Sold to the mafia boss

Logan’s jet arrived in the early morning of Italy. We were picked up and driven to a fancy hotel. After Logan told me he wanted me to meet his parents, I could only just imagine how they’d react when they see me. Would I be good enough for their son in their eyes? Would I finally meet this brother of his that he seemed to hate so much? And his heartless father?

After getting settled, I walked out in my flowing red gown and stopped at the balcony, looking over the city. Italy was more beautiful than I’d been told and I haven’t even gone sightseeing yet. The air was welcoming, the humidity felt just right on my skin. I knew I loved it here the instant I saw all the fancy local eateries our car passed as we headed towards the hotel. I knew in my mind that moment that this was a beautiful place to raise kids. And the thought actually caused me to smile but it faded just as it came. This marriage means nothing but my key to freedom. I have to keep reminding myself no matter how beautiful the idea of getting married to Logan was.

I’d left Logan back at the bedroom, carried away by the beautiful morning sky as I walked towards the balcony. I had no idea he had followed me until I felt his chest pressing up against my back, his hands running up my arms.

I inhaled deeply, inhaled his manly scent and smiled to myself. I felt his chin graze my ear and cheek and heard him chuckle lightly.

” Italy’s beautiful, isn’t it? ” He whispered into my ear.

I leaned back into him and he fondled me into his chest, his arms now folded around me. ” Indeed it is. I can imagine you growing up here.”

He chuckles tenderly, leaning forward to plant a firm kiss on my cheek.

” Nothing compares to your beauty, love, ” he said ” but I would take you on a romantic tour after dinner tonight ”

I turned around so I could see his eyes. They were beautiful. And happy. Genuinely happy. And I wished this was all real. Him, this marriage, this thing we have which could be love or not, this compliment. Everything. Logan was a romantic, I’ve lived long enough with him to know this and at times like this when he says and shows romantic gestures, I feel completely pleased with the idea that he was in love with me. But I couldn’t entertain that right now.

” I would very much love that.” I replied with a small smile.

He tightens his grip around my waist and pulls me into him, our hips meeting.

He lifts a hand and smoothens my hair down my head, his eyes roaming over me like I was the thing he adored most.

” Don’t be scared tonight, my family may be a collection of assholes but they’re nice and welcoming. Especially since you’re my girlfriend.”

” I’m actually excited to meet them.”

I remained in his arms, head leant against his chest, the morning air brushing tenderly against my skin.

By 3 p. m, a car was waiting out for us. We were having dinner at his place but Logan said he wanted me dressed up first.

The car drove us to a beautiful place. It was a large fashion house. A much older woman appears from behind the long curtains as we stepped inside.

” Welcome, how may I help you today? ” She asked, her smile unmatched.

” I want a beautiful dress for my fiance here” Logan replied before I could even think of a reply. She nods and takes my hand, Logan following slightly behind.

” What’s the occasion dear? ” The woman asks as we got to the dress section.

” I’m… having dinner with my fiancee’s family today” I replied, feeling my cheeks redning.

” Oh Wonderful! Italian families are simply wonderful! I’ll put you in the most beautiful evening dress we have dear. ”

I gave her a smile and turned to the full length mirror to watch my reflection as she hurried away to bring the dress. I watched my face and tried to smile but it seemed so pointless. Why smile on a day like this? On a day that I’m supposed to be happy if I was someone else.

She returns shortly with a carton colored gown. Only after wearing it did I see how it actually looked. The fabric was one I’ve never seen before, it was soft and tender against my skin. it’s a mermaid gown with a corset bodice, one arm bare and off the shoulder, the other long and joined to the side of the gown, nearly swallowing my tiny right fingers. The dress clung to my body like a second skin, accentuating all of my curves.

It only takes her a long number of hours to get my face and hair done. My hair was made into a french braid down my back, curled and held up behind my back in a neat fashion, a few strands left sticking out of the sides.

I watched my reflection on the full length mirror and couldn’t see myself. My true self. I felt like a whole new person, not different, just new. I noticed I’d added more skin since the last time I’d first arrived here. It’s probably been five months? Seven?

I was lost staring at myself in the mirror that I hadn’t realized the attending woman had left as Logan walked in.

I saw his reflection on the mirror as he stopped right behind me, himself now dressed in Navy blue suits. He looked different. He looked beautiful.

” You look absolutely breathtaking, Layla” he said, his face serious and focused.

My heart seemed to summersault inside my chest as I turned slightly to the side to see him. He steps forward and added ” I have something for you”

Bringing his hand up to my face, he presents me with an open ring box. Inside it was a shimmering, no doubt costs a fortune ring. I looked up to find the smile on his face. He gently picks out the ring and sets the box away, picked up my right hand and firmly slips the band through the right finger.

I watched the band adorning my finger for a split second and smiled. Looking into his eyes, I said ” it’s beautiful, Logan ”

” Nothing compares to you, Layla” he replies, moving in to kiss me firmly on my lips.