Chapter 5

The ball was in full swing and I was just getting my dress on. Apparently, I was to be introduced as I decsended the stairs. I was to be late. My hair was down in soft loose ringlets and pinned away fom my face. I chose to wear my red gown. It was a one shouldered dress that hugged my curves and then flowed into a small train. There was a slit across my chest and an open back covered by only two jeweled straps. I paired it with simple strappy black three-inch heels, even though my dress hid my shoes. My makeup was light and natural. My bruises were faded enough to be hidden with makeup. I was ready to make my appearence. I walked to the top of the staircase and waited.

"Introducning Princess Amelia Chela of Trieste, Italy. Betrothed of David Sinclair," the announcer intodued me. I descended the stairs gracefully to be met by David at the bottom. I kept my expression schooled as I took his offered hand and allowed him to lead me to where the rest of his family were standing as the music resumed.

"Oh Amelia, that dress looks better than anything I could have picked out for you," Sarah smiled at me. I thanked her as I yanked my hand away from David as discreetly as I could. His touch repulsed me. My eyes drifted to Nicklaus, who hadn't taken his eyes off of me since I arrived. He looked stunned.

"Amelia...you look... beautiful," he complimented. His words colored my cheeks red as I smiled shyly.

"Grazie, Nick. You look dashing yourself," I said. David pulled my hand back into his.

"Eyes to yourself, little brother," David sneered. I wanted to knee this man where the sun doesn't shine. His rude arrogance was starting to irritate me. I couldn’t even be complimented now?

"There are people you have to meet," David ordered me. I felt like a trophy as he paraded me around to his companions. Finally, I was given a break. I stood with glass in hand as the next song started. I smiled lightly to myself when I realized what is was.

"Do you tango, Amelia," Nicklaus asked. I smirked and set my glass down as I took his offered hand. He led me to the dancefloor and we began. The tricks and movements he knew surprised me for an English man. He was skilled in the dance of love. After the song ended, there was an appriciative applause. We bowe hand in hand before Nicklaus led me away from the party and maddness. I giggled as I followed after him quickly.

"Where are we going, Nick?" I asked. He smiled and pulled me along until we were outside. I looked up and gasped. The stars were beautiful. Each one clear and precise. It was something I'd never experienced before and it made my heart do backflips.

"This is beautiful," I smiled. Nicklaus chuckled and pulled me closer to him by my hand.

"I think you've got them beat principessa," he said. I looked at him shocked that he would even say such a cheesy thing. He was smiling at me like he didn't have a care in the world. I found myself leaning my head against his shoulder. His hand rested on the small of my back where my skin was exposed.

"Amelia!" David's voice yelled. I pulled away from Nicklaus and sighed.

"I should go," I said softly. Before I could leave, David appeared.

"Brother, must I even have to tell you to keep your hands to yourself?" David glared as he pulled me closer to him by my wrist. "If I'm not mistaken, I believe she is mine," David added. I pulled at my wrist to try and get away from him.

"We were just getting fresh air; nothing more," I pleaded. David's glare snapped to me.

"You embarrass me yet again. I'll deal with you later," he spat. I felt the tears welling up in my eyes at the thought. I couldn’t fight back if he decided to beat me. The frustration of the whole situation was starting to get to me.

"What? You're going to choke her again? I'm ashamed of you, brother, really I am. You're supposed to be setting the example and what example is that?" Nicklaus said. My eyes widened in fear as David's rage turned to me again. I thought Nicklaus was at least smart enough not to announce David’s bass habit out loud but I guess I was wrong. Nicklaus just made things ten times worse.

"I will not be disrespected. I thought you were wise enough to keep your mouth shut but I see that I was wrong," David said. My tears finally fell as I started shaking my head. I was about to explain when Nicklaus beat me to it.

"You left bruises all over her neck. It wasn't hard to figure out what was going on," Nicklaus said, rolling his eyes. David's glare didn't waver from me.

"Please, I didn't say a word," I begged.

"David," the Signore's voice boomed. David let go of my wrist and I rubbed it gently, noticing the bruises already forming from his strong grip. Nicklaus pulled me into his side as David walked away. I let out a shaky breath as I closed my eyes.

"You need to tell my parents," Nicklaus said softly. I pulled back and looked at him as tears trailed down my face.

"Why? So I can get beaten within an inch of my life? Or to be sent home where my father will send me away because he's too disappointed to look at my face? I can't leave, Nicklaus. My father needs me to stay... no matter how harsh the circumstances," I said softly. He looked at me sympathetically.

"I will sleep on your floor tonight to make sure he doesn't try anything in the night," Nicklaus offered. I gave him the best smile I could muster up.

"Thank you, Nick," I whispered.