Chapter One Hundred

Matteo straightened the bowtie snugly around his neck, then made his way to the door.

“Five minutes, Gen!” he called out down the hallway, his voice carrying a mix of impatience and excitement.

“Almost ready!” came Genevieve’s reply, her voice light but tinged with nerves.

He opened the door to find Frankie standing there, looking sharp in a rented tuxedo. A crooked grin spread across Frankie’s face as he stepped inside, clutching a bouquet of vibrant red roses.

“I know, I know—I clean up pretty damn well,” Frankie said with a playful smirk. Then, eyeing Matteo from head to toe, he added, “You’re not looking too bad yourself, I suppose.”

Matteo feigned a look of flattery. “Thanks, but you didn’t have to bring me flowers.”

Frankie quickly hid the bouquet behind his back. “They’re not for you. They’re for the Donna.”

“Ah, bringing flowers for my woman?” Matteo teased.

“Bringing flowers for my lady-boss,” Frankie corrected with a sly grin, prompting Matteo to roll his eyes. Then Frankie’s expression shifted, his smirk fading slightly as he glanced down the hallway. Lowering his voice, he asked, “You still haven’t told her what tonight’s about?”

Matteo shrugged, folding his arms and planting his feet firmly. “Nope.”

“You sure that’s a good idea?”

“Think she can’t handle it?”

Frankie shook his head with a knowing smile. “I just don’t want to deal with you sitting on blue balls for the next week when she finds out what you’ve dragged her into and decides to punish your most valuable asset—your brain.”

“She’ll be fine. Relax. She doesn’t need to know everything,” Matteo said confidently.

Just then, Genevieve’s voice floated from behind them. “She doesn’t need to know everything about what?”

Frankie’s eyes flicked upward, pupils dilating as he swallowed hard, sensing the moment had arrived. Matteo turned to face her, his breath catching. Genevieve looked absolutely stunning in the navy gown he had carefully chosen for her. The fabric hugged her curves like a lover’s caress, smooth and sensuous. The neckline revealed just enough to accentuate her cleavage without being overt, while the slit running up her left thigh left little to the imagination. Her icy blue eyes were cast downward shyly, her loose curls cascading over one shoulder, the other revealing the elegant backless design of the dress.

Matteo caught Frankie’s mouth hanging open in stunned silence.

“Stop staring at her like that,” Matteo hissed, though he couldn’t tear his own eyes away from the breathtaking woman approaching them.

“You first,” Frankie whispered back, voice low. “She’s a fucking goddess.”

Matteo shot him a sharp glare. “I win.”

In response, Matteo playfully smacked Frankie on the side of the head, sending him stumbling forward. Frankie quickly raised the bouquet as a shield, keeping it between himself and Genevieve to avoid further provoking Matteo.

“Oh wow, these are beautiful, Frankie. Thank you,” Genevieve said softly, brushing her manicured fingertips over the velvety petals. “I’ll put them with the others.”

—

Genevieve brushed Matteo’s sleeve as she passed by him toward the kitchen island, where four other bouquets—gifts Matteo had given her earlier that day—were already waiting. Matteo shot Frankie a smug look.

“If you’re all set, Leo’s waiting for us down by the car. The event should be in full swing by now,” Frankie announced, stepping toward the door.

“I’m nervous,” Genevieve admitted quietly, nervously smoothing her palms over the fabric of her dress.

Matteo took her hand gently, then grabbed her shawl and purse from the table near the door. “There’s no reason to be nervous, Weakness. Me, Leo, and Frankie—we’ve all got your back.”

Frankie began descending the stairs as Genevieve waited for Matteo to lock up. Before she could move away, Matteo pulled her close, pressing her into his chest. She gasped softly at the sudden intimacy. Her hand found its place on his chest as he gazed down into her sparkling eyes.

“Before we get into the car and lose our chance for a private moment…” he whispered, his thumb brushing tenderly across her cheek, causing her lashes to flutter. “I want you to know how breathtakingly beautiful you look tonight. I’m proud to have such a stunning woman by my side.”

