"I think it's enough, Mom!" I exclaimed impatiently. "My hair looks perfect."
My mum sighed and fixed my dark brown hair with another pink clip, so that it fell in soft curls over the back of my long red dress made of fine rayon. Tonight is the night; I'm going to accompany Marco to the Williams Software Incorporation charity ball. I'm so excited!
"You look amazing, Sofia," Mom said, smiling.
"The dress suits your female figure perfectly. You're a beautiful young woman, you know, sweetheart?"
I couldn't help but smile, remembering how my mum reacted when I told her about the invitation to the charity ball. She immediately offered to go shopping with me for the big event. So we chose the elegant dress together.
"Thanks, Mom, for helping me pick out the dress," I replied, satisfied.
"But let's go downstairs now, it's already half past seven. Marco can be here any minute."
She nodded, and we left my room together. My little brother came towards me in the corridor, his hazel eyes widening when he saw me.
"Wow! Sofie, you look amazing in that red dress," he said with sincere admiration. "You're definitely going to be prom queen."
I laughed, gently stroking his messy blond hair.
"It's a charity ball, Sven! There'll be no prom queen," I explained with a smirk.
My brother gave me a thoughtful look.
"Are there a lot of rich people there?" he asked curiously.
There'll be certainly a lot of rich people there! I'm going with mixed feelings to the ball since tonight, since I'll meet the whole Williams family: Marco's dad, George Williams, his stepmother, Barbara, and his little sister, Betty, who is the same age as Sven.
"You know, there will be many people at the ball, but I don't think they're all rich," I answered, and he listened with attention.
"Well then, have fun!" he said, turning to our mum.
"I'm going back to my room to play PlayStation for a while," he told her, and she let out a deep sigh.
"That's fine, but you're coming down for dinner at eight," she replied in a strict voice, and Sven rolled his eyes in annoyance.
"Agreed, Mom," he murmured, disappearing into his room.
As soon as Mom and I arrived downstairs, my dad came out of his study. He stopped in the hallway, just looking at me in silence, his gaze warm and full of admiration.
"You're beautiful, Sofia," he said, smiling, his voice trembling slightly.
"I only hope that Marco Williams appreciates that you're something else!"
My dad has a way with words! Sometimes he seems to exaggerate, but ultimately, he always finds the right words at the right moment. He's a high opinion of my boyfriend, but he must never find out that Marco isn't the good guy from a good family that he thought he is.
"No man can ever be good enough for me," according to my dad. Definitely not someone who has already broken the law, dealing drugs! Dad would never forgive Marco for that, even if he promised to never do it again.
"I'm sure, Tobias, that our daughter is special to Marco," Mom's gentle voice interrupting my thoughts.
"He's in love with her, and he's really serious about her. Otherwise, he wouldn't have asked her to accompany him to the charity ball, introducing her to his family!"
My parents exchanged a profound look, and I couldn't help but smile. They're simply the best parents in the world! At the ringing of the doorbell I startled, even though I was expecting Marco. I took a deep breath before going to the front door and opening it.
"Hi," Marco stammered, his voice fading when he saw me.
He stared at me in awe, his blue eyes filled with admiration, nearly popping out of his head! I was no different when I took in his stately figure in the well-fitting dark gray suit with a white shirt underneath and a matching tie. Even in a fine suit, he looks very hot! How is it even possible? For the first time, I saw a different Marco, not the troubled bad boy, but Marco Williams, the millionaire heir. And yeah, I fucking like him, even as the good guy from a rich family...
"Come in," I invited him, as cool as possible, although my heart was pounding like crazy.
He cleared his throat sheepishly, entering the door. He kindly waved at my parents who were standing in a distance, curiously looking over at us. My boyfriend didn't care, but pulled me into his arms, kissing me tenderly. I immediately felt warm and returned the kiss with the same devotion. He let out a little sigh, his soft lips brushing over my cheek to my ear.
