The Two Families

Chapter Five

The Marino Manor was precisely the personality of Luka Marino in brick, enormous to the point of intimidation. The Manor was confined in a large metal fence, with security at the main entrance. Greenery surrounded the architectural marvel in front of me. The Manor isn't something out of a classic medieval novel; instead, it was modernised. The grass was freshly trimmed; flowers bloomed in a multitude of colours; luxury cars parked in the driveway. The Manor was painted freshly white, no cracks, no moss, nothing. Julian parked the car in front of the large entrance doors, before getting out and opening the door for Luka. I was about to open the door to exit, when Luka came and opened the door for me, extending a hand to help me out. Looking up at him, I slipped my hand into his and got up.

Entering the impressive house, marble floors with spiral staircases leading up to the second floor. Chandeliers hung from the ceilings, with murals etched onto them. People were walking in the house, with uniforms on, leading me to think they are the Manor's staff. Luka extended a hand towards one of the rooms, signalling me to go into one of them. 

Upon entering the room, I came face to face with four people.

"Aarina, meet my family. This is my sister Sofia Marino," he pointed to a tall woman with the same olive skin and green eyes as Luka, she wore a long white dress, that hugged her figure in all the right places. She smiled, extending her hand to me, "it is a pleasure to meet you. Luka told me that he got a new PA."

"This is my older brother Marcus," Luka pointed to the man sitting on the couch, looking bored. Is this the Marcus Luka was talking to on the phone? He stood up, shaking my hand. He was shorter than Luka, but he had the same olive skin as his siblings, however; his eyes were brown.

"And these are my parents, Alessia and Pierre Marino." Alessia was short with green eyes and fair skin, while Pierro was tall with olive skin and brown-eyed. 

After acquainting myself with the Marino family, Luka pulled me aside.

"I need you to do me a favour, darling."

"Yes, sir?"

"Stay with me the whole night. Greet people at the front door with me."

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Luka had filled me in on potential investors for the company. At 6 pm sharp, cars began to roll up to the manor. The metal gates of the property were open, allowing everyone to walk in. I stood next to Luka, who greeted everyone with a smile and a handshake. He introduced me as Aarina De Niro, not as his personal assistant, which confused me. I got the occasional "wow you are beautiful". After what felt like hours, Luka guided me into bar set up at the back.

"Champagne?" He asked.

"Umm, yes please," I replied.

He handed me the glass, leaning against the bar, sipping his drink. Luka wore a full black suit, with black shoes. His black hair slicked back except for one strand that persisted in staying on his forehead. He was looking at the crowd, scanning and smiling at anyone who made eye contact with him. His eyes stopped on someone.

"Shit," he cursed quietly. He quickly drained the alcohol in his hand before grabbing onto my waist and pulling me close to him.

"Sir, what are y-" I asked, heart pounding audibly in my chest.

"Play along Aarina," he whispered back.

A woman in pink emerged from the crowd with a phoney smile on her face, which fell the moment she noticed Luka's arm around my waist. The warmth from his hand spread over my waist, making his hand's presence clear and prominent. 

"Maria," Luka greeted.

"Who is this?" She glared at me, disgust and hatred filled her voice.

I took a sip from my drink before answer, "Aarina De Niro, his p-"

Luka interrupted, "my girlfriend."

I choked. His what? 

"Girlfriend?" Maria repeated, obviously hurt. She nodded, walking across the bar, ordering a vodka and leaving, shooting me a killer glare.

I pushed away from Luka, "what was that?"

"Psychotic ex," he replied, thinking that was enough. I opened my mouth to say something, but before I could Luka tackled me to the ground and a loud bang was heard.

Screams filled the air. A man in all black ran, pushing past people. Julian ran after the man, reaching into his pocket for something. I laid on the ground with Luka on top of me.

"Are you okay?" He asked, concerned.

His face was inches in front of mine. I could feel his hard body pressed up against mine. I bit my lip as I nodded. He stood up, extending a hand to help me up. He looked into my eyes, apologetically, fixing my hair for me. Every time his fingers would brush against my skin; heat erupted in me. Julian came back into the house, looking at Luka before shaking his head. Luka growled, rolling his eyes. The staff ushered people outside, apologising to them. Luka met with some of the investors he had shown me, apologising to them personally. 

Luka went over to his brother and sister. I waited for him at the bar, ordering myself another drink. After ten minutes, Luka came back, handing me my clutch that was on the floor.

"Come on, I'll drop you back home," he offered, "Julian is busy."

"I can take an Uber, it's fine."

"Don't tell me what to do, princess." He warned.