SOFIA
My anxiety was slowly eating at me while I was getting ready to meet the devil. I slipped into my green dress, put on my heels, and dashed through the door because I was already running late. I didn't bother looking at my reflection in the mirror. I felt very confident in this dress, and I hoped I could hold this confidence in front of Antonio Cattaneo.
My driver pulled up at the classy restaurant, which was known to cater to the elites, not the average business person.
It took months for one to secure a reservation, but of course, it took Mr. Cattaneo nothing less than one phone call. He didn't hesitate to flex the amount of influence he had. While lost in my thoughts, I bumped into a hard wall, a 6-foot wall. Massive hands grabbed my waist and stopped me from falling.
I stared into dark blue eyes that I could get lost in. I was mesmerized by the man before me, who looked like he was sculpted to look like a god.
I quickly released myself from his grasp and adjusted my dress. Clearing my throat, I asked, "How do you know who I am?"
"My apologies," the man drawled, "I'm Dante Russo. I have never seen a woman as beautiful as you are." He proceeded to kiss my hand, then said, "I'm your father's business associate. I'm rather surprised you do not recognize me, Sofia."
He drew closer, and I started feeling uncomfortable by his presence. "Oh, Mr. Russo," I said, trying to sound calm, "lovely to see you again, perhaps my memory is foggy. If you would excuse me, I'm here to meet someone."
He didn't leave upon my statement, instead grabbing my waist. I was about to hit him, when the sound of a gun rang out and a bullet pierced Dante's hand, causing him to drop to the ground screaming in agony.
Revealed behind Dante was the devil himself, Antonio Cattaneo. I was staring into his dark grey eyes, which were filled with anger and a flash of something else that I couldn't grasp.
Antonio
I'm an impatient man. I had never seen Venditti's daughter myself, so I called up Dominic, my digital expert. He can track anyone using their digital footprints anywhere in the world.
I asked him to send me pictures of Sofia Venditti before I arrived at the restaurant to meet her in person. Finally, I got the text message I'd been waiting for. I opened up the file to see the most alluring green eyes and a radiating smile. Sofia Veditti?
Her smile made me feel something in my heart. This woman was dangerous, and I couldn't wait to make her mine. I pulled up at the restaurant to see the man who had the audacity to steal my goods harassing a woman.
I might have done many things, but disrespecting women was not one of them. It went against the principles of the Cattaneo mafia. I didn't hesitate to bring out my gun, then I shot Russo.
Boy, did it feel good.
I expected the woman in front of me to flinch or run, but the gunshot didn't faze her one bit. Then those alluring green eyes entrapped me.
Her beautiful red hair cascaded over her shoulders, showcasing her tanned, beautiful skin. My eyes drifted back to her lips. It took everything in me not to taste those lips, even if it was just once, but deep down I knew once would never be enough.
I had just met this woman, yet she was making me lose my composure. She was making me feel things I'd never felt before.
Who is this woman? I asked myself. She's a goddess, my rational mind replied. But I knew she was more than that. She was Sofia Venditti, the woman I was going to marry.
But first, I had to play my cards right. I walked up to her in slow strides, taking in her beauty. She was the first woman who did not avoid eye contact with me.
A glint of curiosity was in her eyes. "Sofia Venditti," I said. "You're even more beautiful than I imagined."