Chapter 9
1614 Words
Nayana
I have one genuine question.
Is it possible for the ground to magically open up and swallow a person whole? It has to be, because how else will I escape this awkward situation after Gwen just said what she said?
Gwen's father, Arthur Powers and her mother, Mia powers, stare at us in confusion.
What am I supposed to say?
"Hello, Guinevere. It's a pleasure to officially meet you. And regarding my future sister-in-law..." Leo's voice is both soft on the surface and hard beneath it.
"Nayana is sort of my responsibility because I will become a part of her family very soon."
I don't miss the chilly side eye that he throws me as he says the word 'family'.
My mouth parts in surprise and confusion at why he's saying all these.
What does he even want from me? Why does he look at me as if I belong only to him?
He has his fiancée. Isabella is a very beautiful woman who will fit into his world of danger and glamour. She already worships the ground he walks on.
Everyday, she sings praises of him at home and tells everyone who cares to listen that she can't wait to marry Leonardo Voss. But it seems like Leo does not even care about this marriage. He doesn't even seem to like my father very much.
Something deep in my gut tells me that there is a reason why he wants to marry into our family. I need to know what it is and warn my father. I need to find a way to expose his dark secrets. And I know for sure that there are things this man hides from the world.
"Well, that is very nice of you Leo. My wife and I would like to offer our congratulations on your engagement to Miss Isabella Falcone." Arthur comments with a smile as he regards Leo with respect and admiration.
It's like people don't even care about this man's background. I am starting to understand how people flock to him like bees drawn to honey. It's not just because he's a scary, powerful man with riches I'll never know.
It's not just because he lives and breathes danger. It's the man himself. His superior looks and the ability to own a place and the people who occupy it just by being in it.
It's his undeniable aura, I try my best not to let my anger show.
I don't like Leonardo Voss. Matter of fact, I hate him.
"Anyway, Mom and dad, meet my bestie!" Gwen's voice breaks through the awkward silence. Arthur warmly shakes my hand while Mia pulls me in for a tight embrace. My heart is filled with warmth and I momentarily forget about my nemesis, standing there and watching the exchange with a bored expression on his face.
Leo is about to walk away when Arthur stops him. "By the way, Leonardo. I am aware of the ten year remembrance for your brother's memorial which took place a few days ago. Please accept my condolences."
The moment Arthur utters the words, Leo's whole demeanor changes. He freezes immediately and his nostrils flare as tension rises from his shoulders to the tendons of his neck, his jaw clenching so hard that I'm almost certain it will snap.
He stays silent for what feels like an eternity before a tight smile crosses his face. He nods and without another word, walks away.
That was a touchy topic.
You must find out something about that, nana. I make a mental note to myself.
"Ahem! Let's get a drink, babe." Gwen says as she pulls me with her.. I suddenly remember that Miguel went to get me a drink. I look around to search for
him and find him standing at a corner, holding a drink and flirting with a pretty girl who's apparently flirting back. Typical miguel.
"Erm.. So, what's up? What's the deal with leonardo Voss?"Gwen raises her eyebrow at me as soon as we are alone.
My face heats up and I glance around, afraid someone might hear us.
"What do you mean?"
"Well even the blind can see that there's something between you two, you were staring at each other like you wanted to enter yourselves. Tell me Nana, do you kinda like him?"
I know for sure my face is almost as red as the wine in my glass right now. Why does Gwen think there's anything between us? If I tell her about the secrets he has over me, I’m pretty sure she'll freak out, so I'll try my best to keep a straight face.
"There's absolutely nothing between us, I do not even like him. I only tolerate him because of my sister, she's the one getting married to him after all. Besides, I like someone else." I know I'm lying to myself but I don't care, I would rather Gwen think I like someone else, than let her think I have any ounce of feelings for that devil.
"Oh please, that was merely a school girl crush. I Can bet you're over that by—"
"Hey sis!" An eager male voice breaks our conversation. Gwen rolls her eyes in annoyance as the person stands before us.
"Hi, there cousin. I was hoping you wouldn't come here to spoil the fun." Gwen replies, turning to the man who smiles at both of us. He looks a bit like Gwen herself, with blonde hair and green eyes and an adorable smile. He’s quite good looking.
Is this Gwen's brother? Why have I never heard of him?
"Well I couldn't pass up the opportunity to talk to your gorgeous friend over here."
He grins at me. "Hi, I'm Mario, Guinevere's closest cousin and best friend. I've heard all about you by the way."
"Buzz the f**k Off, Mario. This is my moment alone with Nana Okay?" Gwen hisses at her cousin, eyes turning to slits. I can tell they probably argue every day.
Mario laughs and raises his hand up in surrender. "Alright, Alright. I'll leave you be but not before I get a chance to dance to this beautiful song with Nana. May I?"
Mario extends his arm towards me, expecting me to take it.
I turn to where the dance floor is and sure enough, it is filled with several couples dancing to soft, romantic music. Even though I don't see the actual couple of the night anywhere near there.
I shake my head, about to refuse Mario’s Offer when I catch Luca glaring at me out of the corner of my eye and my bone freezes with fear. The expression on his raggedy face promises trouble later if I dare to dance with anyone who's not him. Because I take too long without a response, Mario takes that as an invitation and takes my arm in his. Oh s**t.
"Hey! only 3 minutes!" Gwen shouts after us. Before I know it, I'm on the dance floor and in the arms of Mario. Thankfully, the music is slow so I don't have to dance much.
"You know, I didn't take you for a quiet one." Mario comments after a while of quiet dancing.
What am I supposed to say to that?
"You know, I didn't give you permission to dance with me," I raise an eyebrow at Mario who's grinning from ear to ear as he waltzes me around. He's like a friendly ball of sunshine.
"Ouch, I'm sorry about that, princess. I've actually admired you for a while and even asked Gwen to give me your contact but she refused every time." My cheeks heats up and I know my face is all pink right now.
Gosh! Nana, just because you've never had a real boyfriend, it doesn't mean you have to be shy like a virgin on her wedding night! I Berate myself inwardly.
I'm actually a virgin, no one needs to know that. In fact, I'm content with taking that secret to the grave.
“I know it's quite soon to ask this. But could I take you out sometime this week?" Mario asks with that cheeky, confident smile still plastered on his face. I remember how l blew off the other guy on the night I was out with Gwen.
No, I won't do that again.
"What time are you looking at?" I ask.
Before Mario can give me a response, a strangled gasp escapes me as I feel a strong arm snake around my waist from behind me, my back hits a hard chest and that intoxicating scent floods my nose once again.
"Let me answer that for you, Mario." Leo's breath fans my ear and cheeks, eliciting wayward goosebumps all over my arms and neck.
Jesus Christ
"How about a quarter to..never?" What the f**k? He didn’t just say that did he?
Mario raises his head and glares directly at Leo. I turn around and find the most murderous expression on Leo's devastating face as he towers over me and Mario.
I feel like I am in the middle of a battle I don't know anything about.
Oh God. My head feels light and I know I'm very close to passing out.
"Get your hands off her, Powers. You had your dance, it's my turn. Right sister-in-law?" Leo says casually, but there's a frightening edge to his tone, like he's daring me to say no. His gaze burns through me, pulling heat in my core. My stomach drops.
I don't need to look around to see that some people are already staring at me being sandwiched between two men.
I really can't get a break can I?
***
- Writer
