Chereads / Shattered Illusions. / Chapter 3 - DeLuca Fashion

Chapter 3 - DeLuca Fashion

Wednesday comes faster than I thought it would, I've been thinking about the new hire.. And why he's getting such a big assignment right off the bat. I just hope it's not some young useless person, we've got enough of those at the office he could have assigned.

I ready myself wearing my ' go for it ' jeans, these jeans hug all of curves perfectly, my ass looks chefs kiss perfect. And I throw on a seamless tank and my jacket and I'm on my way to the office. Probably the last time I'll be here for awhile.

Walking into the office this morning, my heart pounds with a mix of anticipation and nerves. As I approach David's door, I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself, I knock softly.

' Come in ' I hear David call through the other side.

I step inside and there he was, a man who exudes confidence and charisma, standing next to David's desk. His presence was magnetic, with dark sandy blonde hair, breathtaking hazel eyes... That seem to pierce right through me.

' Isabella, I'd like you to meet Ethan Carter '

David says

'Ethan, this is Isabella Rossi. She's the lead on the DeLuca assignment. '

As Ethan extends his hand, our eyes lock and the air between us seems to spark with intensity. His grip is firm, almost possessive, and his gaze holds mine with an intensity that makes my breath catch.

' It's a pleasure to meet you, Isabella. I've heard great things about your work. '

He says, his voice smooth and velvety. In this moment, I know working with Ethan Carter will be unlike anything I have ever experienced before.

' Thank you, I'm looking forward to working together on the DeLuca assignment '

' I have a feeling this is going to be an interesting project ' He says, his gaze never leaving mine.

' Um.. Yeah.. I'm sure it will be ' I say lowly.

I turn my attention to David,

' I'll be out all month, I'll check in once a week, I'll make it on Wednesdays. I can't compromise anything.. I found my way in and I'm going for it '

' That's fine darlin, here take Ethans card. He'll be working in the shadows so you will need to keep in the loop as well. ' David tells me.

' Okay thank you David. '

I say as I turn to Ethan and shake his hand one more time before turning on my heel as I head to leave. I hear the men go back to talking as their voices fade.

I head back home and it doesn't take long. I've been deeeep into investigating, trying to distract my brain off of Rio.. I'm not even sure why he's getting to me so much.

After hours of work I message Hanna,

' Ugh. Kill me. I'm so bored. ' I say.

' Exactly why I told you, You need some dick '

' I know I know.. But I don't want community dick and do you know how hard that is to find lol '

' I didn't say a relationship Is... Just go bounce on one every once in a while '

' What the fuck is wrong with you lmao I literally can't with you right now '

' Hey I'm not the one missing out lol go fuck that hot scary guy from the ball '

' Ugh. At this point I'm tempted. I feel like an animal in heat. '

' DOO IIIITTT '

' Omg I love you. Meet me here Friday night okay '

' K. Love youu '

That's my best friend for you. A complete wild one. But then again that's why she's my bestie. My life would be so boring without her.

Friday comes and I'm not ready.

Yesterday I went to Mikey, my tech guy. I had him make me a ' listening ' cross necklace... to the naked eye it looks like your average necklace. I'll keep the box at home the SD card can hold weeks of data.

I take a shower, I shave EVERYWHERE. I get out and moisturize, I use my amber vanilla body butter, I will swear by this, I'm smoother than silk and the smell is to just die for.

I put on a light makeup look, mascara, eyebrows, and a sheer nude gloss. I head to my bed to look over my outfit..

My red velvet ring front body con dress, so my nails match, and my red velvety pumps. I leave my hair natural, curly, but style it the best I can. Using a clip to keep it out of my face.

I hear a knock at my door. Hanna. I get so excited. I let her in as we both drink each other in, talking over each other telling us how good we look.

' You ready Is, this night could change everything '

I sigh and grab her hand. Before we turn to leave I grab Hanna by the shoulders before saying.

' Listen Hanna .. I don't want them to know I'm a journalist okay.. So please don't say anything '

' My lips are sealed Is '

I know I can trust her, She's never let me down. Arm in arm we make our way to our uber. I have no idea what to expect. A party at the DeLuca home. My heart is racing with excitement.

Within 20 minutes we arrive, Hanna gets out first and we ring the bell. The door opens and we're greeted by an older gentleman in a suit who let's us in.

