Chapter 6 The Power Play

Between Francesca and Luca, the candlelight flickered, creating gentle shadows on the table. She shifted in her chair uncomfortably. She felt as though she couldn't pass through the wall of polished silver and crystal between them, but there was also an unspoken tension in the air that she couldn't place. Her pulse accelerated, and every look and fleeting brush of their fingers against the wine glasses made her shudder. Leaning back in his chair, Luca fixed her with his gaze. His dark hair fell just above his brow, and he was tall and effortlessly handsome.

She gasped as his deep voice twisted around every word. The way he looked at her, as if he knew things she didn't, was just as striking as his voice. His voice was low and tinged with laughter as he said, "You seem distracted." She shuddered. Francesca cleared her throat in an attempt to concentrate. "No, just pondering." The heat of his touch and the dangerous attraction she felt for him, however, diverted her thoughts from the topic at hand. When Luca smiled, his lips slowly curving, her heart raced. "What are you contemplating?" She paused. To what extent should she divulge? It seemed like a risky question. She blurted out, "Well, you," and instantly regretted it as her face reddened. Luca's eyes softened, but he remained motionless. His breath was warm against her ear as he leaned forward a little. "How about me?" Francesca swallowed forcefully, feeling a whirlpool of emotions. "I don't know," she muttered. "You simply possess a certain quality." As Luca's smile grew, a glimpse of something more sinister and perilous flickered through his eyes. "You really don't know what you're getting into?" His breath brushed her skin like a secret as he lowered his voice. The ensuing quiet hovered between them, oppressive and dense. Francesca felt her heart racing. She couldn't tell if Luca was being threatening or joking, but his expression was serious and his eyes were on hers. "Have I been heard?" There was no longer any hint of amusement in his tone. Francesca blinked as she tried to comprehend what he had said. "Are you saying that you're connected to the Mafia?" Though they made sense, the words felt weird as she spoke them. She had always felt that Luca was dangerous, but she had never recognized it. Luca nodded while maintaining a fixed gaze. "Now you're too close. I didn't want to tell you, though. The realization made Francesca's breath catch. She had stepped into a more sinister world than she had ever known. The whole town was aware of Luca's strength, but this was something else. "So, then, you're a criminal?" Before she could stop it, the question escaped her lips. Her stomach knot grew tighter. A calculating and frigid smile briefly appeared on Luca's lips. "I'm not a criminal, Francesca. I own a company. Simply put, my company isn't clean. She made an effort to focus on his face, searching for any clue that would help her make sense of the chaos she was experiencing. But all she saw was a man who, in spite of his distance, had a strange magnetic quality. "I can't be involved in this," she whispered, gasping for air. Leaning closer, Luca spoke in a quiet but sinister tone. "You are already." Francesca's heart pounded as the words replayed repeatedly in her mind. With each move intended to entice her in, he had been using his charm to manipulate her. However, why? "What do you want from me?" she blurted before she could stop herself. After a brief period of softness, Luca's eyes hardened. "I don't need anything from you. All I want is to protect you. His speech was too smooth and unnerving. A cold shiver ran up her back. Despite the fear tearing at her chest, she said firmly, "I'm not safe in your world." Luca's fingers coiled around his wine glass as his jaw tensed. "You don't get it? You're already on board. It makes no difference if you decide to be in or out. You're in. With the weight of his words pressing down on her chest, Francesca turned away. Was he correct? Had she gone too far and couldn't go back? She was shocked when Luca's hand lightly touched hers as he reached across the table. With regret and something else in it, his voice faded to a near whisper. "I told you. There is no turning back now. She withdrew her hand, gasping for air. "I am unable to... I refuse to become involved in this. Luca's unreadable gaze stayed fixed on hers. "There's nothing else you can do." Francesca moved to the back of the restaurant, where there was a lot of conversation. The clinking of glasses and the laughter seemed so far away. She made an effort to ignore Luca's remarks, but they continued to reverberate in her head. There is nothing else you can do. Trying to quiet the raging storm inside her, she put a hand to her chest. Then she caught sight of her. Ventresca Giulia. Tall, graceful, and icy. With her eyes fixed on Francesca, Giulia leaned casually against the bar, her presence filling the room. The air became cold as soon as their eyes locked. Giulia's lips formed a courteous smile, but it was too controlled and flawless. Her smooth, slightly condescending voice said, "I didn't expect to see you here." Francesca's heart skipped a beat and she tensed. "I didn't know this was where you were." Giulia cocked her head in a feline gesture. Oh, you certainly weren't. However, then again... She looked at Francesca with purposeful interest. "You don't seem to know a lot." The words struck like a chilly blow. Francesca refused to back down. "I'm only here to do my job." Giulia stepped forward, her presence a silent menace. "Cara, exercise caution. In this world, it's simple to confuse attention with affection. And it's more difficult to determine who is disposable until it's too late. The breath caught in Francesca's throat. Giulia's grin grew angular. "I sincerely hope you're not attempting to take my place." Francesca was left frozen, her chest constricted with fear, as she turned and disappeared into the bustle of the restaurant.