As the meeting concluded, Lucas departed from the shadowed abode of the mafia, the lingering scent of cigar smoke cloaking his attire. The night was tense, and the moon cast extended shadows across the cobbled alley, as he approached the sleek black vehicle awaiting him at the kerb. His chauffeur, an impassive man with a jagged scar tracing his jaw, held open the door, yet Lucas paused as a peculiar sensation pricked the base of his nape, pondering its source. Shrugging off the unease, Lucas slipped into his car only to hear a voice call out. "Lucas! Wait, Lucas!" Elizabeth cried, making her way towards him before he could close the car door and signal the driver to depart. Lucas arched an eyebrow in silence, and Elizabeth knew he desired an explanation for her interruption. Putting on a meek expression, her eyes clouded with tears, Elizabeth softly spoke, "Could I hitch a ride with you, please? My father is still engrossed in business with the other mafia leaders inside, and I
In a dazed state, Lucas stumbled into the villa, still under the influence of the drugs Elizabeth had given to him, and made his way towards his room. As he weaved through the hallway, a glimmer of light caught his attention, prompting him to change his course and head towards the source. With his foggy mind leading the way, Lucas entered the room to find a silvery light emitting from the bed, illuminating the figure lying on it. His emerald gaze followed the trail of light and he felt his pulse quicken as his blood rushed to certain parts of his body.He approached the bed and sat down gently, his eyes fixed on the petite woman lying there with a peaceful expression. As she slept, Kate's cheeks were flushed and her satin robe clung to her skin, barely covering her body. In the gentle glow of the room, her skin appeared to glow, and Lucas couldn't help but bite his lip as desire consumed him at the sight of her - a primal craving that he couldn't resist.Unable to contain himself any
As they zoomed through the urban landscape, Kate could barely focus on the sights. She sat next to her uncle Bob, who was behind the wheel. ‘I hate being stuck here.’ She thought bitterly and exhaled loudly. “Don’t look so glum, Kate.” Bob said with a gentle chuckle from the driver's seat. “You are going to enjoy this dinner party, It should be a nice change of pace. You have been working a little too much lately." “I don't mind it at all, Office life isn't that bad." “But wouldn't you want a little excitement in your life?" “Excitement isn't always a good thing, Uncle. My job might be boring, but at least it's secure." A sigh leaves Bob lips—-- "Fine! But try to give tonight a chance, for me please. I’ll even introduce you to Lucas Romano, He’s going to announce his fiancee at tonight's dinner, you know, that man is the heir to the Romano group, which makes him one of the most powerful business men in the country.” Kate scoffed, ‘Ah yes, a businessman? You mean a mafia bo
Kate exhaled after their departure. ‘So that was Lucas Romano? I didn't realize he was so handsome—- Such a shame about his personality, though. On the other hand, Ace seemed pretty nice. He's a looker too. If he wasn't involved with the mafia, I wouldn't mind talking to him more, but that would also mean seeing Mr. Unfriendly again.’ After her internal dialogue, she shakes her head and starts searching through the crowd again for her uncle. “Now, where could he have gone?" She said and continued pushing through the crowd. “Excuse me….. sorry.” She suddenly stopped in her tracks and turned around to look at the man she just pushed past. "Matteo?” She called out, uncertainly. The man turns to face her, and her heart leaps. ‘It really is him!’ "Kate?” The man called out, stunned. "It's been so long! I haven't seen you since graduation.” He rubs the back of his neck, flashing a soft, sheepish smile. "Sorry about that. I kept saying I’d get in touch, but I didn't want to bother
‘His—-What?!’ Kate was dumbfounded and screamed in her mind but Lucas ignored the petrified Kate and continued with his speech. “Like my father said before he passed on, I’ll need a queen by my side to properly lead the family. The empire I’ll soon inherit brings many duties and responsibilities—-- so I’m pleased to face them with someone I can truly rely on by my side.” Lucas looks back at Kate, his gaze warmer than usual. “A capable woman who has proven herself to me and won my love. Many challenges await us, but I know we can face them together." Kate stands next to him in a daze as he goes on about their relationship with charm and like a man in love. Yet, his commanding presence continues to dominate the atmosphere. ‘What the hell is going on?’ And why is he acting like a completely different person?!’ Applause breaks out after his speech, and with a dazzling smile on his handsome face, Lucas takes her hand again and leads her away. He brought her into an empty room just of
Kate widened her eyes to see Bob at the doorstep, and at that moment, She felt surreal to finally see her uncle whom she had been looking for. “Come in, you might help this go more smoothly." Lucas said to him and Bob stepped into the room and closed the door. “Well, Kate, this is more exciting than being back at the office, isn't it?" Kate's uncle said, with a grin, as If he helped his niece hit the jackpot! “You—-” At that moment, the pieces fell into place for Kate and she couldn't help the sourness that developed at the back of her throat. "This is why you insisted that I come here tonight. You are the one who recommended me for this scheme!” Kate asked, not believing her doubts and the truth in front of her at the moment. "That's right.” Bob said and nodded as he confirmed her deduction. And immediately, the tiny shred of hope Kate was hanging onto dropped like a fallen balloon. She couldn't help the feeling of being used, betrayed and hurt. Tears welled up in her hazel e
The next morning, A loud banging from the door woke Kate up, who wanted to sleep some more. ‘Ugh….. What the?’ She looked at the time by her bedside and saw that It was just six o’clock in the morning. ‘Who could be at the doorstep by this hour?’ She mused as she rolled over on the bed to ignore it and continue sleeping but the banging didn't stop, in fact It became louder. Kate sat up straight, fuming. With a groan, she grabbed her robe and put it on, then hurried to get the door. She looked through the peephole and freezed, It was Lucas knocking the daylights out of her door with Ace standing beside him. ‘What do they want now?’ She sighs and opened the door. “Finally.” Lucas snarled as he strode into her apartment. "You’ve got some nerve, acting like you are the one being inconvenienced here. Do you have any idea what time It is?” Kate exclaimed, prepared to admonish the entitled and haughty mob leader before her. "It's six." Lucas replied monotonously. “Oh, for a minute I
"Welcome." Lucas announced with a flourish as they arrived at a grand villa, standing out amidst the verdant hills of Opio. The villa exuded the charm of Provencal architecture, boasting of stone walls, a terracotta roof, and arched windows. Its terrace offered a stunning view of the sea, while a private pool and a small dock with a sleek yacht completed the idyllic picture. The villa was surrounded by a high wall, guarded by two muscular men in black suits and sunglasses. Kate was awestruck by the magnificence of her surroundings and the meticulous security measures in place. A surge of adrenaline pulsed through her as she remembered Lucas' words. ‘My enemies wouldn't be foolish enough to attack you in my villa.’ "So, this is your home?" She asked, gazing at the imposing villa in front of her. "And yours." Lucas replied, a tinge of satisfaction in his voice that made Kate snap her mouth shut. "I still prefer my apartment," she quipped, unwilling to back down. "Including the ruthle