Matteo didn't speak again until they reached the entrance. There, he stepped aside, his eyes scanning the room with the practiced alertness of a bodyguard.

Tomasso Bruni was waiting for her near the grand archway that led into the ballroom. His dark eyes swept over her, a slow, approving smile curling across his lips as he took in the sight of her in her deep red gown.

"You're looking spectacular tonight," he said, his voice rich with admiration. His gaze lingered just a moment too long on her curves, his fingers brushing against the side of her arm as he took her hand. "Sexy, if I may say. Like a true queen."

Arabella fought the instinct to recoil. She offered a tight, polite smile, but the words didn't reach her eyes.

"Thank you," she said evenly. "I'm glad you like it."