---
The sterile scent of the hospital filled Alessandra's nostrils as she stepped into her mother's room. The beeping of machines and the soft rustling of nurses in the hallways were the only sounds breaking the heavy silence. Maria lay in the bed, her once-vibrant features now pale and drawn. Alessandra's heart ached at the sight.
"Mama, how are you feeling today?" Alessandra asked, forcing a bright smile as she approached the bed.
Maria's eyes fluttered open, a weak smile touching her lips. "Better, knowing you're here, my angel."
Alessandra squeezed her mother's hand gently. "I have some news. I applied for a job at a company downtown. It's a good opportunity, and I really hope it works out."
Maria's eyes brightened slightly. "That's wonderful, Alessandra. I know you'll get it. You're so smart and capable."
Before Alessandra could respond, the doctor entered the room. Dr. Rossi, a compassionate man with graying hair and kind eyes, greeted them with a nod.
"Alessandra, could we talk for a moment?" he asked, glancing at Maria before turning back to Alessandra.
Alessandra nodded, following Dr. Rossi into the hallway. Her heart pounded with apprehension. "Is everything okay, Doctor?"
Dr. Rossi sighed, a look of concern etched on his face. "Your mother's condition is stable for now, but she urgently needs the treatment we discussed. The costs are substantial, and I understand the financial burden this places on you."
Alessandra's eyes filled with unshed tears. "I'm doing everything I can to gather the money. I just...I need a little more time."
Dr. Rossi placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I know you're trying your best, Alessandra. You're a devoted daughter, and it's clear how much you care for your mother. We'll do everything we can to support you, but time is of the essence."
Alessandra nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Thank you, Doctor. I won't give up. I'll find a way."
Returning to her mother's room, Alessandra plastered a hopeful smile on her face. "I'll be back soon, Mama. I have to meet Sofia. She's been a great help."
Maria smiled weakly. "Take care, my angel."
---
Sofia's apartment was a stark contrast to its run-down exterior. The inside was cozy and well-kept, a testament to Sofia's knack for making the best of any situation. Alessandra knocked on the door, and Sofia opened it with a wide grin.
"Alessandra! Come in, come in!" Sofia ushered her inside, her excitement palpable. "I've been dying to hear about last night."
Alessandra couldn't help but smile at her friend's enthusiasm. "It was...interesting, to say the least."
Sofia's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Tell me everything! I saw you with that man. He looked like he couldn't take his eyes off you."
Alessandra took a deep breath, a flashback of the previous night overwhelming her senses. She could still feel Leonardo's intense gaze on her, his hands firm on her hips, his breath hot against her lips. His presence had been magnetic, his aura dominating the room.
"He was...different," Alessandra began, her voice soft. "His touch was so commanding, and his eyes...they were so piercing, so predatory. It felt like he could see right through me."
Sofia leaned in closer, hanging on every word. "And the way he looked at you! I saw it from across the room. He was completely entranced."
Alessandra nodded, lost in the memory. "He didn't just look at me. It was like he was memorizing every part of me. His breath on my lips, the way he touched me...it was electric."
Sofia grinned, a knowing look in her eyes. "Sounds like you left quite an impression on him too. Do you know who he is?"
Alessandra shook her head. "No, he didn't tell me his name. But there was something about him...he was different from the others."
Sofia's grin widened. "I can tell you one thing: he's rich. Luca, the guy I was with, told me about him. Didn't give me a name, but he said his friend was a big deal."
Alessandra's heart skipped a beat. "Rich, huh? I suppose that explains the confidence, the way he carried himself."
Sofia nodded. "You should find out more about him. Maybe he could help with your situation."
Alessandra frowned, the practical side of her mind pushing through the haze of last night's memories. "I don't want to depend on anyone, Sofia. I need to handle this myself."
Sofia squeezed her hand gently. "I know you're strong, Alessandra. But it wouldn't hurt to see if he can help. You never know what opportunities might come from this."
Alessandra sighed, her mind conflicted. The memory of Leonardo's touch lingered, a constant reminder of the undeniable connection they shared. But she couldn't afford to get distracted. Her mother's well-being was her priority.
---
Meanwhile, across town, Leonardo couldn't get Alessandra out of his mind. Her soft blue eyes, her blond hair, her touch, her scent—everything about her haunted him. He was used to getting what he wanted, and the fact that she had vanished only fueled his determination.
A week later, he found himself back at La Luce Nera, his mind set on finding her. He approached the manager, his expression intense.
"The girl who attended to me last week, Alessia. Where is she?" He asked with an authoritative tone.
The manager looked puzzled. "Alessia? I'm sorry, sir, but she hasn't been here for a while now"
Leonardo's heart skipped a beat. "Where is she?" He asked again.
The manager sighed. "She left. She said she had enough money to cover her mother's medical bills for now. She won't be returning anytime soon."
Leonardo felt a pang of disappointment and frustration, he remembered paying a bit too much that night, but she was worth it. He couldn't let her slip away so easily. He needed to find her. Her eyes, her touch, her scent—they were etched into his soul, and he wouldn't rest until he had her in his arms again.
As he left the club, a plan began to form in his mind. He would find Alessandra, no matter what it took. His desire for her was insatiable, and he knew he wouldn't be able to forget her until she was his.