Chapter 152 Old Stalker
Dante’s POV
“No, not one bit,” she answered and chuckled lightly against my shoulder.
“Good, that makes both of us,” I replied and she lifted herself up and stared at me in disbelief.
“No way, you've been running up and down like a maniac for the last one week,” she retorted and I chuckled.
How will I tell her that everything is happening way too fast and all at once.
“Let's just say no manner of preparations is enough for what I'm dealing with,” I replied.
She didn't respond at first, just stared at me before finally smiling and hugging me from my side.
“You'll do good,” she muttered and for the first time this week, I let my guard down and wrapped my arms around her waist too.
“Thank you, I appreciate,” I said warmly into her hair.
“Let's head in for the night, we've got one hell of a busy day tomorrow,” she offered and I nodded as I pulled back from her.
We walked up together through the elevator and down to where the paths cut to our separate rooms.
“Sleep with me tonight?” Serena asked as she looked up at me.
“I don't think I'm in for that tonight,” I replied and stared back at her with my brow lifting and the corner of my lips tugging up.
It took her some time to realize what she had said and she smirked at me, smacking my shoulder playfully.
“That's not what I meant!” She exclaimed loudly and I couldn't hold back my laugh.
“Either way, the response still stands. I may not get much sleep tonight and I won't want to disturb you,” I replied.
She nodded, getting the point and peeling away while waving.
“See you in the morning then,” she called back as her door shut.
I stood there, staring at her door. Tomorrow couldn't come any faster…
The next morning started way too early and moved way too fast.
It was the morning of the ball and came with that heavy feeling.
I was up at five, already in the office before 7 and running through the final checklist one more time.
The food, the drinks, the staff, the security, the valet. Everything had been ordered in excess of what we usually needed.
We had precisely three times the usual wine allocation, double the catering portions, more backup generators in case the power cut out, extra ice, extra napkins, and extra everything.
We could feed five thousand and still have leftovers. I wanted no shortages, no complaints, no excuses for anyone to leave early or cause a scene.
Nico walked in at seven-thirty, still buttoning his shirt cuffs.
“Everything’s confirmed, Don,” he announced as I permitted him to walk in. “The kitchen’s set with many hands, the bar’s stocked up, and we’ve got two backup suppliers standing by just in case. Guards are already rotating shifts at the venue.”
I nodded with my eyes still on the tablet. “Good,” I replied.
Nico leaned against the doorframe. “You need to breathe, Don. It’s perfect, we’ve over-prepared, everything’s covered. Relax a little,” he suggested.
I gave a short laugh that had no humor in it. “It’s hard to relax with all the pressure around,” I replied honestly.
And he didn’t argue, just nodded once. “Fair, but you’ve done everything humanly possible. Now let the night play out,” he said.
I rubbed my face and muttered. “Yeah.”
The day went by way too fast in a blur of last-minute calls, confirmations, and one final walkthrough with the venue manager.
By evening I was back home, standing in front of the mirror in my room, tying the black bow tie with fingers that felt too stiff after a nice shower.
The tux fit like it always did, perfectly fit with its crisp white shirt, black vest and polished shoes.
I popped open the drawer and brought out the gel I only used once a year.
Finished and stared at the mirror.
I looked the part. The Don, the host, the man who was supposed to look untouchable.
I sucked in a deep breath as I felt anything but untouchable.
I adjusted the cufflinks, and took one last look at myself before applying my cologne to hit.
I looked around carefully, cross-checking if I'd gotten my phone and other necessities, I didn't need a mask as I was the host and would give a speech anyway.
By the time I got to the door, there was literally nothing left to do, nothing left to keep me lingering.
I guess there's only one thing to say now, I thought as I stepped out into the hallway.
It's showtime.
Serena’s POV
The whole day had flown by in a blur.
I barely left my room, just doing my hair, makeup, and nails.
Valentina had come in twice to check on me, once with a meal, and the other with a glass of champagne.
I spent most of the day just… preparing myself, majorly mentally.
I sat on the bed and stared at the notebook, the sketches, the circled pillar, the arrows.
I tried to memorize every line, every possible move Luca might make. Every way I could get close without being seen.
By late evening someone knocked, one of the staff actually. “Miss, it’s time to prepare. The car leaves at eight.”
I nodded, and stood, walking into the bathroom.
I took my time, had a long shower, washed my hair twice, waxed, moisturized, literally did everything with an extra slug.
When I stepped out, I wrapped a towel around myself and stood in front of the mirror.
I did my makeup slowly, pinned my hair up, and left a few strands loose around my face.
I slipped into the green lace lingerie set I’d found but never shown Dante. Then the gown.
The gown slid over my skin like water, the material hugged my body perfectly.
The slit opened high when I moved as I stepped into the heels, adjusting the mask in my hand.
I stared at my reflection and the woman looking back wasn’t scared. She was ready.
I held.up the mask tighter and ran my thumb over the lace. I wondered if I’d still be wearing it when I walked out of there tonight.
Or if I’d even walk out.
I took a breath and stepped into the hallway, finding Dante already waiting out there.
He was in a black tux and a perfectly tied bow tie. His hair was gelled back just the way Valentina had said.
“New look,” I muttered at the hair but he didn't respond. His eyes found mine and his chest moved faster for a second.
And I felt the heat climb up my neck.
“You…” he started, then stopped. “You look…”
I gave a small smile. “Too much?”
“No,” he said quietly. “Perfect.”
He looked me over again slowly as I felt his gaze like a touch over me, and I liked it. I smiled wider.
He offered his hand and I took it immediately.
We walked downstairs together, hand in hand and straight out the door.
“What of Valentina?” I asked as we reached the door.
“She'll be coming later, the ball's not till 9pm. We just have to go early,” he replied.
The drive was quiet as his thumb kept stroking the back of my hand. I leaned my head on his shoulder, watching the city lights streak past.
When we arrived, the venue was already glowing. Chandeliers lit up the windows, cars were lined up down the valet area, and music drifted out.
The guards stood at every entrance in black suits, with earpieces, and their eyes scanning everywhere.
Dante stepped out first and offered his hand out again, which I took.
We walked inside, and the ballroom took my breath away.
It was massive, marble floors and crystals everywhere. It had flowers lined in deep reds and blacks on every table.
The chandeliers threw light like diamonds while a small orchestra played in the corner.
It was simply beautiful.
Dante squeezed my hand. “First dance?”
I nodded, and we moved to the center of the floor.
The music shifted to a slow one and he pulled me close. One hand on my waist, the other holding my hand and my free hand rested on his shoulder.
We started moving, and it was simple, slow, and perfect.
I looked up at him while he looked down at me. For a minute the room disappeared, just us remained.
Then he leaned close. “I have to do a final walkthrough with security. Stay here, mingle if you want. Just… stay in sight, or stay in our booth,” he announced and pointed towards a small structure not far off.
I nodded. “Okay.”
He kissed my forehead. “I’ll be back in thirty,” he added and walked away.
I watched him disappear through a side door.
I found the booth he’d pointed out earlier, a small raised room with a perfect view of the room.
It was private enough, but not hidden. I sat, crossed my legs, and let the mask rest in my lap.
People started arriving around 8:30 and I immediately threw my mask on.
I searched around, but there was no sign of Luca.
8:50. And Dante hadn't returned, nor did Luca show up.
The room had quickly filled up and I stood, scanning around again.
Still no Luca.
Then my eyes caught a figure walking in through the door and my feet froze.
I knew that stance.
I knew that walk.
I knew that mask.