Chapter 29 BLUE DRAGON PARTY II
The tension was becoming more palpable between both men the longer they stood there, staring at each other like it was a death threat.
As I stood my ground beside Rafael, I was forced to bear the heat of their naked strike that was striving to unload a full blown heat.
Rafael was the one exuding more lethal force, while the man before us was only there to taunt him and perhaps bruise his ego a bit by suddenly allowing a grin to wash over his face.
I was growing extremely uncomfortable with the prolonged tension and being the reason for what was happening, I tried to get away by saying something, but Rafael wouldn't let me out of his hold.
It was as if he would lose to this man if I ever forced my way out of his hold. I didn't know what to do or how well I could handle the situation.
Should I put aside the hatred I had for Rafael, take pity on him and save his face and ego from this strange man or should I perhaps use this man as a saving grace to take me away from Rafael if I could make for a try with him?
The long silence and the foul stench of the tension that had arisen between both men on my behalf had begun to draw the attention of other guests from the nearest table to us.
And those who had caught this breeding scene had quickly alerted the others to watch as the drama unfolds.
Soon enough, a clustering of murmurs began to turn to a wild range of gossip, flying around from lips to lips and table to table so that we could hear them vividly.
“... who's that man?...”
“...he dares go heads on with Santiano Rafael Devereaux?”
“...Are they up against each other because of that woman?...”
“...we have never seen that man before. What family could he be from?...”
“... he's not from a family with great prestige as the Devereaux, I bet…”
“...who could he be?...”
Rafael pulled me closer to himself, his hands gentle enough not to hurt me.
“I see you've been paying attention to someone else who is not me, darling. Why is that?” Rafael's voice finally broke through the storm of palpable silence, not minding the gossip floating around us.
I looked up in his direction, matching his gaze for a bit. I was still very much uncertain about my choice of words to him, I really had nothing going on in my head.
What would be the perfect response for this man?
What could he be expecting from me?
I simply masked a smile on, choosing my words carefully and they came out beautifully.
“Oh- you know I would never do that,"
I could feel his fingers fondle my waist as he held me close.
Had I just taken sides with him?
Would his next words be; ‘Say to this man that you are my woman and you belong to me'?
I quickly pushed the thought of that away, not giving room to chances of feeding on delusions.
The man, accepting defeat momentarily took a step backwards as if he was about to tender an apology for having challenged Rafael.
“Enjoy the rest of the evening- you both.” He said before disappearing into the crowd of guests who sent him off with their continuous murmur as they had all witnessed what had transpired.
Not sooner that he had left, Marco showed up bearing urgent news that required Rafael to leave.
It was concerning the business he had come to the Blue Dragon Party for— to meet with the host— Morano DeLuca himself or a business deal.
“You stay at the table with her, Marco.” Rafael instructed before leaving.
At that moment, I could see a man fighting the urge to walk away. He was battling two contrasting variables at the same time.
Rafael never wanted to leave me by the table alone, but yet, he had to leave for business and his eyes were gracious enough to tell me he would be back soon.
“About the other day,” Marco started to say, clearing his throat that I had to look at him briefly before taking up the champagne flute Rafael had showed up with earlier and I took a graceful sip before placing it back on the table.
“I'm sorry, ma'am, I never should have done that. It was very inappropriate and unprofessional of me.” He rattled out while I listened then I could sense a change in his movement.
Alas, he had had his head bowed to me at an angle ninety degrees.
“Please, pardon my insolent behavior.” Marco added, his head still lowered at me while his hands were in stoic accord with the formality of the bow that one would think he takes bowing lessons from an Asian.
I was indeed short of what to say as I couldn't picture the perfect idea for a response.
Should I casually wave off his apology or tell him I had forgiven him?
As little as it may seem, it was a wholesome feeling to process. I was feeling a little embarrassed at his courtesy as people had started to look over towards my table and Marco wouldn't budge from his position unless I breathed my words to him.
I pinched my dress then quietly said to him, “Fine, you can raise your head now, it's quite embarrassing already.”
He obeyed and immediately, other words of urgency flooded out of his mouth.
“I'm sorry I've caused the lady embarrassment with my actions again.” This he said with multiples of instant bows and I laughed it off, finding it extremely adorable for a man who works in the Mafia.
After all, one of their sole purposes was also to stay loyal to their master's woman. I smiled and I could feel a warmth in my chest— It was indeed a genuine smile.
I picked up the champagne flute to take another brief sip.