"Sei bellissima, amore mio," he whispered in a husky voice, sending warm shivers down my spine.
"You will be the most beautiful lady at the ball tonight, and you're mine, only mine."
Jesus, I started to feel dizzy! His words alone were driving me wild, and I had to pull myself together. My parents were still watching us, visibly amused, and I resolutely pulled away from his embrace.
"Hi, Mrs Brings, hi, Mr. Brings!" Marco called over to them, and they said "Hi!" back.
"Have fun at the ball, you two," Dad said with a smile. "See you tomorrow!"
Mom handed me my bag, in which I'd packed fresh clothes and some other stuff for the night, since I was going to sleep over at my boyfriend's house. George Williams and his wife invited me to stay the night at their house after the ball.
"Have fun, my love," Mom said with a warm smile, before Marco and I left the house.
When I walked down the path toward the street, I saw the dark blue limousine parked on the other side. My breath caught in my throat. We aren't going to the ball in that fancy car, are we?
"Please, madam!" Marco invited me, gallantly holding the car door open for me.
I was delighted. As soon as I got in, the gray-haired driver turned to me with a friendly smile.
"Good evening, Miss Brings," he said to me in a warm voice.
Jesus, Marco even has a driver! I sheepishly cleared my throat before answering him.
"Please call me Sofia,"I replied with a smile, reading the name on the label on the driver's jacket: "James Robinson."
As soon as Marco was sitting next to me in the car, he gave James a quick nod, and he started the car. I leaned back into the soft seats with a sigh of relief. When Marco took hold of my hand, I instantly felt his tension. I gently stroked the palm of his hand, and he sighed softly.
"Your good, amore?" I asked gently.
"To be honest, no," he replied hesitantly.
"I always get so nervous before these public appearances. After all, I'm presenting our company tonight, and even under my dad's strict eye!"
He avoided my inquisitive gaze and stared out the car window.
"Believe me, I'm anxious, too!" I confessed to him.
"After all, I'm about to meet your family. Do you think we can get through this together?"
Actually, I was very tensed, but I tried not to show to my boyfriend, since I wanted to cheer him up. He turned to me, looking deep into my eyes. I almost forgot to breathe, because every fucking time he looks at me with those ocean eyes, he makes my heart race! Why the hell does he have that power over me? With a soft smile, he slipped his hand under my chin and leaned in to kiss me. It was just an innocent kiss, but the gentle touch of his lips was enough to give me shivers. I sighed softly and wrapped my hands around his neck to hold him tight. Marco swallowed hard, then whispered to me:
"We'll definitely get through this together, Sofia. With you by my side, the evening will be a great success, because you give me the strength I need!"
**********
Half an hour later, we arrived at Williams Software Incorporation. The company's large reception hall has been transformed into a ballroom for the charity event. When Marco and I entered, the hall was already bustling with activity. People of all ages were gathering here, elegant ladies and gentlemen.
"Come on, Sofia, my dad is standing over there with Barbara!" Marco said nervously, taking my hand.
We made our way through the crowd before reaching the buffet. There was a tall man with large shoulders, with dark blond hair streaked with gray, and next to him a beautiful, blond woman, being considerably younger. While we were approaching them, the handsome man looked straight in our direction. My breath caught in my throat. I knew immediately that it was George Williams, because the likeness between father and son is unmistakable!
"Hi Marco, there you are at last," he said to his son.
Then he turned to face me, looking at me curiously, yet kindly with his blue eyes. Those eyes; they've the same intensity as his son's, and it seems he's looking right into my soul. I felt my cheeks flush and shyly avoided his profound gaze. George Williams is a very attractive man!
"And you must be Sofia," he said with a warm smile.
"My son wasn't exaggerating when he described you. You really are very pretty, a true Southern belle!"
Holy shit, Marco's dad is actually flirting with me! I looked at my boyfriend in help, who was standing there with his arms crossed. He didn't flinch, only the flickering in his eyes betrayed his inner tension.
