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Chapter 2: It’s not a request

Aurora

I stared at the other car, narrowing my eyes as I tried to see through the tinted glass. Nothing.

Suddenly the back window on the passenger side rolled down. “Watch where you’re going…” A cold voice rang out. I arched my brow, still trying if I could get a glimpse of whoever was talking but all I could see was dark shadows and flickers of warm golden light from the lamp post above us, making his features indistinguishable. Although I could still make out the sharp angles of his jawline and the piercing glint in his eyes.

“If you’re trying to kill your self there’s a cliff down that path…just don’t damage my car while you’re at it.”

I blinked rapidly, taken aback by his words. What the hell was wrong with this guy?! I admit that I wasn’t completely paying attention but I wasn’t the only one at fault, in fact they were even more at fault for not trying to avoid me since they were so skilled at driving.

"Excuse me?" I spat, my voice laced with incredulity. "Your driver was the one who was driving carelessly. If anyone's at fault here, it's you!" I flared, getting out of my car. So much for getting home on time.

His voice remained detached, unfazed by my outrage. "My driver’s fault?" he repeated, his Italian accent dripping with disdain. "Your eyes are glassy and your face is red. One look at you and I already know exactly where you’re coming from. How were you supposed to see me coming when you’re half drunk?”

Dammit. I knew I should have stayed true to my three-glass limit tonight. I glanced around, realizing the street was almost empty…the person who had probably warned me earlier had left when he confirmed that we were okay. I felt my face getting hotter by the second and I was about to say something to him when the passenger door swung open and a tall, imposing figure stepped out.

His features became clearer in the dim light: chiseled cheekbones, piercing brown eyes, and a sharp jawline. His dark hair was slicked back, revealing his well sculpted face.

He hovered over me, staring down at me but I didn’t flinch. There was no way I was going to give him the satisfaction that he made me feel intimidated.

"Let's just say we're both lucky," he said, his voice still icy. “I would have made sure you regretted every damn word that left that tiny mouth of yours tonight but like I said, you’re lucky I’m in a good mood. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have places to be."

He turned about sliding back into his car when I spoke, halting him in his tracks. “Learn how to have manners assshole…you’ll need it someday.” He cocked his head in question but I just ignored him, pulling my door open. Just then my phone chirped from inside the car and of course it was my father’s text. He also knew I didn’t like staying out late so something must have come up.

My fingers flew across the screen, typing out a hasty reply to my father as I ignored the burning sensation on my neck. I could stay here till tomorrow morning and still not acknowledge his presence. There were many things I was incredibly good at and one of them was avoiding people.

After typing, I laid the phone down beside me before starting the engine, feeling a surge of relief as my car roared to life. I glanced at my mirrors as I drove off and I saw the stranger still standing there, watching me. Ugh. It was people like him who pissed me off the most. Proud, mannerless, self centered idiots who thought the world revolved around them. Thank goodness I’m never going to see that jerk again.


“Now remember Lucia, the new Monet exhibit opens tomorrow. Ensure the water lily paintings are prominently displayed, and the informational plaques are placed adjacent to each piece," I instructed with a firm but polite tone.

"Also, confirm with the lighting team that the LED spotlights are adjusted to minimize glare on the glass frames. And double-check the security detail...I want two guards stationed near the exhibit entrance at all times." I moved my phone from one ear to the other, sitting in my plush bed with my laptop on my thighs as I listened to my assistant, Lucia, her affirmations filtering through the line as I typed away.

We had been preparing for this exhibition for weeks and now we just had a few hours to finalize everything. "Just one more thing...please confirm with the catering team that the VIP reception will have champagne and canapés available at 6 PM sharp. The donors and collectors will be arriving promptly."

“Sure…I’ll make sure that the refreshments arrive on time,” The soft click of keyboard sounds echoed from the other side of the phone. I guess I wasn’t the only one using my laptop tonight. If Emily were here she’d chastise me for working too much, but I couldn’t help it and I didn’t have much of a choice either. It had been almost a week since we met up at Il Bacio and I was surprised she hadn’t suggested we hang out again. I guess she’s seen how busy I am these days…either that or she’s got a lot on her plate.

I was about to wrap up my conversation with Lucia when the door creaked open and my father walked in unannounced, as usual. I got sick of telling him to knock whenever he wanted to come in. His excuse was always the same. I don’t see any reason knocking if the door isn’t locked Aurora Cara.

"Aurora," he called, his deep voice low and authoritative.

I covered the phone's mouthpiece with a frown. "Father, I'm on a call." Of course he knew I was on a call but when the Don wanted something, why did he have to care about what others were doing.

Father stared at me, his expression unreadable. I let out a small sigh telling Lucia I was going to call her back before ending the call. I then turned to face him fully. "Tomorrow night, there's a ball. You'll attend as my representative." He said when he confirmed he had my full attention.

My brows dipped in a confused frown as I tilted my head to the side. "A ball? Your representative? Father, I have work tomorrow. Important meetings and…"

Dad’s stern gaze bored into me and I tightened my lips. "This is not a request, Aurora. You are the Mafia Princess and my successor. Your presence is required."

My grip on my phone tightened as my arm dropped to my side. I couldn't refuse my father's orders even if I wanted to….but the exhibition was tomorrow. Oh Gosh.

Dad moved towards me with a small paper in his hand , his gentle steps echoing in the room. "The Ballini family is hosting. It's an opportunity to strengthen our alliances." He said, handing me a small, exquisite invitation. Right. Another opportunity to strengthen our alliances. Just great.

My shoulders slumped as I examined the invitation. I knew better than to argue. All I had to do now was to find a way I could attend the exhibition and still make it in time for the ball. Piece of cake.

"When and where?" I asked resignedly.

"Tomorrow, 8 PM, at the Ballini Estate. The maids will help you prepare."

With that, he turned and left, leaving me to wallow in my thoughts. I shifted my gaze to the screen that was staring back at me. The exhibition was tomorrow evening and my presence was also needed. The event was starting by 5pm and the donors and collectors were arriving at 6pm and I needed at least forty minutes to get ready for the ball.

“Ok Rory….” I sucked in air as I tried to relax my nerves. “Breathe.” I exhaled.

“You can do this…you just need to say hi to a few people and formally express your gratitude to the collectors and donors for participating in the exhibition and quickly change and head to the ball…yeah…I can do that.” I said bringing my laptop closer.

I can totally do that.

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