As the evening deepened, Natalia found herself navigating the party, her hand still securely held in Luca's as they moved through the crowd. She couldn't shake the lingering tension left by Vivienne's biting words, but Luca's presence at her side grounded her, pulling her focus back to him. The ballroom was a glittering display of wealth and status, with guests exchanging pleasantries laced with hidden intentions. She could sense the power, danger and authority swirling around them, but Luca moved through it effortlessly, his confidence unshakable.
"I need to check in with a few people," Luca said softly as they approached a group of high-profile guests standing near the grand piano. "It'll only take a moment. Stay close."
Natalia nodded, feeling a twinge of apprehension. She didn't mind being on the perimeter of Luca's world, but the thought of being introduced to his elite connections left her feeling vulnerable. Luca greeted the group with a warm, yet authoritative tone, pulling the attention of the small circle instantly. Natalia stood quietly beside him, her mind racing as she listened to the conversation about business ventures and political maneuvers.
"Luca, who's your lovely companion?" one of the men asked, his eyes appraising Natalia with a curious glint.
Luca's smile didn't falter. "This is Natalia," he said, drawing her slightly closer. "She's with me tonight."
The man raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Natalia. I don't think I've seen you at one of these events before. Are you in business as well?"
Natalia felt the weight of his question, knowing full well that her truth didn't align with the polished veneer of those around her. She hesitated, unsure of what to say, but Luca's hand gave a reassuring squeeze, silently telling her it was okay.
"I'm—" she began, but Luca interjected smoothly.
"She's my guest," he said, his voice calm but leaving little room for further prying.
The subtle but protective tone in Luca's voice wasn't lost on the man, who smiled politely and nodded. "I see. Well, any friend of Luca's is certainly welcome here."
Natalia smiled in return, grateful that Luca had shielded her from the scrutiny of their world, at least for the moment. As the conversation shifted back to business dealings, she quietly withdrew into her thoughts, observing the people around her. There were so many unspoken rules in this world, so many expectations that she didn't fully understand.
After a few minutes, Luca excused himself from the group and led Natalia toward a quieter part of the ballroom, away from the intensity of the elite chatter. They stopped by a large window overlooking the city below, the twinkling lights of skyscrapers stretching as far as the eye could see.
"You're doing great," Luca said, his voice low and reassuring as they stood side by side. "I know this is overwhelming, but you're handling it better than most would."
Natalia gave him a small, grateful smile. "It's not easy," she admitted, her voice soft. "But thank you for stepping in back there. I wouldn't have known how to answer."
"You don't have to explain anything to anyone here," Luca said firmly. "You're with me, and that's all they need to know."
His words should have comforted her, but a small part of Natalia still wrestled with the idea of being Luca's hidden gem, someone who didn't fully fit into his world but was quietly protected by him. She didn't want to be seen as just an accessory or someone who needed constant shielding but at her current state, she's too vulnerable and new to his world.
Just as the tension gradually ease, a sudden shift in the room's atmosphere caught their attention. The laughter and conversation around them had quieted, and Natalia could sense a ripple of unease spreading through the crowd. She glanced around, her pulse quickening as she noticed several guests whispering and casting glances toward the entrance.
"What's happening?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Luca's eyes darkened as he followed the guests' gazes. His grip on her hand tightened ever so slightly. "The Bloodthorne family," he muttered, his tone edged with warning.
Natalia's stomach dropped. The name was familiar, spoken earlier by Apollo in the study. The Bloodthornes were a powerful and dangerous family, with influence that extended far beyond the walls of this party. And now they were here, their presence an unmistakable threat.
A tall, imposing figure entered the ballroom, flanked by two others. The man in the center had a cold, calculating look about him, his sharp eyes scanning the room with a predatory intensity. His name was Dominic Bloodthorne, the patriarch of the family, and his arrival sent a chill through Natalia.
Luca's jaw clenched as he turned to her. "Stay close to me," he whispered. "And don't engage with them. They thrive on intimidation."
Before Natalia could respond, Dominic's gaze landed on them, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in the sight of Luca standing protectively beside her. A slow, menacing smile spread across his face as he made his way toward them, his presence casting a shadow over the room.
"Luca Stefano," Dominic drawled, his voice smooth yet dripping with malice. "It's been too long."
Luca remained calm, though Natalia could feel the tension radiating off him. "Dominic," he replied coolly. "I didn't expect to see you here. I don't think I invited you."
Dominic's gaze flicked to Natalia, his smile widening as he studied her. "And who might this be?" he asked, his tone deceptively polite.
Natalia's heart raced, but she met Dominic's gaze head-on, refusing to be intimidated. Before she could answer, Luca stepped forward, his voice firm.
"She's with me," he said, his words carrying an unspoken warning.
Dominic chuckled softly, clearly enjoying the tension. "I see," he said, his eyes lingering on Natalia for a moment longer before turning back to Luca. "You always did have a taste for… unique company."
The comment stung, but Natalia forced herself to stay composed. She wouldn't give Dominic the satisfaction of seeing her falter.
Luca's expression hardened, his patience wearing thin. "If you're here to cause trouble, you're wasting your time, Dominic."
Dominic raised his hands in mock surrender. "Trouble? I'm just here to enjoy the party, Luca. But I'd be careful if I were you. You never know who might be watching."
With that cryptic remark, Dominic turned and walked away, leaving a trail of unease in his wake.
Natalia exhaled slowly, her heart still racing. "What does he want?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Luca's jaw tightened, his eyes following Dominic's retreating figure. "Power. Control. And right now, he sees you as a threat."
Natalia's blood ran cold at the realization. Why would she be seen as a threat? She had only just begun to step into Luca's world, and already, she was caught in its dangerous web.