Page 19 of Claimed By the Possessive Mafia Prince
“Hello! People!” Julian raises his voice, but it’s not enough. No one hears him, or if they do, they don’t pay attention.
The only one who understands what’s going on is Dario. He frowns at Julian, then offers me a look of support. I shrug as if to say,What is he supposed to do?Then Dario nods at me, indicating I should take the lead. My expression must show how unsure I feel about that, because he gives me two thumbs up, urging me to do it, wordlessly telling me I’m strong enough.
I take a breath, summoning my courage, and then raise my voice. “Everyone, please listen up!”
My voice comes outmuchlouder than I planned. I basically yelled at everyone. It’s only when I’m done that I realize how mad I sound.
I remember what Dario said.You’re so beautiful when you’re mad…Then push the memory from my mind as quickly as I can.
“Sorry,” I say, laughing awkwardly. “But if you could please give Julian your attention.”
Julian smiles gratefully at me. “Yes, please,” he says. “I was thinking we would start with the gentleman, then move onto the ladies, then, of course, we’ll focus on the happy couple. How does that sound to everyone?”
“Speak up,” one man grunts.
I walk up beside Julian, repeating what he said in a louder voice, then adding, “So, if the men could please make their way to the top…”
I follow the group, standing behind Julian, basically functioning as his loudspeaker as he directs the group. As Julian directs the men, I’m aware of Dario watching me, a smile on his lips. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he looks proud.
Julian says, “You there, could you stand up straighter?”
“Are you talking to me?” the man replies. It’s Eddy, sounding angry at being ordered around, with his chest puffed up. “Eh, little man?”
“Mr. Bianchi,” I say, taking a step forward. “I think Julian is just trying to get the best photo possible.”
“Did I ask for your opinion, girl?”
“Brother,” Vittoria says, an enormous bear of a man, around the same size as his son. “Show her some respect.”
“I am standing straight,” Eddy grunts. “Just take the photo.”
I lower my voice. “It’s probably for the best if you just take it.”
Julian shrugs, then snaps the shot.
Soon, it’s time for the ladies. As the men exchange places with the ladies, Dario walks closer to me, lowering his voice to a whisper. “You’re doing great.”
I smile gratefully, wondering if this means our little spat yesterday is forgotten. “You think so?”
“Yeah, and don’t let Uncle Eddy get to you. If he pushes it too far, I’ll handle him.”
Part of me wants to tell Dario I don’t need his help, but I can’t deny the fact that I’m grateful for it.
The ladies are far easier to handle. When I have to step in again because Julian is speaking too quietly, Marcela Bianchi looks around at her ladies and says, “Isn’t Siena just the best?”
We take a break for some refreshments before the final photoshoot: Vittoria and Marcela. People mill around, talking in clusters, and Dario approaches me again.
“Hey,” I whisper. “Are you okay?”
“For a D-O-U-C-H-E, I’m pretty good.”
I laugh humorlessly. “About that…”
“Don’t apologize. I like the way you sass.”
“It’s probably better if we forget about… well, everything.”
“That’s impossible, but don’t worry, I will not embarrass you by declaring my undying love in front of all these people.”
