ILARIA (book 3)

3. ILARIA

Arturo is fucking beautiful.

He has curly brown hair that's styled nearly at the minute. His eyes are bright blue and skin so tan and glowing.

He wasn't afraid to admit that he dedicates Sundays to taking care of himself.

He's tall, muscular and has a precious smile. He greeted me politely as he came up to my penthouse, he came bearing gifts; not only for me, but for my entire family.

My gift was a dress, he picked it out and had it altered to my size. It's beautiful, black lace and silk with a low cut V, but it's very comfortable.

I always look good but with this, it's just a whole different ballgame.

I walk out, both he and Romeo turn to look at me.

Arturo's eyes focus in on me with an intense gaze, but Romeo does a quick glance before studying Arturo's reaction.

"It's a beautiful dress."

"The heels." Arturo points to a pair of black stilettos with a red bottom. He has a slight Italian accent and it makes him even more attractive.

As I expected him to, he helps me put the heels on and then holds my hand, kissing the back of it. "You look absolutely stunning, amore. I am previlaged to be able to look at you."

I smile, kissing his cheek. "Where are we going?"

"I have a surprise." He smiles.

"I'll be following in the car behind. He touches you without you wanting it and I will slice his hands off." Romeo threatens before kissing my cheek. "You look beautiful."

I laugh, intertwining my hand with Arturo's and letting him take me in the elevator. Romeo stood to one side and we stood to the other.

He takes me to a vintage rolls royce and opens the door for me.

I sit down, happy at his car as well.

Romeo gets in his Ferrari behind us and Arturo starts to drive. "Can I ask what the minimum time you will spend before you know who you are marrying?" He asks.

"Depends on how much I feel for the man." I say truthfully. "Hopefully, around 6 months. But if it's longer than the man should respect that."

He nods his head. "Do you get a lot of suitors?"

"Yes, many a day but Romeo makes sure that I meet only the best."

"He is very protective over you. Matteo too."

"They have to be. I can't marry a man that doesn't meet their standards." I look at my nails. I need to get these done soon.

We make small chit chat as he leads me to a skyscraper.

Confused, I turn to look at him.

"Rooftop dinner. But, there is a surprise." He gets out of the car, opening the door for me.

I grip onto his hands, watching Romeo's Ferrari pull up right after us. He takes me inside, Romeo follows.

Up in the elevator to the very top, he stood closely behind me as we walked up a couple of steps.

The view here was beautiful.

"I'll be around here." Romeo says, then wanders off.

Arturo holds my hand as he leads me to where a table and two chairs were set up. A waiter there.

He pulls the chair out for me and I take a seat, looking at the expensive champagne. "My favourite." I smile.

"I did research." He sits opposite me.