Chapter 8

"Tell me, White. Who is he? Who’s trying to kill me?" He asked almost growling. I stared at his emerald eyes again. I frowned. I could clearly see my reflection. I looked different. I was no longer that chick who would crawl for attention. I know I matured and that makes me happy. Too bad my family could no longer see that. "I can’t describe him. There are lots of men here who could match his features. But I know him when I see him. I couldn’t see the other guy though. I was facing his back." He nodded. He then pulled away from me ang dragged me away from the dance floor. "Where are we going?" "Away from there. You’re distracting other people." I didn’t know what he meant by that. He just dragged me here and there introduced me to businessmen he works with. He introduced me as his date. Turns out Stefano wasn’t the type to bring women in events. He was a bachelor who was never interested in relationship. That’s why a lot of them were shocked that he finally brought a date. "Why are they so shocked when you showed up with a woman? Are you really not interested in dating... or relationship?" I stared at the champagne that I hold. I couldn’t drink it. Not after what they plan for Stefano. "Just because I introduced you to them doesn’t mean you’re going to act chummy with me." He glared at me. I sighed deeply. I’m just trying to initiate a conversation here. Why does he have to be such a ****? "Look, I’m just-" "Stefano Ranallo. Good to see you here." He shifted his eyes to me and smiled. "... and with a date. What a surprise." "Harrison Price. It’s good te see you, too." They shook their hands. "And who might be this gorgeous lady here?" He asked. "This is Olivia Hale, my date tonight." He answered. The fake name was something we agreed on for my safety. "It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Price." I shook his hand with a smile. "You look dashing, Miss Hale. I see why Stefano took a liking to you." He chuckled. "Thank you, sir." I answered with a smile. "Stefano, I’d like to talk to you in private." Harrison requested. "Of course. I hope this talk leads to another business deal with me, Harrison." Stefano said. Harrison laughed. "Maybe." I grabbed Stefano’s arm and cling to him. "I’m coming with you, babe. You’re not going to leave me tonight." He stared at me obviously hiding his glare. I just smiled at him sweetly. I seriously don’t want to be left here. One, I don’t know anyone here. I don’t want to have conversations with men who eye me with lust. Two, I’m keeping an eye on Stefano. The man who’s trying to kill him still haven’t showed up yet. And I don’t know if he’s hiding or he’ll just let someone do the dirty business. Harrison laughed. "Let her come, Stefano. I won’t mind." We entered a room that looked liked a study room. We sat down a sofa. Harrison grabbed something to drink. Not a moment later, the door opened. We turned our heads to look at the intruder. "Edward, I’ve been waiting for your arrival." Harrison said. "Good to see you here, Stefano. I hope I’m not interrupting your business with Harrison here." Stefano stood up and greeted him. "No, no, Edward. We just got here. Come here and have a drink." Harrison said. Edward noticed my presence. "My, my. Who would ever thought the great Stefano would finally settle down." He looked at me and smiled. I stood up and offered a handshake. "Olivia Hale. Pleasure to meet you..." "Edward Henderson. Your wife is extremely gorgeous, Stefano. No wonder you settled down." He chuckled. He turned around and went to Harrison to get his drink. "Not wife, Edward. She’s just my date for tonight." Stefano sat down. I followed him and sat on his lap. He was taken aback. I stared at him blankly. He stared back at me, glaring from the inside. "Oh. I was so sure that you’ve finally settle down. The fact that no one can tame the great Stefano Ranallo, you know. It’s a challenge." He joked. "She’s just my long time friend from overseas. She invited me for dinner to catch things up. I figured why not let her come with me instead in this charity event. Women would stop bothering me if they see a woman in my arms and my mother would shut up about me finally having a date." He said blankly. Our eyes never leave each others’. Harrison and Edward laughed." So you’re killing two birds with one stone." Edward said. Harrison gave us a glass of champagne. I rejected it." Thank you but I had too much tonight. Stefano here would worry for me." "If I know any better, Stefano, you’re whipped." Edward said. The two laughed. "Whatever you say, folks." He went back to staring at me. I turned to his neck and acted like I was trailing kisses towards his ear. He ignored me while still having their conversation. I made sure he’d notice my intention. "Don’t drink it. Just take a sip and return the liquid to the glass without them noticing." I whispered to his ear. "Edward is the guy." I continued. I noticed him flinched. He squeezed my waist. His anger evident. "I think we should go." We stood. I eyed Edward who kept eyeing Stefano. "My date doesn’t know how to keep her hands off me." He glanced at me as if he feels the same way. I chuckled. "Is it that obvious, babe? I hope I didn’t trouble you with your friends." "No worries, Olivia. My wife has been looking for me too. I better go. I’ll just come to visit you in your office, Stefano. I still need to discuss important matter with you." We bid farewell to him and he hurried to his wife. It’s funny to see a tough man getting soft when his wife calls him. I smiled to myself. " It’s a shame. I wanted you to stay and have a talk business with you. But it’s understandable when you’re head over heels with the most gorgeous tonight." He smiled fakely. "Good night, Edward." I said. "Good night, Miss Hale." Stefano said his goodbye and we both walked out. When we opened the door, some guards came blocked the way. They captured us and held us tightly.