Page 72 of Arturo's Temptation

“After you,” Arturo said in a flat voice, turning from me.

Once outside, Arturo stepped up to the SUV and held the door open. His face was blank which infuriated me more than I cared to admit. Mirroring Arturo’s actions, my father held the opposite door open for my mother who gracefully slid onto the leather seat. The second the door shut behind them both I felt Arturo’s breath slide across my neck as he whispered in my ear.

“Te ves impresionante, Isabella. No quiero nada más que hacerte mía.” I understood his last hushed word.

Mine.

Frowning, I slid into the car beside my mother who had that look in her eye, one I’d seen before but couldn’t work out what it meant,

“Are you ready for this evening, baby?” she asked, as Arturo entered the front. Next to my mother, my father answered a call in Italian.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I smiled, squeezing her hand tightly.

23

The momentwe arrived at the venue, it was easy to see it was buzzing. Flash cars lined the gravel driveway, showcasing the sheer number of alliances who had made it out tonight for Isabella’s debut. No doubt the moment Lorenzo made the announcement, fathers would flock to him, proposing marriage for their sons to strengthen whatever alliance they already had with Lorenzo.

My hand tightened on the wheel. How was I supposed to stand by and watch countless men try to claim what was mine without killing them all?

With great difficulty, that was how.

I glanced at the member of my team sat in the passenger’s seat and gave him a nod. He exited first and held the door open for Lorenzo and Ana. Knowing Bella was in heels, I stepped out and held the door open for her. Begrudgingly, I held out a hand for her to take but in true Bella fashion she ignored it and hopped down with a hand wrapped around her dress.

“Charlie this is Alpha, Phoenix has arrived,” I said into my earpiece.

“Roger that, Alpha. You are clear to enter,” came Donnie’s voice. He’d worked hard. Perhaps there was hope for this bunch of wankers yet. As I walked behind the Lorenzo, Ana fell back.

“Fancy escorting the lady of the house?” she asked, giving me a teasing smile. I nodded and took her arm in mine. Ahead of me Isabella took her father’s arm and together the four of us walked in.

Inside, Red was the first to greet us. He took up the front, while my team followed behind. My eyes flickered around taking in all the exits I’d seen on the blueprints Lorenzo had shown me. When we entered the main room, I suddenly felt like a fish in a tank. Hundreds of eyes suddenly fell on us.

“Hey, kid, you good?”Red asked as he handed me a scotch. I was so lost in my own damn head I hadn’t even noticed I’d drifted to the side of the dance floor, leaving Bella with her parents.

“Yeah, fine,” I scoffed, downing the drink in one.

“Well, shit, looks like you needed that,” he laughed, but there was caution behind his eyes.

“Relax, Red, that’s my one and only drink tonight. I’m just here to make sure Isabella gets home safely along with the Boss.”

“Arturo…”Woah! What happened to kid?“It’s all good. I know you’ve got everyone covered tonight. You trained the men well for this evening.”

“Holy shit. That you givin’ me a compliment?” I gave him a look of mock surprise. Red rolled his eyes and clasped a hand to my shoulder.

“All I’m saying is you deserve to have a little fun too.” He grabbed us both another drink, sliding it over to me. “You know for a guy who’s all wise cracks, you sure are one serious dude.”

“I appreciate the sentiment,” I replied, shoving the tumbler back toward him. “But Lorenzo entrusted Isabella’s safety to me. Now, what good would I be if I was ‘ere getting pissed with you, you sad git?” Red let out a chuckle before downing his two fingers of scotch.

My eyes scanned the room with ease as I made sure each one of the guys were in the position they were told to be in. To my satisfaction they had all taken their orders well, including Mik.

Nice to see that prick had learned his lesson.

I stood close to the stage with Red and Gino as Lorenzo escorted Isabella up the steps. I knew he was on his way to make his announcement before swanning her around the room showing her off to every fucker here.

“Thank you all for coming here this evening, I’m sure you’re all wondering why we’re here—aside from the free booze of course.” Polite chuckles and amusement broke out amongst the audience making Lorenzo smile. I chanced a glance at Isabella and was relieved to see her gazing up at him with open respect and adoration. Good, she wasn’t looking down at the vultures waiting to descend open her like the hungry animals they were. “My wife, Anastacia, once told me there was more to life than business, and she was right. I’ve found myself thinking a lot about the future recently and have made some changes to my original decision.” Lorenzo’s eyes crinkled as he glanced down at Isabella. Her cheeks flushed a little at the gentle nod he gave her. Lorenzo cleared his throat. “As you know, the cunning yet brilliant woman standing beside me is my daughter, Isabella. From the moment she could walk and talk I knew I’d found someone who not only could beat me at poker, but would also be the perfect fit for my legacy to continue on the Ricci name.”The chuckles at his poker reference quieted as people began to catch on to his meaning. “You may have assumed Luca was my successor, but things and times change, and it gives me great pleasure to announce that, when I finally step down, Isabella will be the one taking my place.”

A strange noise—almost like a hiss or a gasp—in the audience spiked my senses. I quickly darted my eyes through the various expensively-dressed folks, trying to see what had caught my attention. There was surprise in many eyes but nothing that sparked suspicion.

Hmm, weird. I was never usually wrong.

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