Vincenzo Luca

Morgan had always lived in the shadow of his father volkov viktor , the great pakhan of a mighty mafia group yet all he ever dreamed about was to live a normal life free from his bloodline and to have a life free from violence and danger with his twin sister yet all this changes when he fell in love with Blaise vitale the charming son of his fathers rival vincenzo, with betrayal cut deep Blaise revealed himself as nothing but a tool to pull them down. watching in horror as his fathers empire crumble,parents die and sister lost in the darkness of conflict and loyalty margan trives to take revenge even if it means becoming what he'd dreaded the most

Lucas transmigrated to a parallel world and found himself participating in a talent show called "THE IDOL VOICE". But here's the problem he's tone deaf . All the audience and judges thought that lucas would perform miserably ,even he himself thought so until he heard a cold mechanical voice in his head [DING!!! system binding 10%....] he couldn't hold his exitment! Pfft, hahaha, I'm really sorry, I couldn't hold back my laughter. It's my first time performing.

Luca, killed by the Demon God, woke up to find himself back on the day the "Eternal Game" launched. At this time, the game has just started, and Earth hasn't turned into a monster's paradise; everything is back to the beginning. Determined not to let the tragedies of his previous life repeat, Luca, armed with ten years of gaming experience, re-enters the world of Eternal, only to awaken the unique SSS-level talent! Starting with maxed charm! As he enters the game, pondering how to enhance his strength. A cold voice suddenly calls out: "Adventurer, wait a moment..."

New Synopsis: [WARNING:18+ SCENES AHEAD] I bullied the future mafia boss, and now he owns me—body, mind, and soul. Lucas thrived on tormenting Dimitri, a fragile boy trapped by his mafia family’s expectations. But after Lucas is institutionalized, their connection is severed, leaving Dimitri alone to claw his way to the top. Years later, Lucas returns, expecting the same weak boy—only to find Dimitri transformed into a ruthless overlord who now craves control over him. What should’ve been revenge turns into a twisted obsession. Dimitri doesn’t just want payback; he wants Lucas—mind, body, and soul. And for the first time, Lucas feels exhilarated by the idea of losing control. Drawn into the deadly mafia underworld, their toxic love story unfolds through betrayals, bloodshed, and power struggles. Together, they are unstoppable—a force of chaos, passion, and destruction. But in this world, love is just another form of power, and only the most ruthless survive. Please note: Lucas's personality is deeply inspired by real-life serial killers, with his actions and behavior reflecting their dark nature from the very beginning. If you're sensitive to such content, I strongly advise against reading this novel. After all, what happens when a serial killer enters a relationship with someone who can conceal his darkest secrets? Well, that's a recipe for disaster.

[ R18/Smut/Harem/Netori ] ------ [ DING ] [ Ultimate Spin System Activated ] --- It all started with a mysterious notification. Lucas Cross, an ordinary gamer struggling to make ends meet, suddenly found his life turned upside down. When the Ultimate Spin System chose him as its host, he was thrust into a chaotic world filled with random rewards, bizarre challenges, and unpredictable skills. From gaining passive abilities that attract unfaithful wives to spinning weekly wheels of fortune with life-altering consequences, Lucas must navigate a world where the line between game and reality blurs.

Demons and Beast descended, terrorizing the whole world for the past hundred years. Everyone can awaken a grimoire and summon a beast during their age of ceremony. Lucas, awakening the weakest grimoire, also awakened the weakest beast- a small dog with no combat capabilities. Fortunately, as a transmigrator, Lucas also mysteriously awakened a system that allows him to evolve his summons into their mythical beast counterpart. Follow Lucas and his journey to greatness as he evolved his beasts into never been before seen mythical creatures.

