Chapter 3:
SOPHIA
When Chloe finally returns to the VIP area, I’ve already lost count of how many drinks I’ve had since she left me alone.
Still sitting on the same couch, I see her approaching with a smile.
I guess that’s inevitable tonight, since she owns the place. Which means her presence is constantly requested and, consequently, I end up alone.
I haven’t had time to tell her what happened earlier, and the truth is, I’m still feeling a little shaken.
Sitting beside me, she leans in to speak in my ear:
“Come with me. There’s someone who wants to meet you,” she says over the loud music, taking my hand to try to pull me up.
“I don’t know if that’s a good idea… technically I’m still a married woman,” I retort, trying to come up with an excuse.
“We both know that marriage is a farce. So technically, you’ve always been a free woman. Now get that ass up and celebrate your future divorce by meeting a gorgeous man.” She tugs me, forcing me to stand.
Then she loops her arm through mine.
“Who is he?” I ask, even though I feel indifferent.
“A friend of my father’s.”
“Does that mean he’s old?”
“No!” She laughs. “Actually, he’s what we call a piece of trouble—and he’s Italian.”
Despite having lost my enthusiasm after the incident with the bloodied stranger, I let her drag me along, already thinking about how to get rid of her friend.
The thought that I could be dead right now makes my whole body shiver. How could I let a stranger get into my car?
I don’t know what went through my head. I’m not fucking Wonder Woman. Having a soft heart can be far too dangerous sometimes.
But that guy could be dead now. Maybe I did the right thing, even if it was reckless and stupid.
I follow Chloe to the VIP bar, a space lit by purple neon lights. A man sits on one of the stools at the counter.
All I can see are his broad shoulders and the hair falling over them.
Chloe approaches him, touches his shoulder, and speaks what I believe is Italian. Then he stands to his full height and turns to face me.
And when I look at him for the first time, a shiver runs through my body.
“Salvatore.” He extends his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss…”
“Sophia,” I say, shaking his large, firm hand, feeling a second shiver run up my spine.
He smiles, and I can see the amusement glinting in his eyes, as if he finds my name funny. Even so, I can’t quite make out his face in the dim light, but I notice the square jawline and the slightly prominent, striking Roman nose.
“Now that you’ve met, I’ll leave you in good company.” Chloe smiles before walking away.
Of course, she’s going to leave me alone with a complete stranger. I take a deep breath.
“So… you’re Italian?” I try to make conversation, stepping closer to the bar.
I lean against the counter, feeling his presence behind me.
“What gave me away? My name?”
Although his English is almost perfect, there’s still the faintest trace of an Italian accent that makes him sound insanely charming.
“No… I mean, that too. But Chloe just mentioned it when I was trying to refuse the invitation to meet you,” I say, regretting it a second later.
Shit. Alcohol and its ability to switch off my filter.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that part. I think I’ve had a bit too much to drink.” I can’t help a smile as I turn to face him.
Wow… Now, with the lights finally working in my favor, I get a good look at the man standing in front of me, and he is absurdly attractive.
For a moment, there’s something almost familiar in his grayish-blue eyes. The sensual weight of his gaze nearly steals my breath.
The light brown hair and the trimmed beard create a charming look, with just a hint of danger.
He’s much taller than I am and wears a black suit with a white shirt, no jacket. Just a vest, giving him a slightly more casual air. His sleeves are rolled up to his elbows, revealing forearms entirely covered in tattoos.
I swallow hard, feeling a chill in my stomach and other parts of my body wake up.
“Why were you planning to turn down the invitation?” He raises an eyebrow, sliding both hands into his pockets.
“It’s complicated.”
“Be honest.”
“Honest? Okay. Let’s see… Technically, I’m married.” I struggle not to laugh.
“Technically? What does that mean?”
“That marriages can be complicated, believe me.”
“I’m sure they can, but try to explain.”
“It’s a long story, but I don’t want you to think Chloe and I had bad intentions. The truth is, I’m about to get divorced, and she thought it would be a good idea to introduce me to someone.”
“Believe me, I wouldn’t mind if the two of you had bad intentions… in fact, maybe you’re the one who should be worried.” He teases with a suggestive smile.
“And what should I be worried about?” I ask, playing along.
“My bad intentions.” He grins, outrageously charming.
I think a part of me would actually like to let him act on them.
“Unfortunately, I’m still a married woman, Mr. Salvatore. So that doesn’t worry me.”
“I thought I heard you mention a divorce.”
“Yes, but that’s going to take a little while… so it was a pleasure meeting you.” I tease, with a dramatic flair.
“No, we haven’t reached the pleasure part yet. You’ll know when we get there.” He fires back, making me smile.
Why is flirting with him so exciting? Maybe because everything about him is. His voice, his demeanor. Oh yes… I can definitely imagine having some fun with him.
We keep staring at each other in silence for a while, his gaze making my whole body heat up and my breathing lose its rhythm.
Then suddenly, a man appears out of nowhere, addressing Salvatore.
“Excuse me, sir.”
“One second…” He tells me before stepping away to speak to the stranger.
I can’t hear what they’re talking about from this distance.
A minute later, Salvatore comes back to me.
“I need to take care of something, but I’d appreciate it if you waited here for me,” he says.
I nod.
“Maybe I will.”
“I’ll be right back… Don’t leave.” His tone sounds almost like an order as he gives me an intense look from head to toe.