"Hi, Mr. Williams, it's a pleasure to meet you," I replied cordially.
He laughed happily, putting his arm around the petite woman beside him.
"This is my wife, Barbara," he introduced her.
She gave me a lovely smile, and I was immediately taken by her charisma.
"Hi, Mrs. Williams," I said shyly, and she chuckled softly.
"Nice to meet you, Sofia. And please, call me Barbara!" she replied, giving me a confidential wink.
Her joyful manner was infecting, and I could not help but laugh. Suddenly, a little blonde girl appeared from nowhere, pushing between us and wrapping her arms around my boyfriend.
"Hi Marco, you're finally here!" she exclaimed happily.
His serious face lit up and his blue eyes were sparkling.
"Hi, little sis, I hope you're having fun," he replied with a smirk, gently stroking her hair.
"I'd like to introduce you to someone, Betty. This is my girlfriend Sofia!"
Marco took my hand, squeezing it gently. Betty checked me out curiously, and I did the same, noticing that she's quite similar to her big brother, but has her mum's beautiful green eyes.
"Hi Sofia, nice to meet you," she said in her bright voice.
"The pleasure is all mine, Betty," I replied, giving her a huge smile.
George Williams cleared his throat loudly, immediately catching our attention.
"Marco, why don't you go over to the dance floor with Sofia?" he suggested.
"Andy's already there! For now, you have time to dance. I'll call you later when we're supposed to give the speech."
I looked from Marco to his dad, stunned.
"Andy?!" I exclaimed, and George Williams nodded with a smile.
"Yes, of course, Andy's here too. He'll be working with Marco at the company someday. After all, he's the best software student at college!" he told me.
I was speechless! Why has Marco never told me that one day he would work together with Andy? The two friends seemed really close.
"See you later!" I called back to George, Barbara, and Betty, when my boyfriend impatiently pulled me along with him.
"Why didn't you tell me?" I asked, out of breath.
"Now you know," he replied curtly.
I rolled my eyes in annoyance; someone isn't in a good mood... When we got to the dance floor, I saw him immediately standing there. Andy looked stunning, wearing a well-fitting dark blue suit with a light blue shirt underneath. But he wasn't alone! A brunette girl in a tight dark blue dress was standing next to him with her arm around his waist. I was surprised, since I didn't know he has a girlfriend. Why Marco hasn't told me yet?
"Hi Andy!" Marco and I calling him at the same time.
Andy turned around immediately, flinching slightly when he saw me. Even though Marco was standing next to me, he didn't care but gave me an admiring look. I felt somehow warm under his profound gaze and cleared my throat sheepishly. Then I looked over to the girl who was standing shyly next to Andy.
"Aren't you going to introduce me to your girlfriend, Andy?" I asked curiously.
The two friends laughed, amused, and the girl rolled her eyes in annoyance. What the hell is wrong? I crossed my arms in expectation.
"I know Hailey from college," Andy told me. "She's not my girlfriend, we're getting along very well, though. And that's why I asked her to accompany me to the charity ball."
So they're just friends... I took a deep breath.
"Hi Hailey, nice to meet you," I said with a smile.
She smiled back and looked even prettier.
"Also for me," she replied happily. "How about we hit the dance floor?"
We agreed with enthusiasm, stepping onto the dance floor together. Marco pulled me close to him, one hand wrapped around my waist, the other hand holding mine, guiding me masterly across the dance floor. I let out a soft sigh. Even dancing with him feels like heaven! I thoroughly enjoyed being in his arms and feeling the warmth of his body, while we were dancing so easily together.
When I lifted my head, I looked straight into Andy's blue eyes. He and Hailey were dancing right next to us, his hands wrapped around her waist, her head resting on his shoulder. Andy locked eyes with me, and I gasped for air, when I saw him wandering his hands over Hailey's back down to her plumb ass, grabbing it tightly. This gesture was very possessive and somehow arousing. I felt very hot!
