by Tia KENZIE
However, I’m under no illusions that they believe I am worth all this fuss. I bet they are comparing me to Julia Roberts, in the Pretty Woman film! Well, fuck em!
A man in a suit enters the spa, apparently, he’s going to escort me to the waiting limo. He walks me out, but I’m not used to heels so I’m tottering like a drunk behind him. He opens the door and I take a seat, finding Rome waiting for me.
My, he looks absolutely gorgeous. He’s wearing a dark grey shirt, with dark dress trousers. The neck is open, showing his tanned neck and chest. Swoon! I take a seat beside him. “Hey.” It’s all I can come up with! He’s actually taken my breath away.
He smiles widely, taking my hand and kissing the back of it. "You look absolutely stunning sweet Luna." He passes me a large jewelry box, which he opens for me. Inside is a beautiful necklace with a heart shaped diamond pendant. Fuck, I hope it’s not real! That’s way too much for me. I realize straight away that it matches my engagement ring. What a gorgeous man he is.
“It’s beautiful Rome, thank you.” I’m shy again.
He takes it out, leaning over to fasten it on me. His fingers stroke my neck and as he does so I flinch, excitement pulsing in my core.
He puts a hand to my face, to whisper. “You look absolutely perfect Luna. I am honored to be able to call you mine.” He ends with a kiss to my cheek. Swoon!
He then produces another box from beside him. It’s larger than the last one, I’ve no idea what it could be. He passes it over, again opening it for me.
Nestled inside are 2 diamond bracelets, wider than any I’ve seen before. They look like chokers, there are rows upon rows of diamonds. I gasp, looking up, realizing what they are.
He takes one out, kisses the scar on the inside of my wrist, then he puts it on and fastens it for me. He does the same with the other, kissing my scar again first. I never told him about them, so I’m guessing the lady at the spa got in touch. Wow, that was fast work. I can’t help the tears that fall. This has got to be the most deeply, emotional feeling, I have ever experienced.
He produces a tissue and dabs away my tears. Holding my face, he puts his forehead against mine. “I won’t ask Luna, I will wait until you want to tell me, it’s entirely your decision.”
Fuck! I think I might have come a bit in my pants! “Okay, but there’s nothing to tell. Someone did it to me Rome. It wasn’t my choice.”
“Fuck!” He curses. “Will you tell me about it?”
I nod. “Yes, later.” I feel so close, emotionally, to him now.
I take his hand and he threads our fingers, squeezing tightly. Then he gives me a panty dropping smile. I laugh. “Rome, do I call you Rome or Matteo, tonight?”
“Rome is fine. My family use my real name, but to my friends I will always be Rome.”
My belly drops. “Who will be there?” Panic is rising inside. Oh my God! How could I not have realized before now?
“All my family, and friends.” He looks concerned. “Luna, what’s up?”
“Does that include the rest of the Glory’s?”
He nods. “Yes Luna. It does.”
I’m really panicking now. “Do they know it’s your engagement party?” He nods, looking away from me.
“Rome, do they know who you’re getting engaged to?”
He turns back to look at me. “No, it’s gonna be a surprise.”
“Surprise! You think so huh! Fuck Rome! I can’t go in; I can’t do it. If I see that bitch Serena again, I’m likely to kill her.”
“Why? Because she will be with Dante, the one you love?” He looks hurt.
“Well yeah. Plus, the fact she hates me, has always been mean to me. Hell, she’ll probably try and ruin it for me.”
He shakes his head but doesn’t speak. He lets go of my hand, starts messing with his phone. The tension is at cutting with a knife level. Shit, I feel bad now, but what the hell. It’s not like I’ve chosen this. He knows I’ve been forced into it, just like he has, even if he seems quite happy with the arrangement.
He puts the phone away and I take his hand again. I lean over to whisper. “I’m sorry, I don’t want to make you feel bad.” Adding a kiss to his cheek.
