"And the sweet little angle couldn't keep her eyes off of the devil"

Arabella Karve "I think your ready Arabella" My stylist says with a proud gleam in his eyes as he sets down the makeup brush that he just finished using to achieve the black winged smoky eye look.

He lets his eyes rake over my body as I nervously stand up from my vanity.

I step in front of my mirror and can't help but smile as I look over my appearance. The dress is perfect. Everything is perfect. He finished the dress just in time. And it is the most gorgeous thing I've ever seen.

The black, shimmering material drags loosely behind me on my bedroom floor, while the strapless bodice perfectly hugs my figure.

I glance down to my black heels that are beautifully displayed thanks to the slit in my dress that reaches all the way to my upper thigh.

My stylist walks over and touches a piece of my hair that only took fucking forever to fix. My dark hair is fixed in loose curls that fall flawlessly down my back. My fingers softly brush against the black hair vine that is intertwined into my long hair. This is going to be a pain in the ass to get out.

"The ball starts in thirty minutes Arabella, we must be on our way soon" My fathers apprentice says from his spot near my bedroom door. My stylist gives me one last nod before exiting the room, allowing me to begin to gather my stuff.

"Tonight is a big night for you as the heir" He says while watching me fan myself with a book sitting on my dresser.

I'm so fucking nervous.

"Powerful members from the various mafias are going to be there tonight, it's the biggest gathering of the year," he grabs the book from my hands, "don't embarrass your family."

I take a deep breath, trying to not freak myself out, "I am aware, I will be to the car in a moment."

He nods before turning around and stepping out of my room. I look in the mirror and slowly lift up my chin while plastering on my finest glare.

I'm done fucking crying, if Eros wants to play this game I will play. *********************** I reach the top of the golden staircase that lead down to the foyer as I try to ignore my pounding heart. I take one last deep breath before slowly beginning to descend down the stairs.

My heels hit against the granite floor with every step almost like a hauntingly beautiful melody. I keep one of my hands braced on the railing, making sure I don't fall down the stairs before I even leave my house.

I look away from my black nails and my breath hitches as I see Eros standing in the front entrance, staring directly at me.

He stands still with the front door braced on one of his arms as his cold eyes bore into mine.

I can't help but admire the way his tattoos slightly creep out from the top of his slightly unbuttoned black Oxford shirt that perfectly clings to every glorious inch of his body.

I look back up at his face and can't help but melt at the ways his dark hair slightly hangs over his forehead. His jaw slightly clenches, making it appear impossibly more distinguished. He carefully tucks his hands that are covered in sliver rings, into his black trench coat while not daring to take his eyes off of me.

I make it to the bottom of the staircase and I immediately walk past him, even though everything in me is captivated by his dark and captivating atmosphere.

I feel an all to familiar warm hand suddenly wrap around my wrist, slightly pulling me back towards the tall and muscular frame, "don't walk away from me."

I quickly turn back around to face him, tilting my head up to look him in the eyes, "I will do whatever the fuck I please."

"Your such a fucking brat" He sneers down at me as I pull my wrist out of his addicting touch.

"I recall the last time we spoke I said never come fucking near me again."

Eros doesn't respond he just stares down at me with a deadly look in his eyes. I give him one last glare before I turn around and walk out of the foyer. Fuck you Eros.

I make my down to the black suv that is parked in front of the manor and I immediately slide into the back seat, not wanting to have to sit near Eros.

I pull out my phone and text briar back as I listen to the drivers side door opening. Eros's intoxicating scent immediately wafts to the back seat and I find myself biting my lip to try and keep myself focused.

My eyes flutter shut and I softly lean my head back against the seat. Nerves rack my body as I think of who all will be attending to this ball.

To say I am fucking nervous is an understatement. ********************** I gaze out of the car window as it pulls up to the front of the gold and white Victorian mansion. Lavish people dressed in formal gowns and suits walk towards the front entrance where beautiful instrumental music sounds out from.

My door is suddenly pulled open and I look up to see Eros holding it open while his eyes intensely scan the area.

I find myself unable to move as all I can hear is pounding in my ears and my heart feels like it's going to beat out of my chest.

"Are you going to get out?" Eros's cold voice brings me back to earth. I glance up towards him and now realize he is glaring directly down at me.

I roll my eyes and ignore his comment along with the rising nausea. I smoothly step out of the car and without looking back ascend up the front steps.

Numerous heads turn in my direction in my direction with slightly widened eyes, some looking over my gown in awe, and some realizing that I am the Karve heir.

