Chapter 27

Luna's POV

Oh my god!

Tonight is the charity ball.

No, no, no, no.

I rise up from bed, hair all messy and sigh.

Today's going to be a long day.

I get up from bed, put my slippers on and head to the bathroom to take a shower and complete my morning routine.

I'm excited and nervous at the same time.

Once I'm done, I head down to the kitchen to make Luca and I some breakfast.

I'm busy preparing food when all of a sudden, two arms wrap around my waist and I'm pulled to a hard chest.

"Good morning, my love." Luca says, placing a soft kiss on my neck.

"Good morning."

"Are you preparing breakfast?"

"Yes, I'm bringing it out so why don't you take a seat in the dining room?"

"Thank you, my love."

He heads off to the dining room and I turn the stove off. I carry the frying pan to the dining room and place it in the table.

A few minutes pass by until Luca speaks up.

"I can see you're nervous, my love." Luca says.

Sighing, I feel the need to tell the truth about how I actually feel about the charity ball.

There's no point lying about my feelings to myself.

Yes, I can't lie to myself but I can lie to Luca.

If I tell him I feel safe with him, he wouldn't think I'm in love with him, right?

I mean, feeling safe with someone isn't the same as loving them romantically?

I look down, fiddling with my fingers and say, "To be honest, I am but not as much as I thought I'd be. I think....having you by my side makes me feel at ease. So don't leave me alone tonight."

I look at him, waiting for his response.

He looks surprised and I hope he didn't misunderstand my words.

"What i'm trying to say is-"

"Hush, my love." He gets up from his seat, and steps towards me, caressing my cheek. "You've said enough. And do not worry, leaving your side is the last thing I would do. Now! I'll be leaving for a few hours, and you are free to do as you wish."

"Ok."

"Good girl." He presses his lips on my cheek and walks away.

A few hours later, Luca arrives home and with him, brings a couple of bags.

"What did you bring with you?" I ask.

"The jewellery to go with your dress. You will be promoting it today at the ball."

"Me? But I'm not someone important at all. Who would wanna buy it after seeing it on me? It's not like I'm a celebrity?"

"Luna, how many times do I have to tell you to not bring yourself down. You are important to a lot of people. You just don't know."

"That's not true."

"It is true. Claire, that piece of shit, Diego, the other workers at the office, and me. I would gladly kill for you, my love."

"Don't say that kind of stuff, Luca."

"And you don't go bringing yourself down." He ends the conversation with that. "A couple of people will be arriving soon to do your hair and makeup."

Half an hour later, I'm seated in my room, with two young girls. One doing my hair, and the other, my makeup.

I wasn't sure on what kind of makeup look and hair I wanted, so since the girls were professionals, i showed them my dress and left the rest to them.

"You've got such delicate features. Luna, was it?" Asks Chelsea, the makeup artist.

"Thank you, and yes, that's right." I respond.

"We hope you are satisfied with your look Luna." Ava says, while doing my hair.

"I definitely will be." I assured her.

"Yeah, your man is kinda scary. He threatened to ruin our careers if we did anything to upset you." Chelsea says.

"What?" I ask shocked. "He said that?"

"Yeah."

"Don't worry. I'm pretty sure he was just joking around." I chuckle, trying to ease their nerves.

The scary thing is, I know Luca would do something like that.

That's just the kind of man Luca is.

No matter what I think, Luca will always have a crazy side to him.

"Trust me. He looked pretty serious to me." Ava says.

Oh Luca.

An hour later, my makeup and hair is all done.

"Ready?" Ava asks.

"I'm ready." I say, my eyes closed.

"Ok, you can open your eyes now!" Chelsea shouts out excited.

Opening my eyes, I'm shocked at my appearance in the mirror.

My makeup is soft and natural, a gold smoky eye, my lips, painted with pinky nude lipstick. My hair is in a half up hairstyle with loose curls flowing down.

Ava and Chelsea are goddesses!

"I love it!" I squeal.

Ava and Chelsea let out a breath of relief.

"We're glad." Chelsea says.

I'm left alone, after Ava and Chelsea leave.

I guess it's time to put the dress on.

Putting the dress and the heels on, I think back to when Luca and I went shopping for them.

Heat rushes to my cheeks when I remember Luca kneeling down to put the heels on for me and the kiss.

