Sexy throat

~13~

Chiara

My fingers drummed on top of the envelope on the table. My head lifted whenever the screech of a car reached my ears. I glanced at my wristwatch from time to time.  When the hell was this person arriving? I was going to circumcise him if the cruise ship left me because of him. “Here is your coffee, Ma’am.” The male server placed the paper cup on the table.

“Thank you,” I said. He gave a smile before heading inside the coffee shop. I brought it to my lips, the rich scent bringing me a sense of peace and tranquility. The familiar aroma, I took my time inhaling it before finally taking a sip.

A black Aston Martin and an SUV pulled over. Marcel Conti Jr. got out, along with two well built men who stayed behind, scanning the neighborhood while he treaded in my direction.

“I’m so sorry, something came up.” He pulled a chair and sat across from me. I eyed him and then wordlessly slid the envelope to him. He undid the seal and took out the documents.

“Those are the ownership papers of the casino I told you about. Everything is already settled, but you can confirm it with your lawyer as well. You just have to put your signature on it and it’s yours. We’re even now.” I uttered, feeling my heart a little lighter.

“You really just gave me a casino in Milan.” He chuckled in disbelief, “Does Antonio know about this?” he asked, and the shock on his face was subtle but quite understandable. It’s just that I didn’t have it in me to care.

“Trust me, you wouldn’t be holding those documents if he did,” I remarked in all honesty. It was newly built and had yet to be introduced and start its operations. And I gave it to him.

“I can’t help but get cautious.”

“Give it back then, if you’re so scared to have it.”

“Scared isn’t the right word, sweetie. I just don’t want any problems in the future.”

“I’m pretty sure you can handle it.” I rose, picking up my mini bag as well.

“You’re leaving already?” He asked. 

Huh? I looked him up and down. “Did you want us to camp here?” I asked. He laughed. “Goodness.” Mumbling something under his breath.

My eyes scrutinized him. “I’ll advise you something, Conti. You better take ownership of the casino as soon as possible before Antonio sniffs my game.” Then I strode to my car and asked the driver to leave. Antonio was going to raise hell on me for this, but I’d worry about that later.

 ****

I arrived at Bellagio one hour later. Fortunately, people were still arriving too. I put on my sunglasses, took my medium rolling suitcase, and asked the driver to come get me at the same place in a week.

I had no intention of falling in love or getting married. But who said I could not attend an engagement party? Of course, I had some other motives under my sleeves coming here, but hello! It was a party on a cruise hosted by the fashion icon Vittoria De Babesy! I couldn't miss it even if I wanted to.

My eyes were charmed at the sight before me. The medium-sized cruise ship was a promising escape for me.

I sauntered to the harbor. My maxi dress with green floral prints flowing along with the light green scarf around my neck. Luckily, the flower crown kept my hair disciplined today. Talk about good preparation. I was just so glad that I picked sandals instead of heels because I would’ve had it hard with the cobblestones everywhere I stepped. 

At the harbor, where other invitees were also waiting. They were decked in a tropical theme as the Queen Viva demanded. Everyone was excited for the trip except me. Chatting away, laughing heartily, and taking selfies and videos.

“It’s a one-week cruise party, not a two-month vacation, for Heaven’s sake.” A voice hit my back, followed by my sneer. It was nearly impossible not to memorize it anymore. I remembered every person who caused my nerves to pop—ecpecially this one who kept appearing from behind me, everytime, everywhere I went.

However, for some unfathomable reason, I have to act all cute throughout the party. But I couldn’t promise consistency when the man made it his hobby to get under my nerves. How was I supposed to get him to fall for me at this rate?  I slowly turned. A small smile was all I could afford. “Nobody asked for your opinions.” I retorted. My eyes twitched as I took him in, up and down.

He was in his light brown linen shirt and matching pants. Brown loafers, which screamed ‘designer made’ right from where I was standing. Sun hat, beaded necklace, and bracelets, which were so unlike him to wear. Sunglasses and a duffel bag. I was awestruck by his veiny arms. He purposefully folded those sleeves to choke us. He looked soft and at the same time masculine. Damn, some man just knew how to dress.

“I didn’t mention your name, sweetie. Look around you. People are so dramatic.” He gestured to the others. My cheeks heated at his words. I quickly turned away from him. Fucking hell! All I do is embarrass myself before this man. It was true that people took suitcases just like mine, and some even much bigger, which was quite dramatic for a week-long party on a cruise. But I felt insulted all the same.

What did he know about Vittoria? I took my words back. The only thing this man knew how to do was open his kissable mouth, and spout anger-worthy words at me. Every. Fucking. Time.

I ignored him and sauntered to the cruise terminals just like the others. There was an army of workers who collected the suitcases, and we got checked in once we were found to pose no safety threat. Then I was escorted to my suite.

After refreshing for an hour, the cruise started to move. Which meant the adventure had begun. I took my colorful knitted cross-body bag, put in my lip gloss and my phone before heading out of the room. 

While everyone was here for the party and adventure, I was here for the party and a mission to carry out. Hopefully, I shall succeed before I end up in jail for slitting a particular sexy throat.