Page 86 of There Is No Love

Alora

IsmiledasI walked into the ballroom, seeing Voralie and Arturo. I walked over, pulling her into a hug. “How are you?”

“Good dear,” she pulled away, her hands on my shoulders. “Well don’t you look beautiful?”

“Thank you.”

“Mom,” Luka kissed her temple, pulling her into a hug.

“How are you feeling?” She asked.

“I'm good, Doc said I can start getting back to normal.”

She patted his cheek lovingly, “you take it easy, don't overdo it.”

Arturo puts an arm around my shoulder, pulling me into a side hug. “Sister-in-law,” he said very sternly.

“Arturo.”

“Well aren’t we all just one big happy family?” Dad walked up behind me, “Voralie, how are you?”

“I am good Gabriele, you?” She replied as he leaned in, kissing her on the cheek.

“Trying to sneak in on my Wife Gabriele?” Stefano walked up, putting an arm around Voralie.

“Just saying hello to an old friend,” He held his hand out to Stefano who took it leaning in. Whispering something to him, that Stefano didn’t like by the look on his face.

Stefano laughed and pulled away. “We shall see about that. Alora,” he looked at me, “how about a dance with your father-in-law?”

I glanced at Luka, his jaw tight as he stared at his father, “sure.” I took Stefano’s hand and he led me onto the dance floor.

“So, it looks like you and my son are settling right in.”

I glanced at Luka, watching me like a hawk, “yeah I guess you could say that.”

“Are you guys any closer to finding Wrath? I am sure you were as shocked as I to find out he was actually a she.”

“Yes, I think we were all shocked.”

“This woman is making things difficult for me. My guys are scared, and I am having to move things around far more rapidly than I like.”

“I can’t tell you how sorry I am that your business exploiting women and girls is being interrupted, I weep for you.”

He laughed and pulled me in tight. “If you and my son don’t catch Wrath soon, I will take matters into my own hands. And take out anyone who stands in my way.” He leaned in whispering in my ear, “he is falling for you, anyone can see that. If you know your place, the two of you can live a long happy life together, but if you or my son cross me” he snickered, “well just ask them what happened with the last girl who got in the way.” His grip on my waist tightened, his fingers digging into my hips.

I grit my teeth, putting my hand to his chest. “I know what you did,” I leaned up on the tips of my toes looking him right in the eyes, “perhaps you shouldn’t cross me, Stefano. Someday you will pay for everything you’ve done, and I hope I am there to see your downfall.” I took a deep breath, and stepped back, smiling at him, “If you’ll excuse me, I think I will go dance with my husband now.”

He looked at me, a wicked smirk on his lips. It makes me uneasy, the man drips evil. I doubt he has an ounce of remorse or empathy in his body, much like my own father. I turned towards Luka, who met me halfway, pulling me to him and spinning me around the dance floor. “Are you alright?”

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, “I’m good. Your father is as much of a monster as mine is.”

“What did he say?”

I glanced at Stefano who is now dancing with Voralie, “let's talk about it later, just get through tonight.”

“Did he threaten you?”

I shook my head, “he threatened us both, but he’s not doing anything tonight. Let’s pretend to be the happy couple and get whatever info we can.”

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