Chapter 13

Dominic was beyond annoyed as he stormed away from his guards but not because the girl was missing. He was annoyed because the reason Arya was missing might have to do with Juan and he did not like to think that his rival has outsmarted him.

Sighing, he decided that he would sort it later on as he had an important dinner to attend that night. When he got to his office to sign some papers before getting dressed, he was surprised to see a suitcase on his desk.

He has been the one to unlock the door and no one else had the key so how was sit possible? He scrutinized it with utmost suspicious prying at his heart but opened it nonetheless.

The suitcase was filled with money and at the top; a note read— That's four million. Twice the amount you paid for her.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Juan has his hands on Arya's waist as they walked into the ballroom where the dinner was held.

It was dimly lit with chandeliers from the high ceilings above each dining table. The tables were draped in a white cloth and it displayed cutleries arranged meticulously. The room smelled of expensive wine and perfume.

Juan led them to a table and pulled out a chair for her to sit. Belle strided towards them with a burning look in her eyes. "Juan," she said softly in a hurt voice. They were in public and she cared a lot about her reputation so she refrained from causing drama. "Why did you have to bring her here?"

"I thought she'd be a perfect date."

"You said you were going to see me tonight."

"And I'm seeing you." Juan turned to Arya. "Can I get you a drink?"

"Juan, you're embarrassing me. People know us together."

"How does that have to do with me bringing someone else here?" He asked, walking away to get a drink for Arya.

"What is your problem?" Belle hissed the moment Juan was gone. "You just show up from nowhere and suddenly you're feeling like you're queen?"

"I.…" Arya began. "Don't see it that way please, I didn't even want to be here."

"Here you go," Juan set a wine glass in front of Arya then handed Belle the other one.

Arya groaned inwardly, she wished Belle had not been here and Juan did not come back as quickly as he had. She wanted to excuse herself and be on her way as quickly as possible.

"You two should dance," Arya suggested.

Belle rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Such a pick me," she muttered. "Stop trying to get my approval."

"Mr. Moreno," a man said walking over to their table. He whispered something into Juan's ears then later spoke out loud. "Let me introduce you."

"Belle you should talk to more people," he suggested. "Arya and I will see you later."

He held Arya's hand firmly much to her dismay and marched her to were a few gentlemen were standing, holding glasses of wine and laughing at business jokes.

"Mr. Moreno," A sturdy man in his fifties called out. "It is finally nice to see the face behind the name."

"Likewise Mr. Russo," Juan smiled and shook his hand.

"And who is this beautiful young lady on your arm?" Arya felt scrutinized in a lustful manner by the man.

"She's my woman," Juan said possessively, his smile was no longer friendly. "Her name is Arya."

"Pleasure to meet you beautiful," the man smiled and licked his lips. "It'll be nice to know you."

Arya managed to stretch her lips into a smoke and then held on to Juan's hand tighter. She suddenly felt safer with him by her side.

"Have you settled at a table already?" Mr. Russo asked. "You should join me. I saved a spot for you at my table and I will be able to create room for the lady."

"That will be nice."

"You, I didn't think you'd honour my birthday dinner invitation."

Even though they had a table picked, Juan decided to follow Mr. Russo just to avoid Belle. Moreover, Mr. Russo was one of the hosts of the dinner so he was sure to get a good seat and better connections that he was going to need for his businesses.

"Who am I to say no?" Juan asked. "Your gift shall be delivered tomorrow morning, there was a delay in the shipment."

"Thank you very much, I look forward to it."

They got to the table which was at the very front of the room. It was filled with important people like senators and high ranking business men. Arya wondered how someone like Juan who was involved in criminal business would be invited to such a gathering.

Then she shrugged, most politicians indulged in criminal activities.

"You all should meet Mr. Moreno," Mr. Russo smiled to all of them. Pleasantries were exchanged and in the midst of all this, Arya noticed someone sitting quietly amongst them.

She squeezed Juan's hand tightly as she locked eyes with Dominic. She was shocked to see that the man who has tortured her just to send images to Juan was seated at the table.

Juan looked at her worriedly and then his eyes travelled in the direction of were Arya's scared ones were settled on. "Dominic!" His smile had a dangerous undertone. "What a pleasure."

"A great pleasure indeed," Dominic replied through clenched teeth. He didn't look rugged like Arya had firstly seen him, but looked responsible with his suit and tie.

"I wasn't aware that you two knew each other," Mr. Russo said. Everyone at the table seemed to understand the tension between the two Mafia Lords other than Mr. Russo himself.

"We go way back," Juan said heartily. "Dominic, did you perhaps receive payment for the luggage I acquired from you?"

"Those were not the terms?" There was an underlying threat from Dominic.

"Really?" Juan asked. "Then you shall have to send another email, I must have missed something important."