Page 19 of Loving the Enemy
Chapter 8
Zaira
It’s been two days since Michael and I talked, and in just a couple of hours, I have to make an appearance at his omertà. He’s probably going to have the leggy brunette with him again.Asshole. Why does it bother me so much?I ask myself and then quickly answer,because you still love him!
Michael arranged for us to take the family jet to Italy. D and I leave first thing tomorrow morning. I know I will feel much better once I get on that plane. Distance is a good thing, and I have this strange notion that if I keep reminding myself of it, I will actually believe it. In all honesty, I think the main reason I want to leave so badly is because I just want to run away. I want to run away from everything. The only person I feel I can truly trust right now is Darius. He has been by my side and has always given it to me straight. Sometimes I wonder if I have allowed him to get too close. I’ve been beginning to wonder if he has romantic feelings for me. The last thing I want to do is give him false hope.
I need to get ready for this party, but I have been stalling. I have no idea what to wear, and in all honesty, I don’t want to go. But it was part of the agreement. If I wanted to go to Italy, I had to attend Michael’s right of advancement. Looking through my closet for the umpteenth time, I finally decide on a fitted black dress. It’s low-cut in the back, almost low enough my butt crack shows. It’s perfect. I pull out a pair of black lace garters and matching panties. Finishing off the ensemble, I pull out a pair of black Jimmy Choo stilettoes.
Once I’m dressed, I tend to my hair and makeup. Taking one last glance at myself in the mirror, I realize it doesn’t get any better than this. I turn to leave my room when there is a knock at the door.
“Come in,” I say, and in walks Darius.
“Wow! Z, you look fabulous!” His reaction only confirms my fears, and I realize I definitely need to talk to him about this. But I’ll wait until we get settled in Florence before I do.
“Thank you, I was just coming downstairs.”
“Good, I was just coming to tell you the car is ready. Vince and Mia have already left.” He looks in the corner and sees my suitcase. “You’re already packed?”
“Yes, can you tell I am anxious to get out of dodge?”
He laughs. “Can’t say I blame you,” he says. “Why don’t we put your suitcase in the car, then everything will be ready for the morning?”
“Okay, but I don’t think I will need it tonight.”
“Oh, I’m sure you won’t.” I look at him curiously. What does he know that would make him say something like that? Realizing he just created an awkward moment, he quickly holds out his arm and asks, “Shall we?”
“Of course.” Vince allowed D to escort me tonight because he knew we were leaving early in the morning and I would be free to return home early instead of waiting for him. Darius and I walk down the stairs and out the front of the house toward the car.
“Who’s driving?” I ask. I don’t recognize the man standing at the door waiting for us to approach. “Oh, that’s Freddy. He’s one of my guys,” Darius says. He turns toward Freddy. “Zaira’s suitcase is ready. Can you load it in the car before we leave?”
“Yes, sir,” Freddy says. “I’ll be right back.”
Darius and I get in the car and wait for Freddy to return. A few minutes later, we hear the trunk open and some banging around and then the trunk closes. Freddy then gets in the driver’s seat.
“All set?” Darius asks.
“Yes, sir,” Freddy replies. He starts the car, and we drive off.
When we arrive at the Vitalis’, I can see there are so many people already here. The house is lit up like a Christmas tree, and I have to say, it is absolutely beautiful. When we get out of the car, I hear the band playing a soft, sultry Frank Sinatra tune. Suddenly I feel like Cinderella arriving at the ball. It’s a shame my handsome prince is a killer and a liar, not to mention a first-rate asshole.
Enough of that. I’m gonna have a good time tonight. I will stay the appropriate amount of time and then I will make my exit. I am so ready to go. I just need to get past this last hurdle, and I’ll be on my way.
We walk into the house, and people are milling around in the foyer. The party is outside around the pool, so Darius and I make our way to the open French doors that lead to the terrace. The music gets louder, and I see many couples dancing around the pool. I quickly scan the party for Michael and spot him in an all-black tuxedo on the far side of the pool. He looks delicious, and I quickly notice there isn’t a tall leggy brunette glued to his hip. I’m pleased.
“D, I’m gonna go congratulate Michael. Will you excuse me?”
“Of course, Z.” I turn and walk away and notice he’s following me. He’s not right behind me. He’s keeping his distance, but it is still odd. A chill runs through my body. I make my way toward Michael. He’s talking with Ice and a man I recognize from my wedding, though I can’t remember his name.
When I approach, I say, “Forgive me, gentlemen, I just wanted to make my congratulations to our host.” I turn to face Michael and smile. “Congratulations.”
He pulls me into a hug and whispers in my ear, “God, you look beautiful.” I feel myself blush as I hug him back.I miss him.
“Thank you, Michael.” We stand there in awkward silence, and when I’ve had enough, I say, “Well, I should mingle. I don’t want to keep you.” I turn and walk away, but he calls after me.
“Zaira, please wait.”
I turn back around, and he walks to me. “Can I just have a minute?” When I don’t answer right away, he grabs onto my hand. “I just want to apologize for the other night. I was an ass.”
