Chapter 5 The First Glimpse

Francesca gasped when the restaurant doors opened. Even though she had been here innumerable times, something felt different tonight. She was a guest tonight, not an employee. The opulence that had been familiar now felt oppressive. The subtle musk of leather-bound menus blended with the delicate scent of freshly prepared food. Every element was carefully chosen, and the polished marble floors shone in the gentle illumination. But even with its breathtaking beauty, the room had an air of luxury. Luca waited in the private dining room.

She sensed his presence altering the atmosphere around her before she even saw him. Francesca hesitated at the threshold, her heart racing. In the dim city lights, his towering figure was a silhouette. He was facing away from her, but as soon as she stepped inside, he stood up straight and their relationship became more intense. "Francesca," he said with authority in a low voice. She felt a shiver run down her spine as the words ignited an electric current within her. He looked directly into her eyes. His gaze did not waver. "I'm happy you could attend." With a nod, she blurted out the words. "Thank you for the invitation." The area around them appeared to get smaller, as if Luca had grown to occupy every available space. His intense gaze was like a weight pressing against her chest; it was near but far away. "Please sit down." As she crossed to the table, she could feel his eyes following her every step. He stared at her uncomfortably intently, as if she were not merely a human being but something he was researching. Francesca couldn't tell if the smoldering tension in the air was caused by fear of what was underneath his calm exterior or by curiosity. ⸻ The tension remained constant throughout the quiet dinner, which was broken up by quiet conversations. Francesca tried to concentrate on the presentation's artistry and the delicate flavors, but her mind kept returning to Luca. The low hum of his voice reverberated in her chest. He was always a little too near. The silence was finally broken by Luca. "I don't believe we've ever talked about your past." Francesca looked up at him. It was evident from the sardonic tone of his question that he wasn't merely engaging in conversation. Unwilling to divulge further, she paused before answering, "I've been busy with work." His eyes did not meet Luca's smile. Yes, I'm busy. However, I have witnessed more than just a talented chef. You're concealing something. Francesca stiffened. "I don't have anything to conceal." His eyes were fixed on hers as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. Everybody has secrets. Simply put, some of us maintain them better than others. His words, full of deep significance, lingered between them. Anger and another emotion were simmering in Francesca's chest, but she was unable to resist the allure of his eyes. She retorted in a tight voice, "I'm not the one with secrets." Luca's lips curled into a cunning smile. Everybody has layers. How deep they go is the only question. In an attempt to calm the inner storm, Francesca fell silent. Her heart raced as she felt the pull of him in spite of herself. However, she declined to succumb to his charms once more. Now she was stronger. ⸻ Even though dinner was over, the evening didn't feel quite over. After a brief pause, Francesca put her hand in Luca's as he stood up. There was a tenderness in his firm, almost possessive grip that made her uneasy. A silent fire ignited inside her as the warmth of his touch traveled up her arm. Luca said in a low, almost breathless voice, "You're strong, Francesca." "However, you won't have much more time to hold back." Her pulse accelerated and her throat constricted. She was more uneasy than she wanted to acknowledge because of his words, which were an odd blend of threat and promise. She pulled her hand away, but his touch remained, and her voice tightened. "You don't know what you're discussing." Luca studied her with a disturbing intensity, his gaze never leaving hers. "You have no idea how much I know." There was an obvious and thick tension between them. She wanted to run, but something held her there. An unseen thread drew her closer to him with every word and every look. With a final tone, Luca stated, "I'll be in touch." It was evident from the pressure of his gaze and the darkening of his eyes that this was just the beginning. The weight of his magnetic pull tightened around her chest as Francesca swallowed, her mouth dry. She was unable to fall for it once more. Never again. Francesca took a deep breath and stepped out into the cool night air. With a final, heavy click, the restaurant doors closed behind her. She put a hand to her chest, feeling the warmth of Luca's touch cling to her skin as her heart continued to race. "You won't be able to hold back much longer," he said, echoing in her mind. She detested their sense of correctness. Francesca hurried along, attempting to relieve the stress of the night. Her body betrayed her; her heart pounded in her chest, making her steps unsteady. A shadow shifted in the corner of her eye, and she froze. She turned her head and saw only dim streetlights and an empty street. The back of her neck still pricked with hair. She accelerated her pace. One more corner. One more look. Then she noticed it. A number. The figure was in the shadows, far away. Still. observing. They are just watching; they are not coming. She gasped. Her pulse skipped a beat. Not Luca. He wasn't the one. This time, desire wasn't mixed up with fear. It was merely fear. Her throat constricted. Was there another player in this game?