I touch my hot cheeks with both my hands.

Don't think about that Luna.

Suddenly, there's a knock at my door.

It's Luca!

"Luna, my love?"  Luca asks from behind the door.

"Just a moment!" I call out.

Checking my appearance one more time, I turn towards the door.

"Come in!"

The door opens and I'm suddenly feeling shy.

"Hello..." I say awkwardly.

Stepping towards me, Luca looks me up and down.

"I don't think I want you to accompany me anymore." He says grabbing my hand and twirling me around to get a better look.

"My Luna." He says placing his forehead on mine. "If only...."

He stops and closes his eyes.

If only?

"Never mind that. You will steal tonight's attention my love, and I expect nothing less that that."

He brings forward a box that I didn't notice was in his hand the whole time.

"Let me put on your jewellery." He says. "Turn around for me."

Turing around, the mirror in front of me, I watch Luca as he takes out a beautiful diamond necklace and places it on my neck.

The delicate necklace is cold on my skin and I shiver, earning a glance from Luca, looking at me from the mirror.

Keeping eye contact with me, he kisses my nape.

He grabs the earrings, still not breaking eye contact, and places it on my ears.

This feels intimate somehow.

He presses a kiss to my earlobe, biting the edge.

I gasp and move away from his touch.

He clenches his jaw and pulls me roughly towards him by the wrist.

"Do not run from me." He spat out. "Let's go."

Luca's POV

She is the most beautiful woman I've ever had the blessing to lay eyes on.

She is Luna.

And she is mine.

All mine.

Stopping the car in front of the venue, I turn to look at her.

She's not paying attention to me but at her surroundings.

She looks impressed yet nervous at the same time.

My naughty girl.

My eyes take her small frame.

Her long, brown hair, her big, doe eyes that make me weak to my knees, her plump lips that I only ever had the pleasure to taste once but not to worry, I have the rest of my life to do with them what I please.

Following down her frame, my eyes land on her delicate neck that is calling my name, her soft, swollen breasts that I desperately want my mouth on and her...

I close my eyes and try to fight those thoughts off.

This is not the time.

It won't do me any good.

I take her small, shaky hand in mine, placing a kiss on them.

"Breathe, my love. We're going to head in now." I tell her. "Will you be a brave girl for me?"

"Yes, I'm ready now." She says.

Adorable.

I chuckle.

I get out of the car, catching Luna reaching out for the handle.

"Luna." I say sternly. "Sit still."

"Oh, sorry."

I have many things to teach Luna, and one of them is to stop apologising for every little thing.

Buttoning my suit jacket, I pass the keys to the valet, and walk to the other side of the car.

Opening the passenger door, I lend out my hand waiting for Luna's soft touch.

She places her hand on mine and steps out.

Immediately all eyes are on her and I feel my blood boiling.

These motherfuckers better look away before I cut all their dicks off and shove it down their gaping mouths.

I wrap my arm around Luna's waist roughly and pull her to me, earning a gasp from her.

Meeting my eyes, they look away embarrassed.

They know better not to mess with me.

Motherfuckers.

"Luca? Are you okay?"

Her voice immediately calms me down.

"Yes, my love. Let's head in now."

I link her arm with mine and she grabs on to my arm.

Walking up the stairs to the venue, reporters surround us, flashing pictures.

What a crazy bunch of idiots.

I can tell Luna is feeling uncomfortable and that pisses me off.

They shout out a bunch of questions, to which I ignore.

"It's nearly over, my love." I say in her ear.

I pick up my pace and make it to the entrance.

"Are you alright?" I ask stopping.

Smiling up at me, she responds, "I'm fine."

My heart flutters at her.

What i would do to make her smile like that every second?

"Come now." I say placing my hand behind her back and lead her to the entrance doors of the hall.

Standing behind them, once again, I link her arm with mine and motion to the man to open the doors.

The doors open and all eyes land on us, pin drop silent.

There are many important people here. Billionaires, millionaires, A list celebrities, even a couple of members from the Russian and Italian mafia.

I have no doubt that they're here to purchase the expensive, high end jewellery investments we will be auctioning today.

I can sense a mixture of curious, jealous and happy stares.

Of course, it's all because of the beauty by my side.

