12

Enzo had been discussing with one of the sons of Lombardi about his shipment he was expecting to arrive before the end of the week when something caught the attention of Lombardi's son.

Enzo had turned to see what could distract the man before him from an important discussion and he wasn't pleased to see that it was Gabriella. Worse, she wasn't alone this time but in the arms of Luca on the dance floor.

He watched Luca sway her to the rhythm of the music, his hand holding on firmly to the small of her back and finally a smile escaped Gabriella's lip. The sight of it angered him that he didn't know when he left Lombardi's son and headed for the dance floor.

"Having fun, lovebirds?" Enzo asked. Gabriella and Luca turned to meet his gaze but his eyes were fixed on Luca.

Luca's smile didn't falter as he faced Enzo, his posture confident and unwavering. "Just having a dance, Enzo. No harm in that, is there?" he replied casually, his tone laced with a hint of challenge.

Enzo's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing as he stepped closer to Luca. "I don't like surprises, especially when they involve my guest," he said, his voice low and threatening.

Gabriella felt a wave of unease wash over her as she watched the tension crackle between the two men. She knew that Enzo's temper was a force to be reckoned with, and she feared what would happen next.

But to her surprise, Luca remained calm and composed, his gaze never wavering from Enzo's. "I assure you, Enzo, there's nothing to worry about. Just enjoying the party," he said, his voice steady.

Enzo's expression darkened as he turned his gaze towards Gabriella, his eyes piercing through her. "And what about you, sweetheart? Enjoying yourself in the arms of another man?" he asked, his words dripping with venom.

Gabriella felt her breath catch in her throat, the weight of Enzo's gaze heavy on her. She knew that she had to choose her words carefully, to navigate the dangerous waters she found herself in.

"I was just... dancing. Is that a crime?" she replied, her voice slightly trembling despite her efforts to appear calm.

Enzo's gaze softened for a moment, a smirk playing on his lips. "Not at all, my dear. I am sure you wouldn't mind a dance with me either," Enzo said extending his hand towards Gabriella.

Gabriella hesitated for a moment, torn between the allure of Enzo's offer and the fear of what it might entail. But before she could respond, Luca stepped in.

"I think Gabriella has had enough dancing for one night, Enzo," Luca said, his voice firm and unwavering.

Enzo's eyes narrowed, and his jaw clenched. "Is that true?" he asked Gabriella, his voice laced with menace.

"Not if I am forced to go against my will," Gabriella scoffed accepting Enzo's hand. He twirled her around into his arms, Luca smiled walking away from them.

He grabbed a glass of champagne from the waiter passing by and took it all down in one gulp before looking for a random woman in the crowd.

"Barely an hour and my beloved fiancée is enjoying the company of my guest than mine," Enzo said placing his hand on the small of Gabriella's back and pulling her closer to him.

He stared at her taking note that the smile she had on her face for Luca was now replaced with a deep frown and a glare.

Gabriella's heart pounded in her chest as she tried to compose herself. She forced a smile, trying to play along with Enzo's charade. "I was just trying to be a good hostess, I didn't realize it would upset you," she said rolling her eyes at him.

Enzo's grip on her tightened, his eyes darkening. "You should know better than to flaunt yourself in front of another man, especially in my presence," he growled, his tone cold and threatening.

"You may be a part of my little game but you should know where you stand in all of this," Enzo warned grabbing her arm tightly. To onlookers, it would seem they were dancing but Gabriella winced in pain as Enzo's grip cut off circulation to her arm.

She knew that he was capable of violence, and she feared what he might do if she pushed him too far by acting more stubbornly.

"You are hurting me," Gabriella winced in pain.

"You call this hurting?" Enzo chuckled tightening his grip on her arm. "You are nothing, Gabriella, I can dispose of you whenever I want so you will do well to be in my good books."

"Are you listening to me?" Enzo questioned noticing her eyes were closed as she struggled to withstand the pain his tight grip was causing to her arm.

"I am, I am," Gabriella cried out in a low voice.

"Good," Enzo muttered, he slowly loosened his grip on her arm pulling her closer to him like an altercation didn't just happen between them.

Gabriella felt a sense of relief as Enzo's grip loosened, but she knew that she couldn't let her guard down around him. She scoffed internally irritated by how close her body was to him, all she wanted to do now was get out of this place.

As much as she hated being locked up in her room, she preferred to be there than be right here in his arms.

As they continued to dance, Enzo whispered in her ear, his voice low and menacing. "You will do well to stay away from Luca, you are now a Saviano and you should begin to learn how to act like one."

"Of course, I should learn how to be arrogant and cold like you," Gabriella retorted, unable to hold back her anger.

Enzo's grip tightened once again, his eyes flashing with anger. "Watch your mouth, Gabriella. I will not tolerate any disrespect from you," he warned, his voice dangerously low.

"Let go of me, I have nothing to lose here, and creating a scene is something I will very much enjoy trust me," Gabriella pushed against his chest, trying to break free from his hold but Enzo only smirked, his hold on her unyielding.

"Do not provoke me, Gabriella," he hissed, his voice low and menacing.

Gabriella felt a surge of fear and anger rising within her. She refused to be controlled by this man, to be treated as nothing more than a possession.

With a sudden burst of adrenaline, she raised her hand and slapped Enzo across the face with all her might.

The sound echoed through the room, drawing the attention of everyone around them.