Cosimo

Cosimo: Everything but my pride

Sandro: well that was never your best feature anyway.

Sandro: Drinks on Friday?

Sandro: Fair statement.

Sandro: You healed up yet?

Sandro: Ooh is that an insult or a compliment?

“Hm well I suppose I could show off my knowledge of bourbon and recommend we both try one I quite like…” She suggested with a small smile before continuing, “Or I’d happily give your ‘half-decent’ grappa a go. Your call, Sir.”

Cosimo grinned, amused by the offer. “By all means,” he answered, pushing away what remained in his wine glass. “What did you have in mind?” He asked, taking a step closer to the woman. “Enlighten me.”

“There was no time for me to get a date. I only moved back a few weeks ago.” Freddie took a sip of his drink, looking at the crowd. He already had a hard time recognizing everyone. Having them wear masks only made it worse. “Are you sure that they ditched you and didn’t get lost? This place is on the large side.” 

“I am indeed,” Ari answered with a smile. “I like to think I’m special to him. He certainly is to me.” Who would have thought that he would mean so much to her in such a short amount of time? He had easily worked his way into her heart. “It’s great to finally meet you, Sir.”

“Happy to hear that. To be honest I’m surprised he’s let you out of his sight long enough to even grab a drink. Surely he’s kept you on the dance floor most of the evening?”

He was being so friendly and helpful that Emery couldn’t help but want to take him up on his offer. It was usually her offering to help others, and he wasn’t trying to make her feel bad about the fact that she needed assistance. She certainly didn’t want him to feel horrible, that was the opposite of what she ever wanted for any person. With that in mind she heard the words come out of her, “I’d really like your help… and thank you. That’s really kind of you, to offer me assistance, when you don’t even know me. At least let me pay you back by… I don’t know… buying you a snack, or treat, or maybe coffee? Oh! Do you like ice cream? Maybe that?”

“How about.. you pay me back by offering your name for now, and we’ll see about a coffee or gelato after, sound fair?” He countered with a chuckle, not wanting the other to feel obligated to return the act. “I’m Cosimo Medici. Now what was next on your list?”

“I don’t know if the stuffy types would be able to show enough excitement if you know what I mean.” He winked at the other man. It wouldn’t surprise him to learn that there were dirty little secrets in a place like this. “If there is something going on, it is rude of them to only invite us to this part. Poor manners. I’m not giving this place any Yelp stars.” 

“I’m sure you’re missed at work,” she said with a smile. Although she felt bad that he had apparently been hurt enough to be off of work. It seemed like he had a bad go of it. “They do. I actually have a security guard with me. He’s hanging back though, which I appreciate.” The man was sitting on a bench down the path and watching carefully.  He had given her some space to breathe, but was still close enough to step in if she needed it.

Cosimo glanced around, taking a moment until he spotted an individual sitting alone he presumed was the security Liana was referring to. He chuckled, giving them another look before turning back to the submissive before him. “Can’t say I’m too surprised... Noble families taking extra precautions incase another riot breaks out.  Hopefully he only has to tag along when you’re out alone, or has he been glued to your side regardless since then?”

Ariella smirked and leaned lightly against the bar. “Oh, I haven’t been abandoned. I believe you know my date rather well, Sir.” The bartender came over and she asked for a Negroni before turning back to Cosimo. “I’m here with Sandro.”

Cosimo’s face lit up, smile widening. “Oh really now... You must be Ariella then,” he responded back with glee. “Sandro unfortunately has been quite tight lipped about you,” he admitted, pausing to take a drink of his wine. “You must be very special to him.”

Tommi nodded his head, indicating an affirmative answer even though he could definitely be enjoying himself more this evening.  But he couldn’t exactly voice those thoughts to a stranger.  “And you?  Nice fangs,” the Dominant grinned.

“I’m not bored,” Gabi said defensively, internally wincing at the tone as soon as the words were out. She wouldn’t fool anyone like that, and she’d probably just get herself into trouble if she weren’t more careful. “I’m sorry, sir,” she murmured, after taking a deep breath. “I don’t think the party is boring. I just have other things on my mind right now.”

Cosimo chuckled, amused by the response. “Sure you’re not,” he responded, although his tone betrayed his amusement at the entire interaction. “No need to apologize though-- but I wouldn’t be opposed to hearing why you’re not enjoying yourself, if you’re in the mood to open up to a stranger, that is,” he added, half joking.

“Dracula might have a classy side, how would we know?” Mila shrugged with a soft laugh. “Interesting, huh? I feel like there’s a story there. And I would very much like to know it, Sir. A suggestion, though… perhaps a bourbon? Or if you’re not wanting quite that strong, I’d go for Grappa.” 

“Not a bad pick... I’m afraid I’m not much of a bourbon connoisseur, so I wouldn’t know what’s good, but I think I saw a bottle of half-decent grappa on the shelf somewhere,” he answered, gaze moving from the attractive young woman to the bar’s display of liquor and back. “And what about you?” He asked curiously as he turned back to her. “A bourbon?” 

He nodded his head. “Alcohol does tend to make events like this more bearable.” The days when he would drink until he was unable to remember what occurred were long behind Freddie, but there was something comforting about a strong drink that you could sip when at a loss for words. “I would hope the former. I doubt this will turn into an Eyes Wide Shut deal.” 

“That’s a good way of looking at it.” Liana grinned and shrugged, looking down at her lap for a moment. “Not in nearly as much trouble as I would get in for pulling that sort of stunt now. I’ve been fairly well though, aside from the riots. How are you, Sir?”

“Catching upon work,” he responded with a nonchalant shrug. Truthfully it had been a nightmare staying home and resting the week-- he had already begun sneaking glances at his phone in the evenings and making sure no urgent emails went unresponded to, though he knew he had to limit overall screen time. “Hopefully your family knows you’re out now then? I’d imagine most families are playing things a bit more cautious at the moment.