JADE
FIVE DAYS LATER
“Must we really go for this event Luciano? Huh?” I mumbled watching Luciano get ready as he put on his Rolex wristwatch.
Apparently, the Valentino’s had invited us to a party of some sort days ago and Luciano insisted we attend.
I do not want to go back into that mansion. Last time I was there, I had a fallout with Valerie and I do not even want to see her face ever again.
I do not know how a woman can be so comfortable plotting the downfall of another woman’s marriage!
Luciano had a smirk on his face as he stood in front of the mirror, observing my annoyed features through the reflection.
I dropped the pair of heels I was about putting on, irritated to even wear it.
“Luciano won’t you even say something?” I snapped, standing up at once barefooted and coming to stand behind him.
Taking a thin mouth comb, Luciano began combing down his hair slowly. “Jade you have asked me that question a million times and I keep on telling you that we have to attend it. What more do you want me to say?” Luciano said with a deep sigh.
I huffed and folded my arms together, “Say something else. We know what those people want from us. We know their plans for our marriage. You either marry Valerie or you suffer financial lossess and loose your hold on Ecuador as well. Either way we loose so what is the need of honouring their farcade invitation”
Luciano chuckled and faced me. “Jade my love, you think I do not know all these? I am more worried than you Jade. If I do not find a way to maintain our safety, fix the issues of the constant hassles my goods encounter along the coast and find a way to supress any uprising or threats my half brothers are planning, then I’ll be doomed”
His words sent frightening chills into my body. Like a flashback, Valerie’s words from the last time I spoke to her echoed in my head, causing me more fright.
“But Jade..” Luciano snapped me out of the brooding thoughts that I was drifting into. “I promise, I will handle it all ok. I give you my word on that. That function will probably have a lot of top drug barons and dons in attendance. I need to meet with them all. You get that don’t you?”
“This freaking mafia… Can you not just quit it? I mean what is the need of being in a mafia please? You have enough money Luciano. Enough money to take care of both of us. Can you not just quit it?” I was practically begging him at this point, my hands holding his desperately.
“It is not that easy Jade. I wish I could at times. You do not deserve all these undue fear and worry. I promise I’ll have everything under control and then we can go back home ok?” Luciano lifted my chin up to directly stare into my eyes.
I nodded and he kissed me softly for a while before letting go.
Seeing no need of pleading with him to stay back, I decided to go get ready.
After about twenty minutes, Luciano and I stepped out of our villa hand in hand, heading towards a black limousine.
The sun which had originally casted a golden glow across the evening sky was slowly setting, transforming the sky into a dark blue sea with little freckles of stars.
A chauffer stood in waiting for us, pulling the door of the limousine open and allowing us to step inside.
The drive to the Valentino mansion was not that long.
I found myself so agitated and laddenned with anxiety. I am such an overthinker and situations like these bring out the worst in me.
I wondered how Luciano was able to keep his cool and remain calm concerning all what we had been through these past couple of weeks in Ecuador.
On arrival into the mansions vicinity, I noticed the area was quite busy than usual.
Numerous expensive cars filled literally every where with dim lights emanating from all opened windows of the mansion. Armed men patrolled every nook and cranny.
Once we stepped out of the limousine, I could faintly hear the distant sound of music playing from within.
With hands interlocked, I and Luciano elegantly walked towards the doors of the mansion.
My heart was honestly palpitating, threatening to even break out of my rib cages and I did not know why.
Luciano abruptly stopped, causing me to also halt in my tracks.
“Jade, you are shaking” he whispered, his eyes narrowing down to my hands.
Was it that noticeable?
“Uhm.. I am just… uh..” I became speechless and tongue tied. I did not know how to respond.
“Calm down ok. I’ll be with you. I need you to not show any slight discomfort or anxiety when you are in there you got that Jade? You are the wife of Luciano Greco. Always remember that”
His words were firm and resolute but comforting and affectionate at the same time.
“Thank you Luciano” I smiled at him.
He nodded his head and we began walking once again.
Two men of equal muscularity stood at the door, probably checking who got in and making sure only invited guests were allowed.