I also notice that there is also a little attention behind me, especially from the female population. I glance back and am met with Eros following behind me, looking as gorgeous and malicious as ever.

I quickly look away and continue making my way towards the front doors that are centered by divine pillars.

I carefully step into the crowded mansion, and my mouth parts open as I look around in pure awe. To call this room beautiful, would be the most drastic understatement I've ever said.

My eyes are immediately drawn towards the dance floor, where well dressed couples are ballroom dancing under a crystal chandelier hanging above.

I slowly make my way down the curved stairs while studying the glassy golden walls.

"Arabella" I hear an all too familiar Russian accent behind me as I begin to walk towards the bar.

I clench my teeth together as I slowly turn around and look towards Dimitri who is looking at me with his usual confidence.

"What Dimitri" My words come out a little more harsh and bothered than expected.

"I first just have to say how beautiful you look tonight." He grins as he takes a step closer to me. I defensively cross my arms while maintaining my emotionless expression.

I slightly let my eyes run over his dark blue suit and his dirty blonde hair as he begins to speak again, "I am deeply sorry for the other night gorgeous. I am horrified by my behavior."

After a moment I slowly nod and a little sign of relief washes over his face, "the alcohol got to me, and I would never want to make you uncomfortable. You know that it hurt me too." He slowly walks over and places one hands on my waist.

I nod again, "I forgive you Dimitri."

He smiles and lifts up one of his hands, tucking one of my curls behind my ear, "Thank you gorgeous. That means the world to me."

I take a step back, out of his reach and awkwardly clear my throat, "I better go find my parents but I will see you later tonight?"

Dimitri nods with a small smile before I turn around and start walking around the full room. I spot a group of elegant people socializing and I bite my lip as I spot my parents amongst them.

I slowly approach and the group slightly turns towards me as I awkwardly stand there. My father looks over me before reaching out a hand towards me.

"Everyone, I would like you to meet my daughter Arabella." He says as everyone carefully analyzes me. My father goes on to introduce me to all the powerful people around the group who are involved in the 'business'.

"So Miss.Karve," One of the older males says who has a woman wrapped around his arms, "are you prepared to take over this branch of the Cosa Nostra?"

I purse my lips, "I suppose right now it seems like a big undertaking to take over England's involvement with the mafia." I answer smoothly.

"I understand, but aren't you eager to take over the position?" He questions.

"Yes because drug trafficking and money laundering have always been my calling" I smile arrogantly with a hint of sarcasm written on my face.

The man, much to my surprise laughs along with a couple other people waiting for my answers. The woman wrapped around the man's arm now decides to intervene into the conversation, "well then I assume an arranged marriage should be in order."

I tilt my head slightly, "Well if I was interested in the exhortation of illegal dealings, I wouldn't necessarily need a man by my side."

The woman's eyes slightly widen in surprise, "Every mafia queen needs a king" She grins.

"It's true, especially since you are dealing with such a powerful force" Another man says.

"And are you implying you aren't interested in what we do for a living and our countries business?" She questions.

"How could you tell?" I flash her a concealed smile, "am I that transparent?"

I am about to go on and dig myself into an even deeper hole, before I feel cold hands place themselves on my waist.

"Excuse me everyone, I believe I am going to have to steal Arabella from you for this dance." I hear Dimitri say with his appealing tone.

Before they can answer I am suddenly pulled away, and next thing I know in the center of the dance floor.

A new song begins as I catch my breath that I immediately recognize as the instrumental version of Ultraviolence by Lana del Rey. I smile softly at the familiar melody.

I smoothly place one of my hands in his, and my other hand rests on his lean shoulder. Dimitri smiles as he places his other smooth hand on my lower back, "you really know how to flatter people don't you?"

"They are awful people, I've heard of them" I say honestly as he pulls my body flush against his and we begin to softly sway.

He shakes his head and smiles softly, looking away from me. We begin to move in a pattern as the beautiful song fills the room.

Dimitri suddenly spins me, holding my hand in his and a surprised smile spreads across my face. My dress spins perfectly, standing out from all the other light colored dresses on the dance floor.

My body is pressed back against his and as I randomly glance over Dimitri's shoulder. My eyes instantly meet cold ones staring at me from across the bright room, causing my breath to hitch.

Eros leans hauntingly against one of the spiral pillars with his muscular arms crossed over his broad chest. His dark, enticing presence stands out from the golden room and light colors in such a mysterious and beautiful way. It looks like he is made by the hands of darkness.

