Twenty minutes later, I’m still feeling restless when I go downstairs to grab something for dinner. I don’t even make it to the kitchen before Manuel approaches me wearing a strained expression.
“Sir, you should know that—”
“There you are, Alessio!” Gwen appears from the hallway, flitting into the room. She’s dressed in an elaborate ballgown, and to my dismay, Marianna is right behind her, looking just the same. Apparently, I seem to have forgotten all about the fucking gala this evening.
“Why aren’t you dressed?” Gwen looks me over with concern. She doesn’t acknowledge the scowl on my face or the obvious anger radiating from me. She knows I meant what I told her before, but Gwen can never admit when she’s wrong.
“Manuel, where is Nino?” I ask, forcing myself to remain calm.
“He’s in the kitchen with Miss Cabrera.”
“I think he could use some fresh air,” I say. “Maybe some ice cream.”
“No problem.” He disappears into the kitchen.
I stare at Gwen in silence. She stares back at me. Marianna clears her throat. She’s smiling at me like victory is in her grasp. I’m sure she’s waiting for me to flatter her. To tell her how radiant she looks this evening. It’s what she’s used to hearing. She’s a spoiled princess who’s been so sheltered her whole life, she wouldn’t have the first clue about the type of man I am. We don’t have a single thing in common, and I can’t comprehend why Gwen is so fucking insistent on shoving her down my throat at every opportunity. I’ve reached my goddamned limit, and I don’t know that I’ve ever been as angry with her as I am right now.
Manuel returns with Nino, and Gwen doesn’t say a word or even look in his direction as they walk out the door. Her attention is on Natalia, who has made an appearance in the doorway to the kitchen, concern etched onto her face.
“Oh, good. You’re here.” Gwen crooks a finger at her. “Nanny, come say hello to Marianna. She’s Alessio’s date for this evening, and who knows, perhaps even the lady of this household someday.”
Natalia glances at me, and while she is usually composed, it’s obvious Gwen’s jab has wounded her as intended. I catch a glimpse of that hurt in her eyes before she dips her head at Marianna and retreats to the kitchen.
“Don’t mind her,” Gwen mutters to Marianna. “She doesn’t know how to interact with people. I still haven’t figured out if she’s just mute or slow.”
“Enough,” I snarl. “I told you not to talk about her that way again. I told you not to fucking come here.”
Marianna’s eyes widen at my tone, and she shifts uncomfortably as Gwen gasps as if I’ve actually wounded her.
“Alessio, please. We had plans for this evening. Let’s not allow anything to spoil our fun. We can discuss other matters later, but—”
“Marianna.” I cut my gaze to her so there can be no mistaking my intentions. “You are a respectful Society daughter, and it’s clear to me you are looking for a husband. So, allow me to be clear to you. I apologize for Gwen wasting your time this evening, but I won’t be attending the gala. I am not in the market for a girlfriend or even a wife. Especially not a wife. It’s time for you to set your sights upon someone else. With that said, I hope you have a pleasant evening.”
“Alessio!” Gwen screeches.
“If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to get a drink.” I nod to Marianna and narrow my gaze at Gwen. “I want you gone when I return.”
Gwen immediately starts to wail, and I can hear Marianna trying to console her as I enter the kitchen, but I don’t stop to listen. I glance around the space, searching for Natalia, but I don’t see her. Upon checking the adjoining dining room, I realize that’s empty too. Curious, I head for the pantry, and when I open it, I’m surprised to find her hiding in there. She’s standing in the corner, her eyes red with emotion she tries to conceal as she dips her head.
“Natalia, look at me.”
She doesn’t. I hover in the doorway, torn between maintaining the promise I made to myself and the desire I feel to shatter it right now.
She gestures at me to go and then turns away, staring at the wall. Her obstinance makes my dick swell, but it’s the overwhelming realization I have that urges me toward her. I approach her slowly, quietly, lingering behind her. Close enough to touch. Close enough to smell. She shivers as I lean into her, my breath whispering over her ear.
“Are you jealous, Natalia?”
She glares up at me. My lips curve into a smile that feels foreign as I wrap my arm around her waist and pull her back against me, so she can feel my cock pressing into her spine.