Lucas Tanaka, a 30-year-old Japanese man who gave up his dream of becoming a soccer player, lives a monotonous life in Tokyo. After an act of bravery that results in a fatal wound, a glowing screen appears in front of him. [The skill "System" has been granted.] ["System" unlocked.] [The skill "System" has given to you the skill "Supernatural Resistance".] ["Supernatural Resistance" unlocked.] [Thanks to the divine effect of "Supernatural Resistance", from now on death is no longer a problem for you]. When Lucas wakes up, he finds himself on a vast soccer field, back in his youth, in the middle of a match with his childhood friend. With new skills and an unexpected chance to relive his dreams, Lucas is faced with the opportunity to redefine his destiny, but first he must overcome the normal challenges of a young soccer player, such as becoming a starter, winning the regional championship and become a professional soccer player! [The hidden function of the skill "Champion System" has been unlocked.] [The skill of "Replicator Genius" has been granted]. ["Replicator Genius" unlocked]. __________ What you can expect: Action, well-developed relationships, an MC who has attitude, a complex system that evolves, an MC who gets really strong, Slice of Life, manga content. The MC is proactive, he knows how to adapt, but he's not a genius who knows literally every possible future for all his actions. __________ Discord: https://discord.gg/PUdhacWtHr

“You need my help, Tesoro. You choose. A marriage with me or be torn apart by them” His voice was cool as though this wasn't a matter of life or death. I didn't want this life. My father had gambled a lot and left me with a lot of enemies and now I needed the help of Don Vincenzo LaRosa who was my high school bully and now the Don of the most powerful mafia family in Italy if I was going to survive it. It was just a marriage of convenience but I realized something. He wasn't helping me out of a good heart. I had been sold without my permission to him. I was the mafia's pawn.

I dashed passed a large tree merely avoiding crashing into it and risking getting caught. If only I had brought my motorcycle along with me, I would've been out of here as quickly as I got in. I continued running taking random turns trying my best to shake the men off my trail. I made a daring turn into a narrow path only to make an abrupt stop- It was a dead end!. 'Why does this almost always happen?' I thought, now extremely annoyed. I hurriedly began surveying my environment, desperately looking for any way to escape. I had to think of something or who knows what they'd do to me if I was caught but how in the world do you escape a dead end? Suddenly, the sound of a gunshot echoed in my ears sending a rushing gust of adrenaline through my veins and soon after came the sound created by the impact of the bullet on the wall ahead of me. 'Damn it!' I hissed, I'd been caught. I raised my hands above my head and slowly turned around to face them. I gave an awkward smile at five men who were all pointing their guns at me. The man in the middle with an expression harsh enough to give anyone the creeps spoke up "Give us the flash or die!". Everything about his voice expressed nothing but a thirst for murder and blood lust. ~~~~~~ I bet you're all wondering how I ended up in something as surreal as this, so why don't I start from the beginning. My parents were your classic run-off-the-mill romcom couples. Their love literally knew no bound. It was always something special the kind you'd rarely see in real life and probably only see in story books and fantasies. They got married and a year later had me...and my twin brother Luca. My parents were rich so, Luca and I grew up comfortable, wrapped and shielded by the warmth of our parents unbreakable love. Everything seemed perfect, but who would have known that perfection could be easily broken. All it took to destroy our perfect lives was one unfortunate,bloody night. I woke up to the sounds of gunshots, panicked I got out of bed and dashed out of my room to follow the sounds and figure out what in the world was going on. I spotted Luca coming out of his room too, no doubt it was the noise that woke him up too. I ran down the stairs of our villa and entered the living room which seemed to be the source of the noise. I stopped dead in my tracks at the most horrifying sight. That was when my world shattered. My dad laid wounded on the floor and my mom had just been shot right in front of my eyes. I collapsed on the floor and screamed. The masked assassins looked up sparing me a few quick glances before escaping through the now shattered windows. Everything else that happened was a blur. Before I knew it we were at the hospital and a few months later, our lives were back to what seemed like our new normal. Luca and I went back to school, all our damaged properties along with all our security guards had been replaced and dad went back to work. We were all devastated when we lost mom and we all tried to move on and look towards the future, well all of us... except dad. He was crushed and he threw himself deep into work. He barely ever slept, always stayed in his room and quickly lost interest in raising us-we practically didn't exist to him anymore. So Luca, being older twin raised the both of us giving me all the parental attention I needed for 4years . Luca and I graduated high school and got an amazing job offer from our uncle-Mark. All we had to do was pass a test and the job was ours but I can't tell you what the test was,that part's confidential and if I told you... I'd have to eliminate you. In Summary, Luca and I passed the test and we're now undercover SPIES! It's the real deal. ***** This story is about the adventures of Andrea and her three best friends but it focuses more on Andrea's side of the story. Having growing up in a loving family, she finds it hard to believe that all she has grown to believe is a lie. She discovers that truly everything is not as it seems as it seems.

