67: Charms and drinks.

GIOVANNI.

Businessmen and women always seemed to celebrate their success from time to time. They like to throw big events to let the world know that they just hit a strategic jackpot. Yes, it was a jackpot. After the bidding, I let Kiki go home to get dressed for the business gala we had been invited to.

I would love to bail out at this point but Matteo would hear none of it. He kept telling me that it helps to broaden my connections. So, I agreed to go. I straightened my tie which was tucked in my expensive black tux.

I honestly hoped Kiki still have one of the dresses she shopped for the other day to perfect this event. I wouldn’t want anyone looking down on her. I took a glimpse at my Rolex to check the time. Kiki was supposed to be here. I had sent Pete to her but she seemed to be wasting time.

How I wished Matteo was representing me instead of this. I don’t think I can survive a night at this boring party. I took my phone out to call Pete when a car drove into the venue. I had instructed Pete to take my other car. Whenever events like this came up, it was best we changed our usual cars.

Pete stepped down from the car and got the door for her. It seemed like she was trying to gather herself together cos it took some seconds before her legs popped out.

Feet clad in stunning red peep toe heels with matching purses came into view. Slowly, she took her time in stepping down from the car like she knew someone was watching her. It was like she knew it was important for me to let every detail sink in.

Kiki was dressed in this gorgeous net red dress. The dress wasn’t all that different from the first one. This dress was long-sleeved with a sweetheart neckline. It had a slit that seemed to be way up than the first one. And her curves were well defined in the dress.

Moving up to her face, she seemed to have done this smoky eye thing that ladies do. I’ve seen it on lots of them but this one I’m seeing on Kiki seemed to be the sexiest. She looked so beautiful, especially with that fringe she made her to in the front with a tight-knotted bun on her head.

When she met my gaze, smiling subtly and looking at me from those thick lashes of hers, I knew she was out for my sanity.

“Let’s go in Mr. Callisto.” She addressed me formally and then turned around to take the lead, walking in those long heels like a diva. I caught up with her in no time, walking by her side.

She looked hot on red.

“Red looks so hot on you,” I told her. She turned towards me and passed me a smile. And that was it. We soon found ourselves in the room. When we walked in and I grabbed a drink, we seemed to gather a little attention to ourselves. I didn’t mind though. I went about, greeting the people I knew with Kiki beside me.

Every time I introduced Kiki as my assistant, people would stop short, take a step back and express their surprise. And each time, I passed them a smile.

I saw Matteo walk in and he winked at me subtly telling me I was doing a good job. I just stared at him as he did his thing.

“Excuse me, ” Someone said coming into the scene. I turned around to face the owner of the voice. I knew the voice too well to know who it belonged to.

Luca Arts.

“Ah! Callisto,” He sounded amused.

“You do clean up pretty well.” He smirked. I smiled.

“Yeah, I do, Arts. But hey, it seems like you are not left out. Who would I’ve thought a beast could look this good?” I threw him a direct jab of my own and the smile on his face wiped off.

“I’m not here for you.” He didn’t even seem angry. He just turned to Kiki who already had his attention. She had been staring at him.

“You look so beautiful.” He said taking her hand. “Permission to charm you,” He added coyly and she laughed, her laughter consuming the air.

“I’d love to see you try.” She said a glint in her eyes.

“Good. I would have you charmed by the end of the night.” He nodded like he was so sure about it. Sure of himself. “Damn, you are very…” He stopped short to release the breath he seemed to have been holding. “Sexy,” He drew.

“Well, aren’t you a charmer?” She chuckled making me wish I had said that. Even if I did, I doubt she would have responded that way.

“And I only just begun.” He told her.

“Sweet. I’m up for it. By the way, you look,” She stopped and sent him a wink. I didn’t even know what I was still doing standing there even with the look I kept sending Kiki.

I stopped a waitress who was going on and grabbed a drink. Kiki and Luca took one themselves. I was aware that this was alcohol when I took a gulp which was why my eyes widened when Kiki took a sip.

“You shouldn’t drink, kiki,” I told her.

“And why not?” She seemed irritated that I was interrupting her conversation with Luca.

”Cos you go all bonkers when you drink. You really shouldn’t be seen with alcohol.” I told her.

“You know what happened the last time you did,” I mumbled. She sighed resignedly and handed me the drink. I passed her a smile and she nodded.

“Uh, is it just me or are you two acting like you’re a couple?” Luca suddenly asked with a bewildered expression.