CHIARA
The car's queue was too long and it went slower than usual. I mean, it's Viva's show so…
I swirled the drink in the flute and took a sip, my free hand intertwined with Carmelo's and resting on his thigh, who was busy on the phone. Today was a game day, and I had my cards and swords drawn, ready to strike. I smiled.
"How many dollars for your thoughts, tesoro?" his voice came. I turned to face him and titled my head up slightly. "I'm afraid, too many." I uttered. "Well, isn't it convenient that I'm a billionaire?" I rolled my eyes and took another sip while he chuckled, picking his flute as well from the cup holder, and raised it to his mouth.
"Tesoro." He said. "Hmm?" My eyebrows rose up. I was now weirdly used to my new name. "Have I told you this?" he asked, I furrowed, "What?" He leaned forward, his hands on the armrest and his face an inch from mine. I sucked in a breath, blinking. He then raised his hand and played with the loose strands of my hair, his fingers grazing the side of my face. He moved closer, titled his face to the side, so now his lips were grazing my ear. His hot breath tingled me.
"You look gorgeous tonight." He whispered. My eyes shut voluntarily and my lips parted. "So gorgeous that I wished nobody else would see you out there." I gripped the seat so hard, and locked my thighs together. "But then again, I want to show you off. Tonight, I'm going to let everyone know that you are only fit to be with me. We're… a perfect combination, me and you. None of those men out there stands a chance with you." Then his warm moisty lips pressed on my ear. "Aren't you too full of yourself?" I whispered. "Hmm. I'm certain, tesoro." He grunted, causing electricity to spark on my skin.
Oh God. He trailed kisses from my ear to my cheeks, making it hard for me to breathe. Then I felt him kissing the corner of my lip, not exactly where I wanted him to kiss. I opened my eyes and met with his enchanting ones, lids lowered. "I thought you were traditional," I uttered. "I am. It's the demon inside me that wants to break free. It wants to take a bite of you." He replied, his eyes locked on my mouth, having me on a chokehold.
He rubbed my lower lip with his thumb and nipped my earlobe, sending sensational tremors all over my body. "Then what's stopping it." Definitely not me. "Now that I think about it, nothing. And I'm probably drunk. In your charm, I don't know." He said. I licked my lower lips, "Take a bite of me then." I breathed out.
His eyes connected with mine, as if asking if I was sure of it. I swallowed when his eyes returned to my lips, then he raised my chin, leaning in slowly, slowly. I parted my lips for him, my chest rising and falling. Our breaths fanned our faces and… "Sir, we're here." The driver's voice came.
My eyes shot open and glared at the tinted glass screen that separated us from him. Should I start with him tonight? Then I felt a quick smooch on my cheek before the man pulled back. It was so quick that I was left blinking, wondering if it ever even happened at all. I was fucking robbed! Two times, same night?
"Are you ready, tesoro?" he asked, fixing his royal blue suit coat. I turned away and huffed. Fuck! I shut my eyes, collecting myself before turning to him again, smiling. "Yes." The door on his side was opened and he stepped out first. I inhaled, exhaled, and repeated until my door was opened as well.
Loud clicking sounds of cameras and flushes filled the place. Then his hand came, I placed mine in his and stepped out of the car. Smiling in the spotlight, I was used to this life. Carmelo placed his hand around my waist and I leaned in to his touch, glancing up at him, smiling back at me. "Oh wait," I uttered, raised my hand and wiped his lips and showed him the red lipstick from earlier, and he mouthed 'Oh,' The cameras fclicked and flushed harder.
"Oh my God!" "It's the missing bride!" "It's Chiara Marino!" "Omg, tonight is indeed a night of wonders. The next couple are Carmelo Conti and Chiara Marino. Yup, you heard right, I didn't make that up. The two family rivals arrived together tonight. Hand in hand, shining bright like the literal stars! God, this is epic!" "Are you the one that kidnapped Miss Marino, Mr. Conti?" "Why are the two of you together?" "Are you two dating? Lovers? And for how long were you hiding your relationship?"
The reporters lost their minds as we were escorted by the heavy security team across the red carpet without making any statement. We paused when we reached the step and repeat area. The backdrop had Viva's image and her brand displayed on it. We posed for the pictures, all the while glued to each other before heading inside while other couples took our place. The real show was about to begin.