BEHIND THE CURTAIN

BEHIND THE CURTAIN
Viviana

It was a blessing to my sight to see different exotic materials(also some that I would call meaningless) being displayed and people paying exorbitant prices for them. As the bidding of different materials continued, my boss left my side to speak to someone else who signalled him over. This time around I was most grateful when he didn’t pull me along with him, and instead whispered into my ear for me to wait behind- he didn’t have to tell me twice. With the way the air from his lips made the air on my skin to rise- not in any way sensua, I knew what it was I had to do. 
As he subtly manoeuvred to where the person was, ensuring he didn’t step on very long train of dresses or diamond-ed pair of shoes, Massimo came to stand beside me.
I looked up to his face as he crossed his hands behind him. My body immediately warmed at his presence and closeness.
“Why… why are you here? I thought you are supposed to go after Mr Bianchi at every turn?” I asked- I have no idea why I began to stutter. 
The guy is huge, the broadness of his shoulders like an unflinching and cocooning banner. Glancing into his eyes brought about a trail of consciousness that lined my skin.
“The person behind the curtain-“ he said, referring to the curtain Mr Bianchi just passed through, the same one whom I suspect is a bodyguard to whoever is inside -a dangerous, very dangerous bodyguard (if I am to judge by the numerous scars and tattoos that were still peeking out and evident despite his apparent clad of a suit.)
“-is a very high profile man. My presence would seem like Jacob doesn’t trust him or kind of leave a trail at intimidating the man.”
I nod in understanding- there are powerful men like that who have such reasoning. Probably it’s because of their business. But what business will someone like Jacob Bianchi have with such men?
But that is not an area of concern- as long as I have a legal job and can eat well, I’m pretty much satisfied. And although Massimo just said the reason my boss went there, he still hasn’t stated the reason he chose to stand by my side. He could also be hovering close to that area in case he hears a sudden shout or a shot ringing or anything to signal that his presence was needed. In short, anywhere other than here.
But he chose to be by my side. 
My mind also picked that he just referred to my boss, who is also his boss, on a first name basis. To my hearing, he just called Mr Bianchi, Jacob?
Is it a guy thing? Or because he could be Mr Bianchi’s age mate? 
Or… or maybe he is trying to impress me by slyly carelessly referring to our boss as that. But why would he try to impress me?
Another object was being rolled out for display. When it was brought out and held for all to see, most gawked at it- including me. It was a diamond necklace, the design mimicking that of a dolphin. It was beautiful.
“That’s one beautiful piece” I commented half- heartedly, seeing as there was nothing else to discuss.
“You favour it?” he asked. 
It was that manner of his speech again. He can just easily ask if I like it… but he had to put it as favour. I remember there was someone who used to speak like that- someone I vowed not to think of… too often.
“It’s beautiful.” 
He nodded as the bidding started and after a little back and forth haggle between two wealthy women- and despite how very very expensive it was- it was finally bought by another woman. 
Again, another box was rolled in. It took sometime for them to get the box opened but after a few trial, it came open. But as the man in charge of the auctions peered through, he screamed. 
One second I was facing my front, watching what was going on, as well as the many others in the room. 
The next Massimo had turned to a wall, putting himself before me and effectively slamming me to the ground- just as the sound of a blob exploding went off. I felt an harsh wave envelope and push me beyond where I landed. It was not like anything I knew but yet I heard Massimo weakly asking me if I was alright as he tried to search for any injuries on my body. But the ringing in my ears persevered and continued and before I knew it, I was pulled under by a most assured darkness, one that subtly promised that I might never see the day again.