Chapter 8

Sienna

“Ouch! You’re poking my eye!” 

     “If you sit still there would be no poking,” Ava was here to help me get ready for the gala. I think it was a mistake because she was adamant on making me the “prettiest” guest at the gala. Right now she’s doing my make-up and ruining my eyes simultaneously. 

      “Alright all done.” She turned me toward the mirror and rested her head on my shoulder. “Look at you! so pretty.” 

      “Well you’ve done the makeup pretty well.” I told her.

       “Come on, get up and put the gorgeous dress on.” She pointed towards the dress Gracie got for me. 

       It was a beautiful royal blue, slim, off shoulder dress with full sleeves and a floor length skirt. Gracie knew my tastes well.

       “I want a sister in law like that who buys me pretty dresses.” Ava plopped on my bed. I looked at her, confused.

       “You don’t have a brother.” 

       “Exactly.” Ava said dramatically. I rolled my eyes at her dramatics and picked up the dress to change into it.

        A few minutes later I stepped out of the washroom and stood in front of the full length mirror.

      Ava whistled from behind me.

      I took in my reflection, my hair up in a graceful updo.The royal blue dress compliments my complexion. With the makeup Ava had done, I had to admit, I looked stunning.

      “Girl you look so damn fire!” Ava practically yelled.

      I laugh at her and her dramatics. Ava jumped and moved to where she kept her bag, Got something out and moved towards me. A Mischievous expression on her face.

      “Uncle got me these and when you showed me the dress I knew you had to wear it.” She pulled out… a strap adorned with daggers.

      My eyes widened in shock. “Ava what the hell? Why do you have these?” I asked, completely baffled.

       “Oh come on! It's cool and will totally look badass when you wear it.” She got on her knees and strapped it around my thigh, where the slit of the dress revealed it.

         I had to admit—it did feel damn cool.

        “Now anyone who tries to start shit you can whip out a dagger.” She exaggerated her words with dramatic hand gestures..

         “I’m going with Adrian to a party, not to a fight club.”

         “Doesn’t matter, I just wanted you to wear it.” She flopped onto my bed before sitting up again. “Alright, I’m off. Tell me any gossip you get—or if you see anyone you like.” She winked before leaving the room.         

         I chuckled, taking one last look at my reflection before heading out to find Adrian.

       Adrian was waiting outside by the car, looking up from his phone after spotting me. “Finally,you’re here. Hey you look nice.” Adrian was dressed in a simple black tux. 

      “Someone had to dress, don’t you think?” I teased him.

      “Oh shut up and get in the car.” Adrian rolled his eyes playfully.

      After strapping myself in, I turned towards him. “Any specific people I should avoid?” It’s been too long since I had been to a function like this. You always have to be prepared before you go in.

      Adrian put the car in drive and pulled out of the driveway. “I don’t know about the ladies but keep away from the men there.” 

      “Oh isn’t that convenient.” I raised my eyebrow at him.

      “Oh trust me I’m telling you this for your own good.” He said playfully..

       The rest of the drive was silent. Upon reaching, the valet took the car and let us out. Entering the venue, the host took out invitation cards and let us in. I noticed the security guards checking everyone but skipped us. I guess that was good since I was wearing the dagger strap Ava gave me.

      I looked around, the venue was beautiful, glittering and expensive. Forgot how extra these events can be. 

      “Alright I have to go talk to some people, you can come if you want.” I shaked my head.

      “Fine, you can go around and find someone to talk or eat. I'll be back soon to find you.” He said before moving through the crowd.

       I eyed the people around me. Everyone was dressed at the top of their game as there was a competition. I saw an acquaintance, moved towards her but saw some of mom’s friends standing in the way. I turned back right away, I could say hi later. Getting tangled with mom’s friends was torture, I knew from experience. 

       I moved towards the food stand, and saw all the food looked pretty good. I was in the middle of deciding what to eat, when I felt a shiver up my spine, turning back I was met with icy blue eyes. 

      Lucian Deluca.

     What was he doing here? According to my search online he doesn’t attend these functions. He was standing far enough with people moving between us but staring directly at me.

     Ugh. What is wrong with his eyes, always staring so creepily. After seeing what he was doing to my brother, my crush on him had faded real quick. I can admit he was pretty to look at but that was it. 

      I narrowed my eyes at him and turned away, giving him my back. He can stare at that all he wants. 

      “Sienna.” I turned towards Adrian who called out my name. His expression is grim.

      “Hey, what's wrong?” I asked.

      “Lucians here. That bastard, he’d been trying to get my business partners to sway towards him all night,” He said through gritted teeth.

     What an asshole! But seeing Adrians anger, it was better for him to stay away from Lucian before a fight erupts between them.

     “What are you going to do now?” 

     “Nothing. I’m not going to give him the satisfaction that he’s getting to me. I can’t cause drama in front of all these people.” He sneered. Adrian had always been sensible. He would always think of long term effects of actions before doing them. That was something I appreciated about him.

     “Come on, the bidding for charity is starting.” Adrian pulled me towards the seats.

     “What’s the bidding on?” I asked.

      Adrian grinned at me before he said, “They’re selling that famous shipwreck painting of the French artist you love so much.” 

      I gasped, “Oh my god, why didn’t you tell me that before! You have to get it for me!” I practically begged him. I was sensible about money, never asked for anything expensive but sometimes I also liked to be spoiled by my brother.

     “That’s what I planned.” Adrian chuckled.

     “Ladies and Gentlemen, please take your seats. The bidding for this exquisite painting is starting.” The man standing at the podium announced.

     “We’ll start at $10,000.” The man said.

      Adrian raised his card, “$50,000.”

      “Oh wow, we have 50k here. Does anyone want to go above it?.”

      Adrian smiled proudly, he upped the price up so no one buys it,

      “Alright sold to–” He was interrupted by someone.

      “$100,000.” I turned back to see who it was.

       Lucian. 

       Oh no.