As Hanna and I step out of the car and make our way towards the entrance of the Charity Gala ball, I can feel the eyes of the crowd on us, their smiles warm and welcoming. Despite the flurry of attention, it was one particular gaze that captures my focus.
A tall handsome, mysterious man standing with a beautiful woman by his side catches my eye. As we walk inside, I feel his intense stare follow me, making my cheeks flush with a warmth I can't quite explain. The excitement and curiosity bubbles inside me as we enter through the doors.
The ballroom is a dazzling display of elegance and wealth, with crystal chandeliers casting a soft glow over the room.
Hanna and I exchange excited glances, knowing this night is going to be unforgettable. As we move through the crowd, I can't shake the feeling of his eyes on me. It's as if he is silently calling out to me, and my curiosity grows stronger with each passing moment.
Hanna nudges me playfully, breaking my trance.
' Isabella, are you even listening? ' she laughs.
' You seem a bit distracted. '
I force a smile, trying to focus on the conversation.
' Sorry, just taking it all in, '
I reply, glancing around the room. But my eyes inevitably drift back to him. The mysterious man is still watching me, his gaze unwavering. I wonder who he is and why his presence feels so magnetic.
As the evening progresses, I try to focus on the conversations around me, but my mind keeps drifting back to the mysterious man. I can feel his presence, even when I'm not looking directly at him. Suddenly, I feel a hand grab mine. I turn around and find myself face-to-face with him. His eyes are even more captivating up close.
' Mm. Good evening, Mama, ' he says with a charming smile, the most perfect teeth, and a hint of an accent.
' My name is Rio. I couldn't help but notice you. You look absolutely stunning tonight. '
His compliment catches me off guard, and I feel my cheeks flush with warmth.
' Oh, Um, Thank you, ' I manage to say, my voice is a little shaky.
' I'm Isabella. '
' Isabella, ' he repeats, his gaze never leaving mine.
' You are just about perfect .. And I must say, your figure is quite ... enchanting. '
I can feel my blush deepen, and I struggle to maintain my composure.
' You're very kind, ' I reply, my heart racing and a throb begins where it has no business to.
' It's a pleasure to meet you .. Rio. '
' The pleasure is all mine, ' he says, his voice smooth and confident. Kissing my hand.
' I hope we get the chance to talk more tonight mama '
As he walks away, I can't help but feel a mixture of excitement and lust. This night is turning out to be far more intriguing than I could have ever imagined.
' Whoa! Even I felt that. He is hot .. In like a very dangerous looking way ' Hanna blurts out.
' Hanna what the hell does that even mean ' I laugh at her.
' I dunno .. Like something out of a mob movie, liike the perfect balance of danger and sexiness duh ' she says taking a drink of her champagne.
' I mean you could use some dick .. Trust me Is. ' She laughs.
' He literally is here with someone Hanna, That's fucked up ' I say dryly.
' Probably just a date .. I doubt if it was serious he would come over here all seductively calling you mommy or whatever ' Hanna is completely serious saying this.
I just laugh at her again. I mean she's probably not wrong on anything she just said but I just can't with her. He really does give a mob vibe, I mean he's got a tattoo that goes from under his eye down to his jaw. His very distinctive jaw..
Ugh. Yes the man is very sexy, but I've never been called mama before and I can't deny it .. I loved it.
Hanna and I walk around meeting many new people, drinking many chutes of bubbly champagne. The feel of his eyes are never astray for long.
Lots of people posing for photographs in absolutely stunning dresses. Even Hanna an I get one together. The auction begins and I've never felt so poor, the prices some of these people spend on this stuff blows my mind.
Towards the end I quietly tell Hanna I have to pee as I head towards the ladies room. It's an easy route as majority of the guests are sitting at the auction.
I find the restrooms down a narrowish hall with only 3 doors only 2 are marked, the bathrooms, I don't know where the first door I passed is.
I go inside the ladies room as I use the bathroom, wash my hands and ' freshen up ' I twirl in the mirror as I admire how gorgeous I look tonight. I walk through the door and as I pass the first door it's cracked open.
As I go to look I'm pulled inside of the dim lit near empty storage room.
I take notice that it's Rio, towering over me as he uses his palm to close the door behind me. Stepping closer to me until my back is against the door.
' Tell me Isabella, What's a man gotta do to get your attention ... '
His tone is deep and the sound gives me a warm tingly sensation, kinda like when you take a shot and feel it throughout your body.
' Did I give you any inclination that I was interested Mr. ... '
I say dryly. The throbbing between my legs would tell him differently and I think he knows this.
I feel his index finger drag from my knee up my exposed thigh stopping at my panty line. Circling his fingertip.
' I'd say ... You staring at me all night does why are you interested mama '
' Well I only date single men Mr. Rio... So it looks like even if I was interested I'm just out of luck ' I say slickly.
I watch as he bites his lip that turns into a smirk.
' If you think I'm with that woman you'd be as delusional as she is. It's a friendly courtesy. Nothing more. So again I'd ask you. '
' Look as much as I'd love to .. do a lot of things with you, work is too heavy right now I just don't have the time .. '
His face is so close to mine as I feel him place something in the lining of my dress that is holding my boobs in.
' When you get time I expect a message ... I'll be waiting mama's ' He growls.
And just like that Rio opens the door and vanishes. My heart is racing. I so wanted to say yes but there's something dark about him, he scares me and makes my lady parts betray me. He was so close to finding out just how much he excites me. I put the card inside my clutch before leaving myself.
By the time I make my way back the auction is done and everyone is back to mingling and drinking, a bit of guests have left mostly the older ones. Hanna has two drinks in her hands as we meet back up. She gives me a funny look but doesn't ask. I drink the chute in one gulp.
I mingle my way to finally meet with the DeLuca's.
' Wow. Aren't you just breathtaking darling '
Mrs. DeLuca says to me as she shakes my hand and then Hanna's.
' Thank you Mrs. DeLuca, the feeling is mutual ' I say confidently.
Surprisingly we chat for quite awhile, She is as charming as they say. As more guests being to leave we're still making interesting small talk. She's very forward. Asking me to model for her next show in a few months.
It was awkward but honestly empowering.
She hands me a card with her information on it, telling me she's having a big celebration party next Friday and she would love for me and ' my friend ' to go. I thank her as I grab Hanna's hand and we say our goodbyes.
Hanna is completely shocked and in heaven right now.
' How the hell does a journalist get invited to Mrs. DeLuca's house and to model for her .. PERSONALLY! ' she squeals.
I'm lost, and to be completely honest, all I can think about is Rio and his audacity.
' I'm not doing it Hanna ' I tell her.
' You haaave to Is, omg do you know how many connections we could make '
Her words strike me like lightning. It could be my way in, get a personal front row seat to get my career boosting exposé.
The ride home is nothing short of giggles and talks of the magnificent night we had. As I get dropped off I hug Hanna and tell her I'll see her later.
The next morning as I'm drinking my shake I shoot David a message.
' I met Mrs. DeLuca last night.. Long story short, she invited me to join her on a modeling gig, undercover time? '
' Absolutely. Tread very carefully and just keep me updated. Just try to come in this week, I have a new hire to help a bit. His name is Ethan Carter '
' Yes sir, I'll be by Wednesday '
I'm lucky to have a good boss. He's been a wonderful figure to learn from. Now where to begin with this web of mess. Now the real fun begins, Undercover time.