Shivers run down my spine as Eros doesn't take his eyes off of me for a single second. Everything in me, every beat of my heart and bone in my body feels a pull towards him, like I can't help but be gravitated towards the sick darkness watching me like a predator from across the room.

I don't take my eyes off of Eros. I physically can't look away even though I am in another man's arms.

I feel my breath slightly quicken just from the way Eros's lustful eyes pour into mine. I hate him so fucking much.

I hate the way he talks to me. I hate the way he looks at me I hate the way he touches me. I hate the way he feels like every dark and twisted thought I've ever had.

"You okay gorgeous? You look a little distant?" I reluctantly pull my eyes away from Eros and look to Dimitri.

"Yeah- um sorry" I say with a flustered, breathless voice.

The song slowly draws to a close and I smile sheepishly while taking a step back from Dimitri.

"Well thank you for the dance, and saving me from that conversation" I laugh softly.

"Of course gorgeous, would you like to go outside with me?" Dimitri asks while glancing almost pleadingly towards the back exit.

"Sorry I'm going to go grab a drink and do awkward small talk" I grin, trying to dodge the invite.

"Very well" Dimitri purses his lips. I turn around and am about to walk away before I suddenly turn back towards him, "Dimitri."

He turns back around and faces me, "Yes?"

"Why do you like me?" I randomly ask him and watch as he looks caught off guard.

He runs a hand through his hair, "why are you asking?"

"I'm honestly just curious."

After a moment he opens his mouth and is about to answer before the sound of his phone ringing from his pocket cuts him off, "Sorry Arabella, I better take this."

I nod with a polite smile before walking away towards the sidelines of the dance floor.

Just stay away from Eros. *********************** Four exhausting hours later, my feet hurt from dancing with multiple different men that my parents forced me to socialize with. They were all pompous assholes. My mouth hurts from plastering on a friendly smile. So that I don't get assassinated. And I can barely keep my eyes open. Because I am fucking tired.

Me: I am going home you can join me or not, I don't give a fuck. Wednesday-10:48pm

I send Eros a sweet text as I walk towards the exit. I pull open the doors and I release a relieved breath as I step out into the cold air.

"Don't fucking leave without me, that's how you get fucking killed" I hear someone sneer as I stand on the front porch. Oh lovely Eros decided to join me.

"I texted you" I say coldly, not bothering to turn around.

"Dio, sarai la fottuta fine di me"

"Where is the car?" I roll my eyes while ignoring his stupid fucking Italian.

"Valet is bringing it, sorry if it's not fast enough service for you princess" He stands beside me while pushing his hands into his pockets.

"You know what" I say angrily while turning towards him. "You know nothing about me. I'm not fucking spoiled, whether you admit it or not. And you are a sad fuck for having to be so awful to me because you are a fucking mental case."

I snap while pressing my finger into his chest and glaring up at him. "And just because I kissed Dimitri does not give you the right to treat me like fucking shit."

Eros rolls his eyes, "you are fucking sad." He sneers down at me, "And you wonder why your parents find you worthless."

I clench my jaw angrily, "And you wonder why I fucking hate you." My words are laced in pure venom.

I gasp in sudden shock as my back is harshly pressed up against the brick wall behind me, digging into my skin.

Eros's large hand wraps around my throat, his thumb running over the smooth skin next to my pounding pulse. Not enough to hurt, but just enough to make my heart quicken in fear.

His other hand is pressed sternly against the side of my hip, causing a foreign feeling to coil in my stomach.

"Don't you ever dare fucking say that." He sneers darkly, his warm breath fanning my face as his eyes darken.

I am about to answer maliciously, before the sudden sound of a car pulling up at the curb cuts us off. I quickly push Eros off of me realizing how close we are, and he lets me.

As I walk down the steps, my attention is pulled away when I notice a running car sitting back by the back exit. I stop walking and furrow my eyes as I steadily watch it slowly creeps out of its spot.

Uneasiness slowly pours into my stomach for no reason as I watch the movement.

"Eros" I say in a distant voice.

I feel his familiar presence suddenly behind me as I keep a steady focus on the car that just peeled off onto the main road the second Eros appeared behind me.

"What?" I hear his deep voice vibrate behind me.

"Nothing." I say coldly, realizing that I am just stressing myself out.

It's nothing. *********************** I HOPE YOU ENJOYED!!<33

PLEASE LEAVE ANY COMMENTS AND VOTE!❤️

(I'm not gonna lie I pictured the ball room scene in Anastasia while writing this😍)

Word count: 2980