> "In the shadows of Italy's underworld, betrayal threatens to dismantle one of the most powerful mafia families. Vincenzo, the ruthless yet enigmatic leader, battles not only enemies outside but also a strange illness that pushes him to the brink of madness. Vanessa becomes his unexpected anchor, a calming presence who soothes his chaos and holds the key to his survival. But as a hidden traitor lurks within their ranks, plotting against him, trust becomes the deadliest weapon. In a world where secrets are currency, can Vincenzo uncover the betrayer before it’s too late—or will the underworld claim him first?"

Sofia’s heart is a fortress, built from betrayal, grief, and a painful loss. She once believed in love, but after her husband’s death and the lies that shattered her, she swore never to trust again. Enter Lucas—young, broken, and battling his own demons. Despite his pain, he’s drawn to Sofia, and her cold exterior doesn’t deter him. He doesn’t try to fix her, but every encounter cracks the walls she’s so carefully built. The pull between them is undeniable, but dangerous. Sofia fears what might happen if she lets him in, while Lucas struggles to find a reason to keep going. Can they heal each other, or will their scars be too much to overcome? "Hearts in War: A Love Reborn From Ashes" is a journey of trust, pain, and the courage to love again. Will Sofia take the risk, or will love slip away for good?

A boy who lost his love for Formula racing after his father died on track, bringing calamity to his family. Left to care for his mother and sister, Luca does all he can to make ends meet. But it seems that every step he takes keeps pulling him back to the asphalt, and one sudden endeavor changes his life completely. [SYSTEM INITIALIZING......] [SYSTEM MERGING COMPLETE!] [Congratulations, you have attained the Formula 1 System] Luca rekindles his love for Formula racing as he strives to find his footing in this world. Rivalries and conspiracies may try to weigh him down, but Luca is determined to emerge victorious. [THE FORMULA 1 SYSTEM, A SYSTEM THAT WILL HELP HOST BECOME THE BEST RACER IN THE WORLD] --------------- Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction and is not affiliated with the Formula One group. No real teams or drivers are mentioned, except for engine providers.

Synopsis/Blurb "Aria Sinclair's life takes a dramatic turn when her art accidentally destroys a masterpiece belonging to Lucas Blackwell, a ruthless billionaire with a passion for perfection. Forced to work for him to repay the debt, Aria becomes entwined in Lucas's dark world of secrets and power. As sparks fly and walls crumble, the line between hatred and love blurs. But when a haunting betrayal from Lucas's past resurfaces, will their fragile bond survive, or will it shatter like the artwork that brought them together?" Character Male Lead (ML): Lucas Blackwell Personality: Brooding, calculating, and emotionally guarded, Lucas hides a deeply caring side beneath his cold demeanor. Background: A self-made billionaire whose trust was shattered by betrayal in his youth, leaving him wary of relationships. He’s a silent benefactor of the art world but hides this to protect his reputation. Motivation: Protecting his empire while secretly longing for connection. Female Lead (FL): Aria Sinclair Personality: Creative, impulsive, and fiercely independent. Aria values her freedom and despises control, which puts her in direct conflict with Lucas. Background: An orphan who found solace in painting. Her dream is to open a community art studio for underprivileged kids, but she struggles financially. Motivation: Achieving her dreams without relying on anyone, but deep down, she fears being abandoned again.

