Free Still Falling by Bella Costa Page B

was stunning.   She was always stunning.   But
tonight.......wow.   Her slender neck was
dressed with a simple thin chain on which a small crucifix draped down to stop
just below that little pulsing hollow at the base of her throat.     Her hair had been swept up into a simple
loose pile on her head, with a few shiny, loose strands drifting down and
caressing her neck as she glided across the floor.  
    He recognised the dress immediately but had never seen
the dress looking quite as good on any of his models as it did on Serena.   Although the sweeping drapes of the satin on
the front of the dress, hugged her frame like liquid pouring down a statue, the
soft folds hid sharp angles of her skinny figure well.  
    It had only been three days since his models had
revealed the dress to the public at the Milan Fashion week.   He watched as she moved gracefully around the
tables.   The dress would not go unnoticed
by the media tonight.   Having a
competitor wear it would also not go unnoticed he mused.   What was she playing at?   This was the one piece in his line that he
had worked on completely alone.   The
dress had the thinnest strap he had ever used on a halter neck and was almost
invisible.   The back of her dress was
completely bare, the sides sweeping down to join in a ‘V’ that stopped just in
time to preserve modesty.   From here down
soft layers of black chiffon fell in staggered lengths midway down her shapely
calves.   To finish off the look she wore
simple, strappy sandals with a two inch heal.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Chapter twenty six

 
 
    He stepped further back into the shadows to compose
himself as he watched her annoying young boyfriend hold a chair out to for her
to sit.   They had chosen to share a table
with the elderly American diamond tycoon Arnold Richie and his wife.   That boy again!   All the anger at her abortion came flooding
back in hot waves.   It was going to be a
long night.
    He headed over to his seat next to Michelle who flashed
him a toothy smile as he sat down.  
    “Darling, I do hope you are going to at least pretend
to enjoy the evening.” She said softly through her smile.  
    “That might be a tall order.” He replied quietly,
smiling and nodding at the other guests at their table.   As if in sympathy the lights dimmed and Marco
made a hash attempt at trying to relax.   He couldn’t get her out of his mind, very aware that only six or seven
meters behind him sat the most beautiful and unavailable woman in the
world.   His eyes watched the models
parade to the accompanying voice of Spirit and the regular applause from the
audience.   He watched, but saw nothing.
The auction came and went and the lights turned up a little for the waiters to
start circulating.  
    The band had started to play and a few couples had
started to dance.   He had to get some
fresh air. Excusing himself he rose and turned directly to door, not daring to
look in her direction.   Michelle watched
his departure with a quizzical expression.   He was acting very strangely.
    “Tony, cover for me will you?”
    “Are you alright?”
    “I just need some fresh air.   I promise I’m fine.   Why don’t you ask her to dance?” Serena said
nodding in the direction of the young woman Tony had been staring at since they
had sat down.
    “Only if you are sure you’ll be alright.”
    “I promise.   I’ll
be fine.”
    Actually she wasn’t fine.   She was exhausted.   She hoped the fresh air would help, and made
her way out into the circular foyer.   Wanting to avoid any lingering reporters she skirted the outer wall
looking for a side door which might still be open for staff.   Finding one, she stepped out into the cool
evening air and took a few deep breaths.   The air felt good on her face but she had to admit, she could have been
better dressed.   Rubbing her shoulders
she went to sit on the low marble wall of a small