They looked extremely frightening as they were doused in an all black outfit not to mention the various armed equipments that coated their appearance.
From guns to daggers… so scary.
“Mr Greco, wonderful to have you here” One of them said in his low baritone voice which made me almost jump out of my skin.
“I know. I hope I do not regret it. Open the door” Luciano ordered sternly.
I’ve rarely ever seen him this harsh before.
The men obeyed him like loyal dogs. I flashed both of them a mild smile and they returned it before the door was shut.
I was astonished and bewildered the moment I stepped inside. When Luciano told me of this party, I thought it would be a classy event, I did not expect it looking like a strip club.
Nudely dressed women in basically nothing but transparent silk danced at the centre of the huge hall, swaying their curvy hips seductively to catch people’s attention.
The air had this stench of drug, sex and alcohol.
The lightening inside was so dim creating the sexually appealing ambience of the hall.
I noticed the type of people in attendance indeed were men who dealt with guns and blood. Dons of the underworld who ruled their syndicate with nothing but sheer power.
Puffs of cigarette filled the air as men whistled to the ladies and women flung their bodies towards any man who so desired them.
I felt a gag haul up to my throat as I stared.
“What sort of party is this?” I was hesitant to move further into the hall.
“Hey handsome” a lady seductively winked at Luciano, biting her lower lip slowly. A glass of alcohol twirled around her slender fingers.
“You could come have fun with me instead” she slurry spoke, running her hands around her body seductively.
“He is taken bitch” I snapped at her.
“Fuck you” she cursed and walked away.
Man this place gives me the chills!
“Damien’s parties are always like this my love. Don’t drink any thing offered to you by someone else and you will be fine. Stick with me too” Luciano admonished.
I nodded and gathered my emotions together before we began making our way through the sea of individuals.
Luciano led the way, taking me up the stairs.
Even with my heels, he was still taller than me. I found it hard to keep up with his long strides.
It seems there was another party upstairs too as sound of musical instruments slowly filled my ears.
It became louder when we approached a huge wooden door.
Pushing the door open, the music flooded my ears at once.
Luciano and I stepped inside.
This seemed like the VIP part of the party. It was more classy.
A live band played at the centre of the room, magnificent chandeliers hanging from each corner of the large room which filled the room with their beautiful lightening effects.
Waiters moved around like a tide, serving everyone who cared to eat.
I noticed a lot of broad leather chairs and tables littered everywhere.
This was better than downstairs.
At once, various men and women, highly esteemed dignitaries, approached us.
They were more interested in talking to Luciano than me.
As we tried to manoeuvre our way through them, I noticed Damien making his way towards us.
Sick bastard.
“Luciano. Great to see you here!” He laughed.
“How could I miss it?”
His eyes drifted towards me. “And you brought Jade along too. Jade hope you don’t mind my party? I always love doing things unconventional” he smirked.
“Not at all” I forced myself to reply.
“Luciano we have a lot to discuss. Privately” he added the last part deliberately.
Luciano had no look on his face. He faced me and leaned down to speak in my ear, “I will be back ok. Stay here and wait for me” he whispered before going off with Damien.
I watched them exit the large room with a sigh leaving my lips.
God I am so fed up with this place.
Having nothing doing, I went to sit on one of the chairs atleast to enjoy the live band playing.
Time moved slowly.
I stayed by myself for what seemed like an eternity until I noticed a distinct figure coming my way.
Valerie.
“I did not think you would show up with Luciano Jade” she said with scorn.
“Why? So you can have him all to yourself?” I scoffed back, rolling my eyes.
“I wish” she replied. “Poor thing. You are here feeling all bored and sad meanwhile Luciano is downstairs having the time of his life with various women. Just accept the fact that you do not give him the excitement which he desires”
“Nonsense. You must be crazy to think I’ll believe your lies. My husband is faithful” I retorted back.
Valerie let out a sinister chuckle. “Oh really? Then why did I just see him leave the party with a blonde lady? Deceive yourself more and more Jade” she gave me a gloaty smile before walking away.
What?