Antonio glanced down at her, a hint of amusement in his voice.
“I could change it if you don’t like it.” Livy gave him a look.
“Well, it’s a little late for that now, isn’t it?” she whispered back.
“Let’s dance.” It was an intense music.
Livy didn’t really know how to dance.
She had never had the time to learn.
Her stomach growled, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten anything yet.
“I’m hungry.” Before he could respond, a familiar female voice came from behind them.
“I knew you would come, my love.” It was Chloe.
She closed the remaining distance, rising onto her toes, and pressed a bold kiss directly to Antonio’s lips.
Antonio didn’t react.
Livy watched the unexpected display, a strange mixture of annoyance and jealousy twisted in her chest.
She shook her head as if to clear the ridiculous thought away.
“I see you managed to get an invitation,” Antonio said calmly.
“We were both invited.” Chloe smiled, batting her eyelashes.
“I am your fiancée, remember?” ”How could I forget,” he said dryly.
”Come, I want you to say hello to my mother.” Antonio lifted an eyebrow.
“Your mother is here?” ”Yes,” Chloe urged, already grabbing his arm and pulling him along.
Antonio glanced toward Marco behind them.
The silent instruction was clear.
Stay with Livy.
Marco nodded.
”I hate that woman,” Livy hissed under her breath.
”Me too.” Livy jumped, spinning around.
She hadn’t realized anyone was behind her.
”Marco!” She pressed a hand to her chest.
“Don’t sneak up on me like that.
Are you a bat or something?” He chuckled softly.
“That’s one way to put it.” She glanced back toward the crowd where Antonio had disappeared.
“So…
is she like a real princess?” she asked.
”Unfortunately, yes,” Marco replied.
“That explains a lot?” Livy muttered.
“Just what every mafia romance needs, royal blood and entitlement.” “His father arranged the engagement.” Livy nodded slowly.
“Well, she can keep him,” she lied smoothly.
Alhough her chest tightened just a little as she watched Chloe clinging to Antonio’s arm in the distance.
“I hope they have a happy married life after I’m gone.
Though honestly, right now, I’d sell my soul for a bite of whatever those waiters are carrying on those silver trays.” Marco chuckled quietly, signaling to a passing server with a quick nod.
The server immediately walked toward them, offering a small crystal plate loaded with gourmet canapés.
”Don Antonio said to make sure you were taken care of,” Marco reminded her gently.
“So eat up.
We don’t want you fainting on the dance floor if he decides to drag you out there next.” She picked one up and took a bite.
Her eyes widened.
“Oh, this is good.” Marco smiled.
“Take your time.
You don’t want to choke.” Livy ignored him and reached for another.
After a moment, she looked at him.
“Marco?” “Yea?” She hesitated.
“What happens when Antonio finally lets me go?
Am I safe?” Marco’s smile faded.
He opened his mouth, then closed it, clearly taken aback by the blunt question.
”Err, why do you ask?” ”I want to know.” ”Well, the truth is…
being married to Antonio gives you protection.” Livy’s expression changed.
“And when I’m not married to him?” Marco looked at her.
“Erm, well, that protection won’t be the same.” “So I’ll be in danger.” “I didn’t say that.” Marco was quiet for a moment.
“You’ve become connected to the D’Angelo name, Livy.
There are people who might use you to get to Antonio.” “Even after I’m free?” “Especially then.” She stared at him.
“Then what am I supposed to do?” “You leave the country to a far away place and start a new life.” For the first time ever, the thought of leaving him didn’t feel as comforting as it once had.
Maybe her mother was right.
But then another thought crossed her mind.
How exactly do you seduce a Don who is engaged to a princess?
Moments later…
Antonio returned to Livy after speaking with a few men.
He walked up to her and leaned closer, bringing his face near hers.
Livy immediately pulled back.
“What are you doing?” “What does it look like?” Antonio murmured.
“I’m about to kiss my wife.” “No.” His eyebrow lifted.
“No?
I thought you agreed to act as my wife in public.” Livy gave him a sweet smile and wrapped her arms around his neck.
Then leaned in and pressed her lips against his.
Antonio froze for half a second.
Then his hand settled gently at her waist as he returned the kiss, deepening it just enough to make her heart race.
Livy pulled back first, her cheeks warming.
“There,” she whispered.
“Happy now?” Antonio looked down at her, a faint smile playing on his lips.
“Very.
Now let’s dance.” “No.” He raised an eyebrow.
“No?” “I…
I don’t know how.” Before she could say anything else, he pulled her flush against him.
Livy gasped.
“Yes, you do,” he said.
“And I told you, you never say no to me.” He took her hand and led her toward the dance floor.
The music had changed to a slow, melody.
Antonio placed one hand around her waist while Livy rested hers against his shoulder.
“I told you, I don’t know how to dance.” “Just follow my lead,” he murmured.
He guided her into the first step.
Livy followed awkwardly, nearly stepping on his foot.
Antonio’s faint smile returned.
“Relax.” He guided her through another slow step.
After a few moments, she began to find the rhythm.
“There,” he said quietly.
“See?
You’re dancing.” Livy looked up at him.
“Maybe I just needed the right partner.” The words slipped out before she could stop them.
She immediately looked away.
Antonio’s smile deepened.
For a moment, she allowed herself to relax in his arms.
When she looked up, her eyes met a familiar pair across the ballroom.
Livy froze.
Agent Cross stood near the corner of the room, watching her.