Turning to me, he puts his other hand under my chin. “Luna, do you think you could ever love me?” He says it with such raw honesty, there’s an innocence about it.
I nod, “yeah Rome, I’m pretty sure I could.” I close the gap and put my lips on his. The kiss is slow and sensual, full of emotion and promise.
My core twinges instantly, then he pulls away.
“Fuck Luna, I want you really bad. I know you are mad at me, because of my past. But Luna, I’ve never wanted anyone like I want you. I want to make you mine, in every way. I only want you, just you, forever.”
I smile at this, try to lighten the mood. “Well, you’d better get some drinks down me then. But be warned, I don’t handle it very well.”
He laughs. “Not too many though. I want you to remember every second, when or if it happens.” I blush at this. Fuck, he’s smooth! I am in deep trouble, I just know it. He's giving me the tingles and I know what that means!
◆◆◆
The limo pulls up outside a big ass fancy yacht. He takes my hand, leading me out of the car. He hugs me close, whispering in my ear. “Just stay with me, all night. Remember we have a part to play. Uncle will be watching us, closely.”
I smile at him; fully aware a tear has escaped the corner of my eye, because I'm terrified to be honest. For myself but mostly for Colt. He brushes it away gently.
“I know, I’ve always fancied being an actress. This should be fun. But I’m warning you, keep that bitch away from me.”
He leads me up the carpeted ramp, onto the yacht. Wow, it’s decorated so nice. Fairy lights hang from every surface, giving it a magical feel. He squeezes my hand tight, holding me close to him. Luckily a waitress is waiting with a tray of champagne flutes. I take one, necking it quickly. Then I take another, to sip at.
People immediately greet us, wishing us well and offering congratulations. Oh Christ! Looking to the left there’s a line of people we have to walk past, to greet. It’s like leaving a funeral, where you shake hands and offer condolences to the family on your exit.
I smile widely, accepting all the compliments on my choice of dress, blah, blah, blah. We come upon his Uncle. Instead of being able to hang back as I have done so far, he grabs me and hugs my body to his.
“You look beautiful Luna. Congratulations.” He kisses my cheek quickly.
“Thank you. I feel really lucky to have found someone like Rome. He’s what I’ve always dreamed of.” I smile sweetly. Fuck, I’m a good actress. He glares at me, knowing I’m taking the piss.
We make our way down the line, until we are nearly at the end. Oh joy, guess who? The Glory’s are here. I can feel their stares, but I keep avoiding catching their gaze. I squeeze Rome’s hand tightly, he squeezes back. It’s not escaped my notice that Colt and his wife aren’t here. I really hope he’s okay, her not so much.
We approach Dolby first. He shakes Rome’s hand, offering a grunting congratulations. Then he leans forward, kissing me on the cheek. An instant, strange feeling comes over me. I'm not sure what it was but I just smile. Next, it’s Toby. He shakes Rome’s hand and leans into me. He gives me a full hug, “what the fuck Luna?” he chokes out. Rome pulls me away before I can form a reply. Then it’s Dante. Oh my God above. I’m shaking, I can’t stop it. He ignores Rome and grabs me in a hug.
“Luna Moon, what the fuck is this?” He whisper growls at me.
“I guess mine is as real as yours.” I mumble back.
Rome pulls me away; I turn my head so he can’t see my tears. I avert my eyes from Toby and Dante, not wanting to see the disappointment on their faces.
“Congratulations Luna.” I hear screeched.
Looking up its Serena, giving me a smile that is more of a sneer. I smile as widely and fake as I can. “Thank you, witch, that’s very kind of you.
” I smile sweetly. She can’t decide how to react to that. Ha! That felt gooooood! Her face drops and she walks away. And I feel nothing! No siree. No regret, nothing at all.
There are only the 2 bitch friends of Serena’s left, so I completely ignore them, leaving Rome to it. I hear a commotion and look up to find Dante in a heated argument with Dolby. Dolby takes him by the arm and leads him away.
