7
"Evening ladies. I'm here to escort you to the event," he smiled, opening the back door and motioning us to take a seat in the vehicle.
"Thank you!" We both said in unison. Aunt Wendy got in first with me following behind. The driver started up the engine and drove us away towards the unknown location.
"Where are we going?" I asked out of curiosity.
"You'll see."
Aunt Wendy and I exchanged unsure glances. Well, okay then. This is going to be a surprise. Aunt Wendy looked at my purse and nodded, hinting at the pepper spray. I couldn't help but chuckle.
We soon entered Manhattan. I looked at the bright lights that shined throughout the beautiful city, illuminating the entire place. The sky was lightly painted in the shades of red, pink, and purple. It was incredible. Looking out the window, I zoned out thinking about what this night could possible hold. Hopefully nothing bad. A good evening was what I needed at this point. Having nightmares about that night wasn't fun at all.
The vehicle came to a stop in front of a tall building. I got out and glanced up at the tall building. "Shit. Aunt Wendy don't look up. You might break your neck."
Like a child, she looked up, ignoring my advice. "Oh, you're right," she laughed while rubbing the back of her neck. "The Ferroni," she uttered. "That's one thing off my bucket list. Being in the most expensive hotel in New York."
"Follow me ladies," said the driver.
We traced his steps up the stairs into the luxurious hotel. The lobby was lit up like freaking Christmas. Light protruded from all corners. Beautiful lounge chairs were organized throughout for people to sit on. A huge chandelier in the middle of the hall was the brightest and something to look at as soon as we walked in.
The man took us around the lobby and into a hall. A live band played some soft jazz music with a few people swaying to it. The huge hall was made up of beige colored walls and beautiful marble flooring. Four lovely chandeliers clung onto the ceilings in the corners and a huge one in the middle.
"You look gorgeous, love," a deep, husky voice said from behind us. Aunt Wendy and I turned on our heel to find Leo Bloody Bonferroni standing beautifully tall in a black tightly fitted tuxedo, a black hex tie, and a pair of black pointy dress shoes. He looked dark and amazing at the same time while eyeing me up and down. "You look great in my choice. I was afraid that it wouldn't fit you, but look at you," he smirked, that sexy smirk of his making me almost roll my eyes.
"Thank you," I managed to say pulling myself out of my thoughts. "This is my Aunt," I motioned to her.
"Hello," he greeted her with a handshake. "You look lovely as well."
"Thank you," she smiled at him.
"I'm Leo," he introduced himself.
"I guessed."
"This is Mike, my friend," he pointed towards a handsome, tall man just like him with green eyes and a little scruff. I recognized him from the station. He was one of the men standing next to Leo. He wore a black suit and a vest to go with it. Both men looked drop dead gorgeous.
"Hello," he said through his deep voice while taking Aunt Wendy's hand into his and kissing the back of it. Well, well, well. Guess finally Aunt Wendy is going to get some action. I hoped she did.
"Wow. I'm flattered," she said looking at Mike before turning to me and whispering, "How did you even come across these sexy men?"
I laughed. "I'm going to get some water for myself. I'll be back in a few," I nodded and began to leave.
"I'll escort you," said Leo. "Mike can keep her company."
"I'd love to," Mike chimed in eagerly while looking at Aunt Wendy in a seductive way.
Leo and I started to walk towards the big sophisticated bar that had people gathered all around it.
"I can walk by myself and get my own drink," I said in attempts to get him off my ass. I didn't want him to follow me like a puppy and then take advantage of me.
"I am quite aware that you can do that, love. But a beautiful lady like you will get unwanted attention from people that you don't want to mingle with. Me being by your side, they wouldn't dare come close," he said with a little sprinkle of British accent shining through some words.
"Why? Are you some type of warlord?" I scoffed at his narcissistic attitude.
"Something like that," he looked into my eyes. The darkness in his blue orbs intimidated me all of a sudden, sending a cold chill up my spine. I shouldn't mess with this man. My racing heart wanted me to get out of here as soon as possible. "A water and a glass of red wine, Tavian," he ordered the bartender as we approached him.
"Yes, sir," replied the handsome bartender who wasn't as tall as Leo or Mike, but still had a decent height. Everyone in here was bloody handsome. Jesus. Could I find an ugly guy here? I think not.
"And I can order for myself too," I rolled my eyes. "I'm quite capable of that as well."
"You don't like people doing things for you, do you?" He asked with a raised brow while the bartender put our drinks down in front of us.
"Does it look like I do?" I retorted, taking a sip of my water.
"Fair enough," he smiled before gulping down his drink all at once.