The Mafia's Rose

The rain was falling heavily as Alessia stepped out of the black sedan, her heels sinking slightly into the soft earth. She was the jewel of the Santori family, a name that struck both awe and terror into the hearts of those who dared cross them. Known as "La Rosa"—the Rose—for her beauty and the unyielding strength concealed beneath, she was not a woman to be trifled with. Tonight, though, her heart pounded, and it wasn't out of fear for her life.

In the shadows of the ancient, ivy-covered villa stood Lucien, the youngest son of the Bellucci family. Once a rival, always a danger. But they had met in secret, just the two of them, one too many times. They had tasted each other's fire, and it had been an addiction, dangerous and thrilling. Tonight, though, everything felt sharper, more intense.

As Alessia entered the villa, Lucien's gaze was already fixed on her. He watched the way the fabric of her dress clung to her curves, the way her dark hair framed her face like a crown. She was untouchable to everyone else, but here, behind closed doors, they were equals—drawn together by the thrill of the forbidden.

With a single step, Lucien closed the distance between them, his hand reaching out to brush her damp hair back. His touch was rough, his fingers warm against her cool skin. She tilted her head, challenging him with her gaze, but there was no mistaking the hunger simmering between them.

"Do you know what you're risking, coming here?" she whispered, her voice a mix of warning and invitation.

Lucien's fingers trailed down her arm, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. "Risk means nothing when I'm with you," he murmured. His hand settled at her waist, pulling her closer. Their breath mingled, the tension so thick it was like a tangible force holding them together.

The storm outside raged as they surrendered to the passion that had simmered beneath the surface for so long. Their worlds were about power, loyalty, and blood, but in each other's arms, none of that mattered. The Rose had found her match, and as dawn crept over the horizon, their futures were sealed in the whispers of the night.

But secrets have a way of blooming into deadly consequences, and as they lay entwined, neither knew the price they'd soon have to pay.