Read Online Taken - A Gangster Stepbrother Romance by Michaela Adams - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Michaela Adams
Ads: Link
the main lobby and saw celebrities and politicians hobnobbing together, Emma was grateful for the strong arm around her waist. She felt stronger and safer by feeling Antonio’s heat and presence. Better the devil you know, eh, Harper?
As they entered the ballroom, Emma began to understand how the Del Marco Clan had successfully morphed into DM Holdings. It was all because of Antonio.
The man could charm the skin off a leopard. People flocked to him. They were eager for his attention, for his time.
Politicians shook his hand, asking him when he would finally come over for dinner some time. Actors would grin and thank Antonio for investing in their last hit or asking him if he was intending to attend their latest premiere. Actresses smiled flirtatiously, unable to hide their attraction towards this powerful and gorgeous man. Because even though he was one of the sharpest dressed men in the room, nothing could cover that lethal aura he exuded that said he did anything and everything to get what he wanted.
And Antonio took all of this attention with a gracious laugh and a charming smile. He shook hands and made witty jokes. He would gently touch an actress on her arm or back as she spoke, making her blush furiously. Emma was in awe.
This was the same man who had dragged her from her bed, forcing her down for dinner against her will? The same man who had told her in no uncertain terms she would be engaged and married to a man she had never met?
But with every handshake, Antonio never lost Emma. He kept her close by his side. She felt anchored and watched over. She knew she could’ve easily been lost in this crowd of the wealthy and socially elite but it felt as if Antonio knew that and made sure not to let that happen.
“And who is this charming young lady you have with you, Antonio?” Annabelle Livingston asked in a silky voice, clearly a little suspicious and jealous of the careful attentions Antonio was paying Emma.
Annabelle Livingston was the wife of Douglas Livingston, a hotel magnate. She was now well into her fifties and was often the socialite leader in the major circles. She enjoyed being photographed and made sure to attend as many social functions as possible to make that happen.
“Annabelle,” Antonio pulled Emma closer so she could properly be introduced, “may I present my stepsister, Emma? Emma, this lovely woman is Annabelle Livingston.”
Annabelle’s eyes widened in surprise. “Stepsister? I didn’t know you had a sister!” Emma could almost see her mentally licking her lips at this delicious piece of gossip. Immediately, Emma understood why Antonio had waited to introduce her.
Annabelle Livingston was a huge gossip and within a few minutes, the news of Emma’s debut would be spread around the entire ballroom. Antonio had spared Emma countless introductions by having her meet Annabelle first.
“She’s been away at school for the last few years. She was too smart to keep locked away at home,” Antonio teased with a rakishly white smile.
Emma could see Annabelle flutter at his smile and had to quickly smother her own smile. She understood. No one stood a chance against Antonio’s charms.
“My, my,” Annabelle breathed. “Well it’s certainly nice to meet you, dear. You make sure you come by and see me before the end of the evening so I can introduce you to my daughters.” After one more assessing gaze, Annabelle left, presumably to spread the news about her existence.
Watching Annabelle’s departing form, Emma sighed, her body sagging in
As they entered the ballroom, Emma began to understand how the Del Marco Clan had successfully morphed into DM Holdings. It was all because of Antonio.
The man could charm the skin off a leopard. People flocked to him. They were eager for his attention, for his time.
Politicians shook his hand, asking him when he would finally come over for dinner some time. Actors would grin and thank Antonio for investing in their last hit or asking him if he was intending to attend their latest premiere. Actresses smiled flirtatiously, unable to hide their attraction towards this powerful and gorgeous man. Because even though he was one of the sharpest dressed men in the room, nothing could cover that lethal aura he exuded that said he did anything and everything to get what he wanted.
And Antonio took all of this attention with a gracious laugh and a charming smile. He shook hands and made witty jokes. He would gently touch an actress on her arm or back as she spoke, making her blush furiously. Emma was in awe.
This was the same man who had dragged her from her bed, forcing her down for dinner against her will? The same man who had told her in no uncertain terms she would be engaged and married to a man she had never met?
But with every handshake, Antonio never lost Emma. He kept her close by his side. She felt anchored and watched over. She knew she could’ve easily been lost in this crowd of the wealthy and socially elite but it felt as if Antonio knew that and made sure not to let that happen.
“And who is this charming young lady you have with you, Antonio?” Annabelle Livingston asked in a silky voice, clearly a little suspicious and jealous of the careful attentions Antonio was paying Emma.
Annabelle Livingston was the wife of Douglas Livingston, a hotel magnate. She was now well into her fifties and was often the socialite leader in the major circles. She enjoyed being photographed and made sure to attend as many social functions as possible to make that happen.
“Annabelle,” Antonio pulled Emma closer so she could properly be introduced, “may I present my stepsister, Emma? Emma, this lovely woman is Annabelle Livingston.”
Annabelle’s eyes widened in surprise. “Stepsister? I didn’t know you had a sister!” Emma could almost see her mentally licking her lips at this delicious piece of gossip. Immediately, Emma understood why Antonio had waited to introduce her.
Annabelle Livingston was a huge gossip and within a few minutes, the news of Emma’s debut would be spread around the entire ballroom. Antonio had spared Emma countless introductions by having her meet Annabelle first.
“She’s been away at school for the last few years. She was too smart to keep locked away at home,” Antonio teased with a rakishly white smile.
Emma could see Annabelle flutter at his smile and had to quickly smother her own smile. She understood. No one stood a chance against Antonio’s charms.
“My, my,” Annabelle breathed. “Well it’s certainly nice to meet you, dear. You make sure you come by and see me before the end of the evening so I can introduce you to my daughters.” After one more assessing gaze, Annabelle left, presumably to spread the news about her existence.
Watching Annabelle’s departing form, Emma sighed, her body sagging in
Similar Books