' The party is just through the doors ahead of you ' the man says pointing at big doors just a bit aways.

We walk through the doors and we're lead into a dining room with slide doors open guests everywhere but mostly in the huge extravagant back yard. It's lit up with beautiful star lights, soft music fills the air along with something sweet smelling, people walking around with drinks come and offer us drinks.

I take a glass of amber liquid, I have no idea what it is. Hanna grabs a chute of bubbly champagne. Hand in hand we make our way towards everyone. I see Mrs. DeLuca making conversations with a few people. Hanna goes to see the food table and I make my way to the host.

' Oh, wonderful Isabella, You made it.. This is Liam Hayes and Mia Montgomery, Fellow colleagues of mine... This is Isabella, wouldn't she be just perfect for our next show '

I blush as I shake their hands. And they're vocal in agreement.

' So what do you say dear? Would you like to model for our next show? ' I hear her words but I'm just in disbelief.

' Uh.. I'd love to ' I say gaining my stability and confidence.

Mrs. DeLuca claps her hands as she places a hand on my back before saying

' My guests are all in the business except my husband and son wherever they are.. Why don't you go mingle, introduce yourself as the newest addition to

' DeLuca Fashion '

I nod as I do as she suggests, I mingle with dozens of gorgeous men and women, and also on the other end, donors and investors. Lots of wealthy people here doing what they do best, networking.

I wondered where Hanna was until I seen her chatting with some hot, tall man. She is all smiles so I don't want to interrupt.

I am away from the guests, standing in front of their fence trees, the stone pathway under my heels feel so unreal. I hear footsteps behind me.

' Hey mama ' I hear the voice before I see his face... Rio.

What the hell is he doing here... I turn around to find this man pull me in by my hips and kiss my cheek before pulling back. My heart pounding and my feet unsteady. I'm embarrassed as he has to hold me while I steady myself.

' Uh.. Rio.. Hi. ' I say biting my lip.

Rio still has my left hand in his, I finish my drink.

' You look good Isabella... I'd like to dance with you .. '

' Dance ' I ask curiously.

Rio takes my hand and leads me back inside as he directs us into the near empty room, the soft music fades as he grabs one hand and placing the other on my lower back. And we glide.

' Why are you here ' He asks me.

' Mrs. DeLuca.. I uh. I agreed to model for her next show. '

' Really, Well she has always had an eye for beauty '

I smile as we continue to dance. He smells so good. I've only danced like this one time and it was at the daddy daughter dance a lifetime ago. Obviously this dance is a lot different. It's intense, his blue eyes are beyond intoxicating.

The dance stops as I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn around to find Hanna pulling me away.

' Would I be a terrible bestie if I leave you to go be with the hottest man alive '

She whispers, I literally laugh at her.

' And that's why you're happier than me.. Go have fun. Be safe. If I don't hear from you by tomorrow afternoon I'm calling the police I swear '

Her face is smirking as she kisses my cheek and heads back to the man. Kissing and then vanishing through the doors.

I watch Rio take a few steps towards me before saying

' Your friend is very .. Eccentric.. '

' She's definitely something else. ' I say lowly.

I feel his fingers tilt my head up as he looks down at me.

' I'd like to take you home mama '

' I have a ride home but thanks Rio '

I hear his low chuckle.

' You mistake my offer love '

My confused look soon turns into realization, My stomach drops and my throbbing is back.

' You think that's a good idea ' I plead

' You and me.. no question.. I don't like games mama.. I don't beg and I don't wait. '

' There's plenty of gorgeous women here '

' I know .. But I want you '

His finger traces my down my collarbone as I gulp.

' And I know you want me to '

' So what if I do .. '

I feel his lips press against mine as he swirls his tongue with mine. His fingers grip my hair as his free hand cups my back. He tastes so delicious. I feel him release me as he pulls back just enough to whisper.

' Come '

He growls, he's not asking and I'm not fighting, I'm not sure why but something in me switches and I do want to go.

I tell him I have to go thank Mrs. DeLuca.

' Meet me out front in 5 '

My insides are melting, I feel like I'm in a dream. I thank Mrs. DeLuca and tell her I'll be in touch. I snag one more drink and finish it in one drink before I make my way to the front.

As I reach it, there's a jet black car waiting. Rio let's me in then gets in on the driver's side.

' You ready ' He asks confidently.

I smile and we're off.