Beaming with pride, I guide Luna to the stage.

On our way, I feel the need to reassure her, "I need to greet everyone and give some announcements, my love. Don't think about all the stares.

"I can take stares, Luca."

"Good."

My Luna is so innocent.

She doesn't know the awful things the men and women in this room are thinking of her.

The women want her replaced with themselves  and the men want her in their bed.

Just thinking about another man touching Luna that way makes me wanna chain her to my bed, and hear her screaming out my name so loud, so that the whole world knows she's mine.

I feel my dick getting hard and curse myself for thinking that right now.

Fuck me.

I take my place in front of the stage and someone hands me the microphone.

"Good evening everyone. Welcome to this year's charity ball, 2022. We're delighted to have everyone here. All the money collected today via auction will be donated to help children in Africa and South East Asia have access to food, water, shelter, and education. Now, let us proceed with the auction."

The audience cheers and claps, and I step down from the stage with Luna.

The auction starts with the first piece. A diamond piece similar to the one Luna is wearing.  The auctioneer explains the rules and starts the bid.

"Five hundred thousand." A man shouts from the front of the stage.

"Five hundred thousand dollars. Anyone else." The auctioneer states.

"One million." A woman shouts out from behind.

Great. Everything is going perfectly.

It is true that every cent of the money will be donated to the children in Africa and South East Asia.

Don't get me wrong, I always knew people were suffering in the world but watching Luna from afar for a year made me realise that I want to help as much as I can, not just a country or two.

This is all thanks to Luna.

Luna doesn't realise the good she does for people around her, and I will make her realise it sooner or later.

"Two million." The same man at the front stage shouts out.

"Three million." Shouts the same woman.

Oh? We have some persistent people here today.

"Three million. Going once, going twice, sold!"

Luna's POV

"Claire is present here today." Luca says.

Speaking of the devil, Claire appears from the crowd, Diego next to her.

"Luna, hello!" She gives me a hug.

"Hello Claire." I say feeling happy that there's finally someone I know here.

From the corner of my eye, I see Luca and Diego greet each other.

"Hello, cupcake." Diego greets and I greet him back. He pulls me in for a hug, and Luca surprisingly doesn't do anything.

"Hey Luca! I'll be stealing Luna for a while."

"I'm afraid I will not allow-"

"I'll be fine, Luca."

He stares at me for a few seconds and then nods.

"Don't wander off for too long." He reminds me.

"Ok, Mr bossy." Claire says and drags me away from a concerned looking Luca.

We walk around, and Claire grabs two glasses of champagne from a waiter walking by.

She offers one to me. Although I don't drink, I take it from her.

"So, Diego asked me to save him a dance later tonight. Really weird."

"Really? That's great."

"I mean, I'm not clueless. I know he's trying to be a better person to me and mend our friendship, and I think I'm going to give him a chance. We started off on the wrong foot."

This girl is truly clueless.

"I think that's a great idea."

"Right?" Claire says laughing and suddenly stops, her eyes move to someone standing behind me.

I turn around and find a tall, handsome man with blonde hair and blue eyes.

"Good evening ladies. I'm Dmitri." He says and kisses Claire's hand.

Lifting my hand to his lips, he keeps eye contact with me and presses a kiss.

"And you are?" He asks me.

This isn't good at all.

"I'm Luna. It was nice to meet you." I say and try to leave but his grip tightens on my hand.

"Where are you running off to, kitten?" He asks, roughly pulling me towards him.

"What is happening here?" I hear Luca's voice from behind me.

Luca!

A hand on my forearm pulls me to them. I look up and see Luca.

"Dmitri, you know better than to mess with what's mine, don't you?" Luca asks

"Luca, my dear friend. I had no idea she was yours. You better keep your eyes on her or she might...how should I say? Might go missing." He smirks.

Luca steps closer to Dmitri and people around us start to stare.

This is getting bad.

"Luca, let's go." I tug on his arm.

"Dmitri, watch your fucking mouth before it fucking leaves a dent on your business. Don't come near Luna ever again or you'll fucking regret it." He grits and pulls me away from Dmitri.

"Luca, I'm sor-"

We come to an abrupt stop and I bump into Luca's back.

He faces me, lifting my chin with his finger.

