Chapter 11 - Silk and Scars
|
The following afternoon, Hannah was ushered into one of the massive guest suites of the estate.
Lorenzo had not been exaggerating when he said he would handle the dress. A frantic, highly acclaimed Italian designer and two assistants were waiting for her, armed with measuring tapes and racks of exquisite fabric.
"Mr. Moretti gave us very specific instructions," the designer, a flamboyant man named Julian, said as he circled Hannah. "He said no black. No hiding. He wants you to shine."
For two hours, Hannah was pinned, tucked, and fitted. When she looked in the mirror, she expected to feel ridiculous. Instead, she felt a sudden, shocking wave of confidence.
The dress was a deep, rich emerald green silk that draped flawlessly over her curves. It didn't try to compress her or hide her shape; it celebrated it. The neckline was a daring plunge that accentuated her full breasts, and the skirt flowed like liquid glass down to her heels.
"You look magnificent, darling," Julian beamed.
The heavy oak door clicked open. Lorenzo walked in.
He froze.
The designer and his assistants quickly excused themselves, sensing the immediate, heavy shift in the room's atmosphere.
Hannah turned to face Lorenzo, suddenly nervous. "Is it too much?" she asked, her hands fluttering to her waist.
Lorenzo slowly walked toward her, his dark eyes burning with an intensity that made her knees weak. He stopped inches away, looking down at her as if she were a religious experience.
"It isn't enough," Lorenzo breathed, his voice raw. "Nothing could ever be enough to capture how beautiful you are."
He reached out, his large, rough hand gently cupping her jaw. His thumb traced her cheekbone.
"You are perfection, Hannah," he whispered.
Hannah’s breath hitched. She leaned into his touch, her eyes fluttering shut. The space between them was charged with a magnetic, undeniable pull.
Lorenzo leaned down. His lips brushed against hers—a light, tentative touch that instantly ignited a wildfire in her blood. She gasped, opening her mouth to him, and Lorenzo groaned, deepening the kiss.
It was a kiss of absolute possession. His hands slid down to grip her hips, pulling her lush curves flush against his hard, muscular frame.
May you like
When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathing heavily.
"If we don't leave for this gala right now," Lorenzo growled against her lips, "we are never leaving this room."
