Page 61 of The Bonventi Secret
"Isn't that sweet," Gio says in a mocking tone. Marco elbows him, shaking his head slightly.
I clear my throat, suddenly feeling exposed. "Right. Well, we have work to do. Let's focus on that for now."
Gio stands. "I should have something in the next 48 hours."
I nod. "When you do, bring it to me, and we'll move forward."
Marco stands. "Enjoy dinner," Marco says.
As they leave the office, I'm full of a mix of emotions. The threat and dealing with the Rossis looms large, but so does the promise of a great evening ahead. For once in my life, I'm allowing myself to look forward to something beyond the family business.
And that, I realize, might be the most dangerous thing of all.
LIVIA - 22
Istand before the full-length mirror, admiring my reflection in the daring dress I've chosen for the evening. The black satin clings to my curves, the plunging neckline showcasing my ample cleavage. The girls are on full display for Enzo. I run my hands over the fabric, smoothing it against my hips, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness flutter in my stomach.
The dress is a statement—one that almost signifies my embracing of this new life. I smirk to myself because it feels like just days ago, I was railing against this arrangement, determined to resist at every turn. Now, not only are we fucking, but I'm dressing up for him, eager to see his eyes fill with primal, undeniable lust once he sees me.
I turn to each side, giving myself a once-over. The dress leaves little to the imagination, hugging every curve and dip of my body. It's a far cry from the modest outfits I used to wear for academic conferences.
"What would Dr. Hawkins think if he saw me now?" I murmur to my reflection, a wry smile curving my lips.
My hand drifts to the skull pendant resting between my breasts. I've kept it on, a small reminder of who I was, or rather who I still am, beneath this glamorous exterior. The macabre charm against the elegant dress feels oddly fitting, and well, oddly me.
I spin, watching how the dress moves with me. The back is nearly non-existent, my olive skin exposed from my shoulder blades to the small of my back. I imagine Enzo's hands there, warm and possessive, and feel a rush of heat to my core.
I've paired the dress with sky-high stilettos that make my legs look a mile long. They're not the most comfortable, but the way they shape my calves and make my ass look is worth the discomfort.
As I apply a final coat of deep red lipstick, I catch my own gaze in the mirror. There's a fire in my eyes that I don't recognize—a mix of desire, anticipation, and something darker. Something that whispers of power and danger.
I take a deep breath and collect myself. As I do, a thought creeps into my mind.
You're playing with fire.
But as I imagine Enzo's reaction and his embrace, I can't bring myself to care.
Then let me burn.
A sudden knock at the door interrupts my thoughts. "Livia, Mr. Bonventi requests your presence downstairs," Marcella's voice calls out.
I exhale slowly. "Tell him I'll be right down."
When I get downstairs, I spot him standing in the foyer, immaculately dressed as always in his slim-fitted suit, though his arms look bigger and more muscular this time.
His eyes light up as he sees me, a smile spreading across his face. I fight the urge to flash a huge smile, instead offering him a little coy, sexy smirk.
"My God, you look stunning, cara mia," he says, his voice low and smooth like honey. He steps closer, his hand grazing the small of my back, as he kisses my cheek.
"Thank you," I reply. "You look very handsome as well."
Enzo laughs and bends his arm for me to slide my hand through, "Shall we?"
As we walk outside to the waiting car, he turns and looks down at me, "You're absolutely beautiful, Livia."
We settle into the back of Enzo's black car, one I haven't seen before. The seats are like recliners, with wooden tables and a curtain hiding us from the driver.
"Wow, this is pretty nice," I say as I take everything in.