"Don't you dare apologise. It's not your fault. It's that mans. Let's not ruin our night because of that shit. Now let's go. It's time to start the dance."

The dance? Now?

"Remember, mistakes are fine. Just breathe." Luca reassures me.

I'm guided to the centre of the floor and for the final time, we stand in position.

"Ladies and gentlemen. Luca Black and his partner, Luna Fate will lead the first dance. Everyone else may follow after."

Everyone starts clapping for us.

The music starts playing and Luca places his hand on my shoulder blade and grabs my other hand.

Everyone in the room are staring at us.

No, this is too scary. I'm definitely going to make a mistake.

"Hey, look at me. Just focus on me." Luca says.

I look into his eyes and I instantly calm down.

This man is so different.

We're dancing around the room now.

Do I really want to spend the rest of my life with him?

He lifts me up and twirls me around. The crowd erupts in cheers and applause.

"Well done, my love." He says.

Yes, I do. I want to be with Luca.

I observe his perfect, masculine face.

He's so perfect. I want his eyes to look at me only, and his lips on mine.

The music meets its end and we dance our last step.

Looking deeply into his eyes, I realise I'm in love with him.

I'm going to tell him. There's no point in keeping it secret anymore.

I can never escape Luca anyway. He would chase me to the ends of the earth if I ever happen to run away.

Luca, you won.

Everyone else starts to join us the dance floor.

"Will you dance with me a second time, my love?"

"Yes Luca, I'd love to."

We dance a second time and it's even more fun now with everyone else. I spot Claire dancing with her boyfriend, Christian. She looks happy and content.

I spot Diego standing in the crowd, staring at Claire with a smile. Poor Diego.

The dance ends.

"Let's head to the balcony." Luca whispers in my ear.

He takes my hand and guides me to the balcony.

I turn around and see Diego and Claire get into position for the next dance.

Smiling, I tell Luca, "Diego and Claire are dancing together."

Luca turns around to look at them.

"Indeed. He should come to his senses and claim her before he loses her forever."

"Not everyone is as crazy as you, Luca." I giggle.

"I'm crazy only for you, my love, only for you."

Luca's POV

My love has done so well tonight.

She truly makes me proud.

I guide her to the balcony and it's only us here.

I want some time alone with her, everyone's eyes have been on her for far too long.

Especially that piece of shit, Dmitri.

Luna leans on the balcony, her arms wrapped around herself. I see the goosebumps rising on her skin.

I take off my suit jacket and place it around her shoulders.

"What about-"

"Hush now, my love." I hug her from behind and place my chin on her soft shoulder.

We both stand in silence, basking in each other's embrace.

"Luca?"

"Yes, my love?" I breathe out on her shoulder causing her to shiver.

"I like you."

Shocked by her sudden confession, I swiftly turn her around to face me, her back leaning on the balcony, her arms by her side.

My hands are placed on the balcony, on either side of her.

"Repeat what you just said."

"I like you." She says confidently, gazing into my eyes.

"Say it agai-"

I'm suddenly pulled by my tie and feel soft lips on mine.

The only lips I've ever craved for.

She pulls away, her cheeks blushing, a shy grin on her face.

Fuck, that's not enough.

Placing my hand behind her neck, I roughly pull her lips back to mine.

Pressing my body into hers, she is trapped with nowhere to run.

I hear her moan quietly, It was hardly audible but it was there and I groan.

That is what I've been wanting to hear.

I've kept this burning desire locked up inside for so long and it wants to come out.

I wrap her arms around my neck and lift her onto the balcony, standing in between her legs.

She gasps and I use that opportunity to slip my tongue inside her mouth.

I explore every bit of her mouth with my tongue, tasting her.

I can tell she doesn't know what to do but that just makes it so much better.

Fuck.

She tastes so fucking good.

I want her now.

Her leg touches my aching crotch by accident and she pulls away.

"Wait! Luca-"

"It's okay, my love. It was an accident. We're going to go at your pace, alright?"

She nods her head and looks up at me shyly.

Oh fuck.

But it's true.

I'm going to take things slow.

I don't want to scare my Luna away.

Grabbing her chin, I press our lips together again.

I may not be able to do anything else but a kiss is enough.

It's a big change.

This is all I want.

Because right now, I'm in pure bliss.