Dinner wound down in layers. Chairs scraped softly against the floor as people rose. The women were guided out first and led out of the ball room to the main living room.
Veronica leaned in close to Luca as they stood. "I'd like to go rest," she said.
Luca bent just enough that his mouth brushed near her ear. "Keep the dress on for me," he whispered.
Veronica's lips curved. "I'll take the underwear off," she murmured back. "Help you unwrap your present."
Luca exhaled. "Oh, you sweet bitch… Go before I eat you up right here." He winked.
Veronica smiled and slipped away with the other women, her hips swaying just enough to make it clear she knew exactly what she was doing to him.
The room changed. What had been celebration turned seamlessly, into business. The doors were shut. The noise dampened. The men remained.
