for her,” he threatened the group.

She sighed once he walked away. “This isn’t what I wanted.”

“I know, but these are his people. You’ll have to get used to them,” Blair told her, handing her another drink. Luna took it, gulping down a good amount.

“It’s not the people. I know how to act cordial with these rich assholes. I’m talking about the tension in the room. The armed guards, no one being able to relax. Everything feels off. I hate it.”

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