11. Power Play

Matteo’s POV

The old man stared at me in disbelief, shocked by my vulgarity. I took a sip of wine and flashed a sly smile. He blinked rapidly and attempted a laugh, but it was clear that he was unnerved. He suggested a business partnership, but it was clear that he was grasping at straws. I relished the power I held over him when he asked for his percentage. I told him it was his life on the line. He was too stunned to speak. I gave his shoulder a reassuring pat and flashed another sly smile. My expression was more sinister than comforting.

“It’s a joke, Mr. Lancel”. I said, still wearing a crooked smile.

“Of course, of course”. He said hurriedly.

His hair and beard had turned a strange brown color since I last saw him. I realized he had been dying his hair. He was a deceitful and untrustworthy man. Every company that had partnered with him in the past spoke of the experience in negative terms. I saw right through his façade. Son of a bitch!

Carter rushed to my side and quickly pulled me away from the old man before I would do or say anything drastic. We had received word that Diego, one of my men in the past, was also at this gathering. There was something off about Diego's relationship with my wife at first but now I knew what it was. He was in kahoots with her. Helping her meet another man without my notice. Daya wasn’t perfect but I didn’t expect it from her. Any of the rumors I heard.

My intention is to bring Diego home with me and question him, not murder him with my punches. Carter let out a cough, and I turned to him. His gaze moved to Aria dancing with another man. None other than Jimmy Brooks. A huge business mogul just like myself, but I knew I was better. He was an English man with fine golden hair and a well structured face. Something in me screamed. I was pissed seeing her like that all wrapped up in his arms.

“She moved on quite fast”. Carter said with a small smile on his face.

“I don’t care who she’s with. I came here for Diego”. I said, taking my eyes off the man and Aria, but something pulled me back to the “dancing couple” before us.

“You think I care if you’re at the top of tomorrow’s paper?”. Carter said, his eyes glistening with delight, I clenched my teeth.

“Popular business man Matteo loses wife to Jimmy Brooks”. Carter sang.

“And I won’t fix it!”. He said and left muttering a few words to himself.

As I stood there watching Aria in another man's arms, I felt frozen in place. My hands were clenched behind my back as I struggled to process what I was seeing. She looked happy and carefree, her face aglow with a smile. I knew she must have been drinking - her cheeks were flushed, and her movements were unsteady. It was then that Carter pulled me aside and told me something interesting. Diego was close, and he knew I was there.

I looked at her one more time, now more than furious. I walked up to them and snatched her away from his hold as he turned to me, a sinister smile on his face.

“Matteo. It’s been a while”. He chuckled.

“What are you doing?”. She asked as she looked up at me, her eyes met mine for the first time in what felt like forever. Her red dress perfectly complimented her beauty, and I couldn't help but admire her. I remembered the first time I saw her walk down the stairs of our home and how captivating she was. In this moment, she seemed strong and unafraid, holding my gaze without flinching. Her body tensed as I held her close, but I didn’t care.

“She’s my wife!”. I seethed.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I had no idea such a wonderful lady could marry you out of her will. You’re a dick”.

“Stay the fuck away!”. I said through clenched teeth.

“Let go!”. Aria said, pulling her arm away.

I took her by the hand and pulled her away from the crowd, guiding her into a quiet corner. We stood face to face, close enough to feel each other's breath. She looked up at me, but my attention was fixed on finding Diego in the crowd. I needed to confront him about what he'd done, and I wasn't going to let him get away with it. She laughed but I didn’t look at her. She held my face and forced my eyes to her.

“This isn’t so bad now, is it?”. She uttered, and I was lost.

Her lips were full and smooth, accentuated by a touch of gloss. I found myself tempted to kiss her, but I forced myself to turn away and focus on the task at hand. My gaze scanned the room as I searched for the man who had betrayed me. I wasn't going to let him get away with it.

“Am I so ugly you won’t even look at me”. She said,

She gently reached up and turned my face towards her, her thumb brushing against my lips. I froze as I looked down at her. Her eyes were pleading with me, full of emotion. I felt myself getting lost in the moment, but I forced myself to focus.

“If you won’t kiss me, Jimmy will”. She said, batting her eyes, and I knew there and then that this woman would be the death of me, but I couldn’t help myself.

Our lips met in a passionate kiss as if we were two puzzle pieces finally fitting together. The taste of rum and wine lingered on her lips, intoxicating me. She ran her fingers through my hair, and I felt lost in the moment. It was as if time stood still, and we were the only two people in the world.