Omertà ✔️

c h a p t e r - t h r e e

⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆☽Ⓛ❈Ⓒ☾⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆

POV: Illaria

I straighten my posture, my shoulders tensing as I sense someone behind me. The first thing I notice is their scent. It's a heady cologne that screams masculinity. It's the kind of scent that makes you turn your head when you catch a whiff of it on the street, the kind that makes you feel a sudden rush of desire.

I'm gathering my courage, readying myself to turn around when the man's suit brushes against my bare arm as he moves to stand next to me. I recognize him from the corner of my eye and turn to face him fully.

It's him, Mr. Vilenzo. The Italian, the man with the mafia stare and the looks that are too good to be human.

Up close, I remember where I've seen him before. On my eighteenth birthday, we got ready at Georgina's house. He was there. I remember because I nearly fell down the stairs when I saw him. Then I saw him again at a restaurant where Georgina begged her father to lend us his helicopter. I remember that I couldn't stop looking at him then, and I can't stop looking at him now.

The only difference now is the scar running from his temple to his jaw on the left side of his face. I resist the urge to reach out and touch it. I want to ask him about it. He leans against the bar and gives me a half-smile that's incredibly sexy.

"Illaria, right?" His voice is a deep baritone that sends shivers of pleasure through me.

How does he know my name?

I furrow my eyebrows and look at him suspiciously. "Ria is fine...and you are?"

His smile broadens at my response. "My name is Lucca Vilenzo," he introduces himself. He takes my hand and presses a kiss to the back of it. The feel of his soft lips on my skin sends a jolt of pleasure straight to my core. "Call me Lucca."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lucca," I reply, and his eyes twinkle with mischief.

This man has a face that promises trouble, but I love it.

"Do you know, I've never had someone put me in my place from ten meters away before. I wonder, are you still that bold now that I am this close to you?" He teases.

I was worried that I had upset him. But instead, he seems rather amused by it. I quickly lick my lips and knot my fingers in my lap.

"I've never had a guy ask me to join him through his bodyguard before, either," I reply lightly. "Tell me, does that move often work or are other women as demanding as me?"

His lips curl up in a smile again. "They're not usually as demanding, no," he answers carefully, rubbing his hand over his chin. "Strangely, I'm finding that I quite like this sassy side of you, so let me try again. Would you like to join me at my table? I'd love to get to know you, Illaria."

I glance over at Georgina, but she and Henry are now locked in a passionate dance. She's obviously not missing me. One drink couldn't hurt, right?

"Well, seeing as you asked so nicely, I'd love to," I answer.

Lucca smirks at my teasing. He places his large hand on the small of my back, sending heat through my body. Staying close to me, he guides me over to his table. His four bodyguards are standing nearby as we slide into the booth. I momentarily wonder how many enemies he has to warrant having such security. Or maybe it is just one really bad enemy.

At his table, I lean back against the plush fabric and angle my body to face him. I brought my cocktail with me and I nurse it in my hands so that I won't fidget.