CHAPTER 03 - ENGAGEMENT
POV: DAVINA
"I feel exhausted. I always knew I would have to marry Dom Adam. After all, that's what I've been trained for all this time, molded to be worthy of him! It's part of the agreement... But even though I've proven to my father that I'm a great warrior capable of leading our Mafia, I never imagined I would have to submit to being just a wife. I step out of the shower and find my mother, who has chosen a beautiful black dress for me. It's amazing how we have an affinity. We don't need to say a word for her to understand how I feel. Both she and I are in mourning. I finish getting ready and notice my phone ringing on the table. It's my Soeur (sister by heart), Yara!
Phone call on
“Hi Soeur, I just heard that your engagement is today. So soon! I thought your father would give you some time to breathe at least. How do you feel?”
“Irritated, indignant about this arranged marriage with that monster, but agreements are agreements. We have to honor them!”
“I'm sorry! Look, see the bright side... I heard he's an attractive man and as good in bed as he is at killing. Hahaha.”
“That's awful. He could be a god, but it wouldn't change anything! Every hell I've been through is thanks to that bastard! Thanks to the agreement proposed between him and my father... Sorry, Yara, I'm being a bit emotional. I'm sorry too.”
“I understand. You're right. And I think your reaction is the closest thing to an emotion you've had in years... Well, see you tonight?”
“Yes! I'm already ready. Thank you for being by my side in this moment.”
“My friend, I love you! But it's not like I have many options, do I? Dad would kill me if I didn't go.”
“I'd rather believe you're going only for my sake.”
“Hahaha, you're really emotional and a bit deluded. Bye!”
I descend the stairs, and my mother awaits me at the bottom. As soon as she sees me, she opens a big smile and compliments:
“You look stunning!”
I smile as we head to the car, feeling my stomach churn, l'enfer (hell). We arrive at that venue. At least the Devil has good taste, I must admit.
As expected, it's packed with mobsters and important capos, all there to find out whom the renowned Dom will marry. They're all so fake and diplomatic. Then I see the crowd part, and there he is, in his ridiculously expensive suit accentuating his incredibly muscular and sculpted body... With a glass of whiskey in his hand! Everyone quickly stops smiling in his presence. All eyes are on Adam, analyzing every move as if they fear an extreme reaction. He approaches, and my father, as always courteous, extends his hand in greeting. He makes a throaty grunt to get my attention, which he successfully does as I raise my head and look into those intense blue eyes... Beautiful, cold, and deep blue eyes... What's happening to me? We stand there locked in a gaze for a while. I'm not sure how much time has passed, but I can't look away. Damn it, Davina, pull yourself together! My father breaks the tension by placing his hands on my shoulders with a big satisfied smile.
“Dom, let me introduce my daughter and your future wife, Davina!”
“Madam, it's an honor.”
“Sir.”
I curtsy as a gesture of respect. With a nod, he averts his gaze from mine and makes his way to the stage.
(...)
Hours before the engagement.
"POV: ADAM”
I'm in the office, dealing with mafia issues... We still haven't been able to find the damn guy who stole our shipment! Suddenly, the door opens and I go on alert, pulling out my gun and aiming, but then I realize it's Micael entering.
“Damn it! Can't you knock?”
“Sorry, Dom. I just came to check on how you're doing.”
“And you almost got shot!”
I say, putting away my gun.
“Honestly, I never imagined I'd see you settling down!”
Smirking mischievously.
“What do you want, Micael?”
“I was thinking... You're not the type of man for just one woman, if you know what I mean.”
I give a sarcastic laugh.
“Well, who said I would be?”
Micael looks for a moment and changes the subject.
“Dom, aren't you getting ready?”
“For what exactly?”
“I thought your engagement was today, sir.”
Damn it... I suddenly stand up, I had completely forgotten about this shit!
Micael tries to contain his laughter, but fails.
“Hahahahahaha.”
I know he's insinuating something and enjoying the situation. I give him a look that makes him stop immediately, swallowing hard!
