Episode 19

"Marvelous!" Angelina exclaimed, settling onto a high bar stool at the main bar in the space, having rid herself of Stella and Pietro. "Please, a martini," she ordered the bartender.

Taking a general look around, she noticed that Romeo had invested a fair amount of money into the place. The atmosphere was elegant and sophisticated, with classic decoration, giving the place a chic feel.

The walls were adorned with hand-carved wooden panels, painted by a famous artist especially at Romeo's request. These mural paintings were the highlight of the location, portraying scenes of sensuous women, yet devoid of vulgarity.

The bar furniture was equally elegant, with upholstered chairs and polished wooden tables. The lighting was soft and warm, creating an intimate and welcoming atmosphere. An exclusive DJ was stationed on the first floor of the venue, energizing the grand opening party with a mix of electronic music and current hits.

All of New York's wealthiest were gathered at that bar. It was a true parade of elegance, luxury, and wealth. The most stunning young ladies, daughters of prominent families and local mafia members, were also in attendance. Some celebrities made appearances, adding an extra touch of glamour to the event. Renowned actors, musicians, influential digital personalities, and media figures mingled among Romeo Gotti's guests.

Journalists were not allowed inside the event, but since Romeo desired publicity for his venture, they were allowed to remain outside, where drinks and appetizers were also provided for them. Naturally, when an important and discreet figure arrived, journalists were moved aside to prevent photographs or any record of that person's presence.

Furthermore, successful businessmen, visionary entrepreneurs, and business leaders were present, taking advantage of the occasion to establish connections and strengthen their networks. These figures stood out for their striking presence and the aura of success that surrounded them. This was one of the main functions of that luxurious family bar. having a front-end business for shady dealings was extremely important.

Bored once again, Angelina sipped her drink while observing acquaintances, some of whom she preferred to avoid. However, it did not take long for a young man to approach her.

"It's odd to see the most beautiful young woman at this event drinking alone at the bar," he commented with a seductive gleam in his eye. "My name is Marcel, and yours?"

"Angelina," she smiled, as he was a complete stranger, as well as very handsome and charming. Angelina preferred it that way. "My sister is also here, but she is accompanied, and I am not."

"Great news for me," Marcel said, examining Angelina's lips and ordering a drink from the bartender. "So, Angelina, what do you do for a living? Are you a model?"

"No," Angelina chuckled. Her father would never allow her to work as a model, but she couldn't tell just anyone that she was the daughter of a mafia boss, that she had graduated high school, and that she was not allowed to attend college. "Let's just say I am still deciding my future and what I want to do with my life," she joked pleasantly.

"Fair enough, you're too young and beautiful to have to decide so early what you want for the rest of your life," Marcel said, taking a strand of Angelina's hair and wrapping it around his finger.

Their conversation continued smoothly, and after a few drinks, Marcel invited Angelina to dance, and she accepted. Since it was the grand opening night, a dance floor had been set up in the middle of the bar where several tables would normally be. Angelina was a bit giddy from the four martinis she had consumed and danced as if nothing else mattered. She just wanted to have fun that night with her new friend, and perhaps, he could help her get rid of something she no longer wanted. It all depended on the attraction between them.

Gently, Marcel pulled Angelina towards him, wrapping his arms around her waist, pressing his body against hers. The backless dress she was wearing allowed him to touch her skin directly and Marcel slid his hands up and down in an intimate caress.

"Sure, you've probably heard this from many guys before, but I have to say," he smiled, bringing his mouth close to Angelina's and whispering, "You're beautiful."

Before Angelina could react, Michel kissed her, and to avoid drawing attention, she didn't resist but also didn't participate in the kiss. Quickly, the guy understood her coldness as a sign of rejection and stopped the kiss, looking hurt.

"Sorry, I've wanted to kiss you for a long time and I couldn't resist," Marcel said uncertainly, afraid of Angelina's reaction.

Marcel's expression was so serious that it seemed like he had committed a very serious sin. Angelina couldn't help but laugh, throwing her head back.

"Relax. I'm not offended," she said, placing both hands on his chest and moving her body away a bit. "But I know a lot of people here and I don't want to attract attention."

"Okay, my beautiful," Marcel, understanding that response as an invitation for something more, smiled contentedly. "Whatever you want. I'm at your disposal."

They continued dancing, and Marcel couldn't wait to take Angelina to some corner of the party or maybe they could leave together for a more intimate place. He wanted to kiss Angelina again, and by the way she danced, rubbing against him, it seemed like Angelina was into it too.

"Let's go to the bar to get more drinks," Angelina asked, a bit tired.

Arriving at the bar, she looked around, searching for Stella and Pietro, but they seemed to have disappeared from the party. Angelina knew her sister wouldn't leave without talking to her and decided to send a message.

"Don't you want to dance anymore, my beauty?" Marcel inquired as he saw Angelina typing something on her phone, getting closer to her and pinning Angelina's body between his and the bar. "If you're tired, we can go somewhere else," he suggested, sliding a finger from her neck down to her cleavage.

"I'm not tired. I'm just looking for my sister," Angelina replied, moving Marcel's hand away from her neckline as he was almost insinuating his hand inside her dress.

Okay, Marcel was handsome, but Angelina felt nothing for him when he had kissed her on the dance floor, and she was starting to get a little tired of his company. She had already told him that she knew many people in that place, and he thought he could put his hand inside her clothes, touching her breast, right there in the middle of the bar?