A rosy flush spread across Genevieve’s cheeks as she smiled and straightened his bowtie. “I like you in a tux,” she murmured, her eyes locking with his. The air between them thickened as she added, “I’m looking forward to taking it off with my teeth later.”

Matteo groaned softly, leaning down to press a delicate kiss to her lips, careful not to smudge her lipstick.

“Well, this is adorable,” Frankie called out from the stairway, shattering their bubble of intimacy. Genevieve sighed, stepping back but keeping her hand resting on Matteo’s arm. “Let’s go, lovebirds. We’ve got work to do.”

The three of them made their way down the stairs and climbed into the waiting SUV. Leo showered Genevieve with compliments until Matteo gave him a sharp look, silently telling him to keep his focus on the road. Matteo noticed how fidgety she was, a clear sign of her nerves. To be honest, he felt a similar tension tightening his chest. He’d never brought a woman he cared for to the Royale before. He knew it was only a matter of minutes before other powerful men swarmed her with propositions. Taking a deep breath, he exhaled slowly. He trusted her—with everything he had. But these men… they were at the top for a reason.

Genevieve reached up, cupping his cheek and pulling his face toward hers. Her lips brushed his, fingers tangling in his hair. Matteo’s body relaxed as he cradled her throat, his thumb pressing gently into the soft skin of her jaw. When she finally pulled away, all his anxiety had melted. She smiled, biting her own lip as she wiped the lipstick from his mouth.

“Sorry,” she whispered.

Matteo kissed her again, his voice soft against her lips. “Don’t ever apologize for that.”

Blushing, Genevieve glanced at Frankie’s reflection in the rearview mirror, catching his amused stare. “So, can I at least know what’s planned for tonight?” she asked, curiosity overcoming her nerves.

Matteo chuckled. “We’ll arrive in—”

“Just a few minutes,” Leo interjected.

“We’ll walk the carpet and—”

“Will they take our picture?” Genevieve’s eyes widened, panic flickering.

“Only a few. We won’t linger, I promise,” Matteo reassured her. “Then we head inside, find our table, and do some networking. I’ll have to step away for a bit to handle business, but I’ll stay close, and so will Leo and Frankie.”

“I’ll be the closest to you, Miss Sinclair,” Leo added with a reassuring smile. “I’ll be your shadow.”

“Okay,” Genevieve replied, feeling a bit more at ease.

“After the business is done, we’ll eat. There’ll be speeches, an auction, and then dancing.”

“Dancing?” she asked, a hint of surprise in her voice.

“Nothing formal. Not everyone participates, but there’s a dance floor,” Matteo said, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips. “And I plan to find every excuse to show you off.”

“We’re here,” Leo announced, opening his door first.

“Stay put,” Matteo ordered. “I’ll get your door.”

Genevieve took a deep breath, nodding as her eyes fixed on the flashing cameras and shouting photographers beyond her tinted window. Matteo adjusted his suit sleeves and circled around to the passenger side.

“I want you in Leo’s sights at all times,” Matteo murmured, barely audible. “If anything happens tonight, you’ve already used your one free pass. Don’t forget that.”

Leo gave a sharp nod, understanding the gravity of his role without needing further instruction. Matteo opened the door and smiled down at Genevieve. She took his outstretched hand and stepped out with the poise and grace of a queen. Her head held high, she slid her arm through his.

They walked the red carpet together, Matteo pausing to let the photographers capture her radiant beauty. Unable to resist, he gently lifted her chin, kissed her softly, and drew her attention back to him. The flashes intensified, cameras clicking rapidly. He pulled back just enough to look down at her. She smiled up at him, fully aware he had just claimed her in front of the entire world.

In that moment, amid the blinding lights and overwhelming noise, Matteo wished he could scoop her into his arms, carry her away from all of this, and keep her safe. Genevieve squeezed his arm and gave a subtle nod of understanding. He inhaled deeply and turned them toward the entrance, steeling himself to face whatever the night would bring—hoping he could make it through without having to put a bullet between someone’s eyes.