I barely enter that hall and, as always, all eyes are on me. I go through the formalities, greeting some people along the way. I head towards Bruce and, as I approach, I see her... With a serious look, so beautiful in a black dress that accentuates all her curves, leaving a part of her breasts exposed, so round and sensual. I carefully observe her from head to toe, my wicked mind starts imagining things. Damn it... I'm getting aroused!
I look her up and down, analyzing every inch of her body, every part I'd like to touch right there. I move up to her face, passing by her luscious lips, which make me think of all the things she could do with that beautiful mouth of hers. I'm sure she could drive anyone crazy! Then I reach her eyes, and what a gaze... I'm not sure why I'm acting like this, but... for some reason, I can't take my eyes off hers. I feel a shiver and sparks. What the hell is this? We stay there, locked in our gaze for a while. I don't know how much time has passed, but I can't look away. Damn it, Davina, get yourself together! My father breaks the mood by putting his hands on my shoulders with a big satisfied smile.
“Dom, let me introduce you to my daughter and your future wife, Davina Lis Mavromatis.”
“An honor, Miss.”
“Sir.”
Her harsh tone doesn't go unnoticed, I know she's against this union, but I also can't help but notice that she has a sweet voice. I go to the stage straight to the microphone.
Good evening, everyone! I would like to thank each and every one of you for being present at my beloved engagement. I would like to introduce to you my future wife: Davina Lis Mavromatis, daughter of Capo Bruce Mavromatis from France!
POV: DAVINA
A spotlight shines on me in the middle of the crowd. All eyes are incredulous, angry, or outraged, but most of them are definitely filled with hatred. It's noticeable, and I expected it, I know the reasons. My father was the archenemy of former Dom Ethan for many years, so this union challenges everything they believe in. In a quick thought, I realize I need to get some fresh air and get out of there.
POV: ADAM
From a distance, I notice her discomfort with the spotlight on her and immediately signal for Filipe to turn it off. I finish up some communications and new laws related to the new bond with France. I'm aware of the instability and lack of trust from my subordinates regarding this union, but I won't allow any more internal wars between the Mafia families, and challenging my word would be challenging the entire English Mafia. It's another reminder to EVERYONE of who really sets the rules! I try to locate where my coveted future wife is, and Capo Bruce tilts his chin, indicating the direction she went... His behavior is strange, but Mr. Bruce has a peculiar way of treating his daughter. I head towards the garden and find her sitting there, lost in her thoughts. What's going on in her head? I approach.
“Miss Davina, I'm afraid I startled you. It's a pleasure to finally meet you!”
She looks at me disapprovingly.
“Can't say the same, Mr. Adam. Or should I call you Dom? Maybe... Demon, as they say?”
There's an ironic tone, so bold for a woman who has also been trained to be a wife! Her personality shines through, true to herself.
“You have a sharp tongue for such a beautiful woman.”
I smile.
“Are you trying to seduce me, Dom?”
I pull her by the arm, making her stand up and get close to my body, so close that I can hear her deep breath, which amuses me.
I feel the warmth of her body, I hear her accelerated heartbeat, her breasts pressed against my chest... They seem so soft!
I caress her beautiful face and, lifting her chin.
“And if I am?”
“It would be futile, sir. I'm here out of obligation and I have no interest whatsoever. The only feeling I have is hatred for you.”
Despite what she says, her body reacts differently for someone who hates me.
“That's what comes out of your lips, but I feel your body trembling at my touch. Or are you going to say that you're scared?”
She surprises me with a beautiful laugh.
“Oh, if only... Do you really think I'd be afraid of you? I was trained to be an assassin, I went through hell. It won't be a mere Dom who scares me!”
“Do you dare challenge me, Davina?
“And if I do dare, what will you do? Kill me? If so, I'm sorry to say that I've been dead inside for many years. If you were to do me that favor, it would be a relief.”
“You wouldn't end our fun before it even begins.”
I smile."