Read Online Bella Notte by Jesse Kimmel-Freeman - Free Book Online Page B

table and
beating my father to death. My grandfather gently took my hand and
rubbed the back with his thumb. Suddenly, I also felt another hand
reach down and gently squeeze my upper thigh. Oh
the pig, I'm going to kill him too!
    I took my other hand
off the table and pried his slimy paw off my thigh. I made sure to
dig my nails in enough for him to know he'd better not try it again.
I grabbed hold of my champagne glass and downed the entire thing.
Tonight was going to be long. Hopefully
I won't remember it tomorrow. Why didn't Dad talk to me first? This
is so embarrassing.

    Dinner was over and
everyone got up from their tables to allow the staff to remove them.
The musicians were already step up with their equipment along the
back wall.
    While the tables
were being moved, it seemed that everyone took the opportunity to
congratulate the two families – especially Dominic and me.
Dominic, of course, glowed and glutted through the endeavor. I merely
tried my best not to pout or throw up. God,
why is this happening to me? Whatever it is that I did, I'm sorry and
I take it back. The
room was finally cleared.
    The conductor spoke
in a strong voice. “Now, the first dance goes to the new
couple.”
    Kill me now.
    I quickly finished
the glass of champagne I was holding as Dominic walked up to me and
bowed slightly. I responded with the appropriate curtsy. He took my
hand and we were off in a waltz. The crowd moved as we danced through
it. Everything was surreal. I
know I must be in some sick version of the twilight zone. This is
like out of the middle ages. What the Hell is going on? I
smiled as best I could as we spun around the room.
    “ I told you
that your family held many traditions,” he whispered into my
ear.
    My grip tightened
around him. “Traditions are best discussed amongst people, not
publicly announced.” I said through my smile, but I knew my
eyes had turned fierce.
    “ It is too
late now, my Little Emma Bird.” His words seemed to echo in my
ears.
    “ I need to sit
down, Dominic. My head is spinning.” I grabbed his arm for
support as the waltz ended and everyone moved on to the floor to
being their dancing.“Come; let us get you some nice night air.
Perhaps one so small should not intake so much alcohol so quickly.
The effect does not seem to be well with you.” The concern was,
apparently, masked in humor- but I let him lead me outside through a
stream of “congratulations” and “perfect couple.”
    The night air wasn't
cold enough to cool my warm body, but it was fresh and helped calm
the swimming feeling of my head. Next
time, no alcohol to try and fix the evening.
    I stared out over
the lawn and tried not to think of my father's announcement- it was
hard with Dominic holding my hand. I slipped my hand out of his and
walked over to the stone bench and prayed it would be cold. I sat
down, but felt no relief. Dominic sat as well. I could tell he was
about to start talking, I couldn't imagine anything he could say that
might make this evening any better.
    “ How about I
get you another drink, Principessa? It will make you feel better.”
He smiled and rose. I didn't object as the silence of the night was
pleasant.
    I took a long deep
breath, but my mind continued to be fuzzy. I
shouldn't feel this way. I've had champagne before. What's wrong with me?
    I heard the tapping
of footsteps approaching. I opened my eyes to see Dominic return
carrying two goblets. I couldn't see through them so I was nervous of
their contents.
    “ Here, drink
this. I promise you'll feel better,” he said as he handed me
the cup.
    “ I don't need
any more alcohol, Dominic,” I said as I looked into the cool
metal container. “What is this stuff anyways?”
    “ It's an old
remedy for what is happening to you. I can help make everything
better, but you have to take a sip first, mia
bella .”
His voice seemed honest enough and I so desperately wanted to feel
better.
    I took a sip of the
deep red liquid and my mind felt