Uncle appears at my side then. Before he can speak, Toby steps towards me. “Would I be able to steal you away for a dance later, Luna?” He asks, in a very polite manner. Which I know nearly killed him to do.
“Of course, that would be lovely.” I reply in my best, totally fake voice.
◆◆◆
Uncle interrupts, directing us to the head table. We take our places and then have to endure a 10-course meal. Who the hell has 10 courses? I throw more champagne down my neck, desperate for oblivion.
The Glory’s are sat at a table nearby. I try not to look over too much, but I can’t help it, I'm drawn to them. Dante looks absolutely destroyed. More than once I’ve noticed Serena try to take hold of his hand, or arm, but he shrugs her off each time.
Toby is sat next to Serena’s friend, Monica. She’s not bad looking, I suppose. She has short, blonde hair, 3 inches of make-up plastered on, and has poured herself into a tight, black dress. Toby is being nicer than Dante though. She’s touching him all over, and he’s letting her! He looks uncomfortable but is just too nice to reject her obvious flirting.
Dolby is sat, stone faced, looking totally bored. His eyes are very dark, almost black. He has a meanness about him, it’s an aura that just seems to surround him. He’s sat next to Sally, she obviously knows not to try any moves on him, as she’s sat looking pissed off, ignoring him.
I feel a hand on my thigh, it’s Rome. Looking at him, he gives me his panty dropping smile. Wow, he gets me hot, every time with that. I place my hand on top of his and squeeze.
He leans in close. “How are you doing?”
Huh! Does he want a fake answer of the truth? I ponder for a bit, because actually, I’m starting to feel really okay with things. I mean, if you ignore the forced wedding and scary Uncle aspect, oh and having your life bugged. If you put all that aside, I mean, yeah, I’m marrying one handsome, sweet man.
I smile. “I’m good Rome, really good.” I end with a peck on his cheek.
Uncle stands and calls the room to attention. “Good evening, everyone. I want to thank you all for joining us, to celebrate the engagement of my nephew Matteo, to the beautiful and enchanting, Luna Monroe.”
Everyone claps, some cheer, it becomes quite rowdy to be honest. I wonder how many people here actually know the truth, about this sham. Uncle gives a speech about how happy he is that I’m joining the family, blah, blah, blah, you get it. My face is spread so wide with a beaming smile, that it’s really starting to fucking hurt. Everyone raises a glass to us; it’s quite touching really.
Then Rome is asked to say a few words. Fuck! Did he know this was coming? Shit! I hope I’m not expected to return the gesture. Surely not. Surely Uncle realizes things could go belly up, really damn quickly, if I’m let loose! You know, with all the champagne I’ve thrown down my neck!
Rome stands, taking me with him, the entire room goes deathly quiet. Everyone is listening intently, probably trying to work out just who the hell I am and how I managed to snare this beautiful man.
He faces me with an adorable look, and I worry that I’m going to laugh. Knowing it’s fake, I start thinking how absurd this is. My eyes fly to Uncle, he gives me a stare that packs enough meaning in it, to remind me that I have a part to play. Shit, Colt!
Holding my hand, he addresses the room. “Thank you everyone, for attending this evening. I know some of you haven’t had the chance before this evening, to meet Luna. I must admit that I myself, haven’t known her very long either. But I can tell you that I love her, with all my heart.”
He turns to face me then, holding both my hands. He looks into my eyes and I am overwhelmed with the depth of his feelings, shining through his gaze. His hands are trembling in mine. I’m not sure if he’s scared of public speaking, or if its emotions causing the trembles. He gives his speech to the room, with his eyes never leaving mine. He starts speaking and the rest of the room floats away, it’s just me and him.
“We met by chance, on a deserted beach one evening. I knew within the first 5 minutes of speaking with you, that you had stolen my heart and that you would be mine. You are a unique person sweet Luna; I’ve never known anyone like you before. You carry a light and innocence inside, but also a fire that draws me to you.