"Are Andy and Hailey really just friends?" I asked my boyfriend.
"I mean, look how they're dancing. Sparks are flying between them!"
Marco laughed, amused, pulling me even closer.
"What do you think, piccola? They're friends with benefits! They're having sex, whenever they want, with no strings attached," he whispered in my ear, and I felt even hotter.
"And what if Hailey falls for Andy? Won't he break her heart?" I said hesitantly.
"Why the hell do you even care, Sofia?" he retorted impatiently.
"I'll never break your heart because I love you. So stop talking about Andy, or you'll break mine!"
What the hell? Before I could even process what he just said, he locked my lips with a hungry kiss, right here on the dance floor. Of course, I couldn't resist him and returned his kiss with the same passion. All my senses were awaken! My heart was racing, and I felt burning hot. When I snuggled even closer to him, I felt that he was already so fucking hard, the fine fabric of his pants barely hiding the large bulge.
Suddenly, I couldn't wait for the ball to end, so we could finally go to his place, making love all night long. But it wasn't time yet! After a breathless moment that felt like an eternity, he pulled away with a deep sigh.
"Sorry, piccola, but I have to join my dad to prepare the speech," he said in a rough voice, shrugging his shoulders with regret.
"No problem, Marcolino! Don't forget that we have all night for us to have sex," I said in a seductive voice.
"I'll drink another glass of champagne in the meantime. It tastes so good!"
"Don't drink too much, Sofia! Otherwise you'll be drunk in no time and way too tired for having sex later," my boyfriend monished me in a serious voice.
He gave me a profound look before heading over to his dad. I didn't listen to him, but went to the buffet to get another glass of champagne. At the buffet I met Andy who was also taking a glass of champagne, looking at me in silence.I slowly started to feel the effects of the alcohol, as the room was spinning around me, and I couldn't stop giggling.
"So, Andy, will you sleep with Hailey after the ball?" I asked curiously, and he cleared his throat sheepishly.
"Sofia, you're drunk!" he said, concerned. "You shouldn't drink any more champagne."
With a deep sigh, I snuggled up to him, making him shiver.
"So Andy, tell me: Do you think of me, when you're in bed with Hailey, fucking her?" I continued without any inhibition.
"Come on, you need some fresh air, Sofia," he said in a firm voice.
He resolutely put his around me, leading me out of the ballroom. Outside, he sat me down on a bench, caringly draping his jacket over my shoulders. Hailey joined us, sitting next to me on the bench.
"Hey Hailey, aren't you jealous of me?" I asked, my voice slurring. "Andy doesn't love you, he only loves me. And I love Marco... What a mess!"
Andy and Hailey exchanged a meaningful glance.
"I'll go inside to tell Marco. As soon as he's finished his speech, he should take Sofia home," Andy said with a sigh.
Hailey just nodded and gently put her arm around me.
"Thanks, Hailey, you're sweet," I murmured, my voice fading.
My head was spinning from the alcohol, and I leaned my head on her shoulder with a sigh of relief. I planted a soft kiss on her cheek before falling asleep.
When Marco and Andy came out of the ballroom half an hour later, they were presented with an unusual, yet funny sight: Hailey and I were lying half over each other on the bench, both fast asleep! Andy leaned over us to pick Hailey up. He couldn't help but gently caressed my cheek, before taking his girlfriend in his arms. Marco saw it exactly, but didn't say a word.
"We talk tomorrow, mate. Good night," Andy said, carrying Hailey to his car.
"Thank you so much for taking care of Sofia!" Marco called after him.
Then he lifted me up, holding me tight in his arms and carrying me to the limousine.
"That's it for our night of wild sex, amore mio," he whispered with slight regret.
With care, he laid me down in the back seat, cradling my head in his lap.
"What a pity! Then I'll just hold you in my arms all night and keep you warm in your sleep. I'm happy as long as you're with me."