chapter 6

Aurora

I sit in the armchair,a book in my hand, but I can’t focus on the words that are on the page in front of me. All I can think about is Luca. If only I could see him once again, but I know that’s not possible.

Whoever he is, wherever he is now... I’ll never find out.

It makes me sad because I’d love to know more about the man who gave me such wonderful memories. The man who made me feel like a regular woman. Someone free to do whatever she wants.

I can’t get the images and memories out of my mind. My core tingles at the thought of his hard cock inside me, and I have to press my legs together to make sure my mother, who’s sitting across from me, won’t figure out something’s different about me.

I squirm in my seat, my eyes glued to the book. I manage to read a sentence. Luca’s tattoos and scars flash through my mind. I still want to know what they mean and how he got those scars.

Is he someone dangerous? Maybe, but he was so nice to me that it seems impossible. I can’t picture it.

And his face...

I bite down on my lip. The face of an angel.

And his lips... so soft and so...

“Aurora,” my mother says, and the book drops out of my hands.

My eyes go wide as my gaze lands on my father, who’s standing in the doorway. I can’t believe I was so deeply lost in my thoughts. Usually, I hear my father coming as soon as his car arrives, or I hear his heavy footsteps as he approaches.

Now... I heard nothing.

“Good morning, Father.” I force my lips into a smile as I pick up my book.

His cold light blue eyes narrow at me, studying me slowly. I freeze, barely breathing. What if he knows? What if someone saw me or if someone told him something?

“There’ll be a special dinner. I’ll decide on the date soon,” he announces. “Make sure you look presentable.”

“Yes, Father.”

He glances at my mother, who lowers her head, and then he turns around and leaves. I breathe out a small sigh of relief.

My mother eyes me for a moment. “What are you waiting for?” she snaps. “Keep reading.”

“Of course.” I lift the book, hiding my face with it.

My father rarely throws dinner parties here, and when he does, it’s only for his closest and most trustworthy friends. My mother and I are usually never invited, so I’m not sure what has changed this time. Maybe his friends will bring their families too, and he wants to show us off.

“We’re going shopping this afternoon,” my mother says. “You need to wear something special.”

“But why? I have plenty of clothes.” My closet is overflowing with a bunch of stuff I never would’ve bought if I were allowed to pick my own things.

“No. It has to be new.”

“Why?” I lower my book to look at her. “Do you know something? Who’s coming to Father’s dinner?”

“That’s none of your concern.”

I purse my lips together. My parents always expect me to do whatever they want me to, and they never, ever tell me anything. If I voice my frustrations, my mother will lock me up in my room and call me ungrateful.

“You can go shopping without me. You know my size, and your taste is impeccable.” I give her a smile I don’t feel.

My family constantly makes me feel like a child. An incompetent child.

I just want to go back to that club and stay there. Forever. Even if it’s just in my imagination.

“Aurora, we are going together. Quit with your nonsense. This dinner is very important to your father, and that’s all you need to know.”

I sigh. “Yes, Mother.”

No matter what I do or say, nothing will change my mother’s mind. I’ll go shopping with her whether I like it or not, and I’m going to choose all the things that she likes so I can be done with it as soon as possible.

I should’ve asked Luca about what he does. Then maybe I could come up with a realistic story in my mind for the two of us. Maybe I just got a job at the same company he works for, and then we would hook up, fall for each other, and live happily ever after. No mafia crap or anything like that.

But my life isn’t one of those forbidden romance novels that Julia secretly slips to me. Falling in love doesn’t happen to girls like me. Who knows what will even happen to me?

I’m just going to languish in this house forever with my parents. If they have plans for me, they haven’t told me anything about them. All I can do is wait for another lucky moment when I’ll be able to get away with Julia again.

It’s the only thing I live for.

* * *

“Do you know anything about this dinner my parents want me to be ready for?” I ask Julia as we hide in our usual spot. “Does your mom know anything? Or your dad?”

Guards should be aware of anyone important coming, since it’ll be a security risk, and everyone will have to keep their eyes peeled. Julia’s mom will have to prepare the food, so she has to know the details about the guests, especially if my father wants something special or his guests have any preferences.

“What? No.” Julia waves her hand in dismissal. “Who gives a damn about another dinner? You’ll sit there and smile, and your father will be happy.”

I can only hope it’ll be that simple.

“Listen, I have something really, really fun in mind. You’re going to loooove it!” Julia all but squeals in excitement.

“What are you talking about?”