You challenge me daily, you aren’t afraid to tell me how you feel, or to show me. You make me want to be a better person. And I want to be a better person, for you Luna. But most of all, you are real. There is nothing fake about you, you don’t need grand gestures to feel loved, or grand gestures of wealth, to make you feel worthy. All you need is honesty and loyalty, which I promise to give you, for the rest of my days.” He smiles at me, then turns to the room.
“I can promise you all now, that I will do everything in my power, to make sure that she feels safe, loved, and cherished, every single day. By doing that, I know that she will stay by my side, forever.” He turns back to me, laying his lips on mine and we kiss. Boy, do we kiss. It’s a wonderful, slow kiss, full of emotion and love. He pulls away and wipes my tears with his thumbs. I wasn’t even aware I was crying.
I pull him into a hug, to whisper in his ear. “Very smooth, Matteo Romero. You lie so well, it’s quite frightening.”
“I meant every word, Luna.” He whispers back.
My body jolts in shock, unsure if he’s telling the truth or not. I’m snapped back to reality then, aware that everyone are on their feet, clapping and cheering for us.
Uncle announces that everyone is invited to the ballroom, next door. How freaking big is this boat? A ballroom? We follow the crowd, where we are announced!! Apparently, we will be having a slow dance together, as is tradition. (I thought that was just weddings, but, oh well).
A band starts up and I know the song instantly. It’s Beautiful, a song I’ve sung myself, many times. Only it instantly makes me think of Toby. I sang this for him at the beach party. Oh boy!
Rome leads me to the center of the room, takes me in his arms, and we dance together. Now I’d like to say it was the best dance of my life, but I can’t. I’ve never slow danced before. I prefer music with a beat, that I can lose myself in. Preferably after I’ve smoked a joint too.
I’m feeling really self-conscious, unsure how I should be moving. “I can’t slow dance,” I whisper.
“Close your eyes,” he says.
I shut my eyes tight, lay my head against his chest and let him move me. I’m very aware everyone is watching us, I can hear comments of ‘look how beautiful they are together’, ‘they look so happy’, etc.
Then I hear, ‘fucking bitch, how the hell did she get him?” Well, opening my eyes I see Serena and her 2 minions nearby. The comment was obviously from one of them.
I smile to myself on hearing this. Showtime! I pull away from his chest and reach up for a kiss instead. I devour him in front of everyone, as a ‘fuck you’ to the bitches, and anyone else who might be jealous of me. Because that is what the comment was, pure jealousy. I feel him harden against my stomach, oh boy! Bring it on! Where the hell did that come from?
The song ends and another starts. We slow dance a couple more then retreat for drinks. I switch to water, for a while. My inner skank is telling me to stay sober enough, just in case, you know? A few people I don’t know approach, making small talk. I’ve got to be honest; Rome is a natural at conversation. He’s smooth and can converse with just about anyone. I’m happy just to hold his hand, clinging to his side. This is not too bad at all, I’m thinking. The show will be over soon.
But no! Because then Uncle decides to make an announcement to the room. He, with much happiness I might add, announce
s that dear Luna, is a singer! And she will be honored to ‘sing a song to everyone’. Say what the hell now? Who the fuck told him that? I’m blushing, I can feel it. I try to slide behind Rome, but it’s too late, everyone is already looking at me. Fuck!
I put my glass of water down and grab Rome’s, which I neck and find to be whiskey! Huh! I hate whiskey. I drink it anyway, looking to Rome with ‘help me!’ eyes. The fucker laughs at me.
I’m led to the front of the room by Uncle, “happy face Luna,” he hisses through his teeth.
There’s a little stage. I’m given a microphone, wondering what the hell I will be singing. I can’t think of anything, at all. My mind is blank. Looking out I see the dance floor has cleared. Everyone has retreated to tables, that surround the outside of the room. All eyes on me, I decide I feel sick. Oh my God, don’t let me be sick.