In a world where ancient magic and primal instincts collide, Lucas Hartman Grey stands as a living curse.Born from a forbidden affair between a witch and a werewolf,Lucas is burdened with dangerous powers that threaten to unleash unimaginable destruction. The great white witch, enraged by the illicit union, cursed Lucas at birth,ensuring his life would be a tumultuous blend of rage and power. Haunted by his past, Lucas harbors a deep seated hatred for humans stemming from the brutal murder of his uncle. This hatred festers withing him, influencing his every move. Home is a sanctuary from the outside world, yet it is at the elite school where Lucas's internal battles truly surface. it is here that he meets Elara, a human girl whose presence inexplicably draws the depths of his anger. Despite his initial resentment,Elara becomes a focal point in Luca's life.Challenging his preconceptions and forcing him to confront the curse that defines him. As their paths intertwine, Lucas must navigate the fine line between his destructive potential and the possibility of redemption . With a narrative that explores themes of identity forbidden love,and the struggle between fate and free will, "Moonlit enchantment" delves into the complexities of a young man cursed by his origins and driven by vengeance. Will Lucas Hartman Grey succumb to the darkness withing or will Elara's influence be the key to breaking the curse that binds him?.

Amelia Carter never imagined her life would change with a single deal. A desperate attempt to save her father leads her into a cold marriage with Lucas Blackwood, a billionaire known for his ruthless charm and hidden motives. Thrown into a world of wealth, power, and dark secrets, Amelia struggles to find her footing. Lucas is distant yet protective, a man full of contradictions. His family is even more dangerous, with hidden agendas and a sister determined to drive Amelia out. But when Amelia stumbles upon a photograph that hints at a haunting past, she begins to question everything she knows about Lucas and herself. As tension builds and enemies close in, Amelia must navigate a web of lies and betrayals, all while resisting the undeniable pull between her and Lucas. What is Lucas hiding? And will Amelia uncover the truth before it’s too late?

"Wow, I like you. Become my dog! Whaat! You'd rather die than being my dog?! Oh well, what a shame. Alright, you can die now" In the vast continent of Tulaq, there exists many races that walk on this lands. But the race which has dominated the continent after the ancient era ended was the human race creating various empires and kingdoms on it's vast lands. Luca, however was part of the Ingrid tribe who were known for their horns and beautiful appearance. He was a sweet and kindhearted kid who would be careful enough not to hurt even a ant passing by. But by the above narrative, you should have noticed by now that the person above speaking is this same sweet Luca. What could be the reason to this drastic change in his personality? Even I don't know what happens next and am excited to know what happens next! So join Luca on his dominating and bloody sweet revenge-filled journey.

Lucas Mendes era um jovem comum com uma vida comum... até o momento de sua morte. Após ser atropelado em sua cidade natal, ele acorda em um mundo completamente diferente, repleto de dragões, elfos, titãs e outras criaturas fantásticas. Mas Lucas não renasce como um humano. Ele se torna algo único, algo que o mundo jamais viu: um **Vampiro Primordial**, a primeira criatura de sua espécie em um universo onde a palavra "vampiro" sequer existe. Com poderes desconhecidos e uma fome insaciável, ele descobre que sua existência está atrelada a um misterioso **Sistema de Ascensão Vampírica**, que o guia em sua jornada para evoluir, caçar e dominar. Enquanto Lucas explora este mundo cheio de magia e intrigas, ele logo percebe que ser único tem seu preço. Governantes temem o desconhecido, e os poderosos seres que habitam o mundo o veem como uma ameaça ou como um prêmio a ser conquistado. Com a capacidade de evoluir ao consumir o sangue de suas vítimas e adquirir habilidades através de seus pontos de sangue, Lucas precisa enfrentar monstros, superar guerras e desvendar os mistérios de sua nova existência. Ele será um predador implacável, mas também um símbolo de poder e terror. Lucas terá que decidir se usará sua força para proteger, conquistar ou destruir este mundo que agora chama de lar. Prepare-se para uma jornada sombria de ascensão, onde o primeiro vampiro deve escrever seu próprio legado e decidir quem merece viver sob sua sombra.

In a realm of magic where reality is woven with the threads of destiny, Alex Friedman finds himself transmigrated into his favorite novel Swordsmaster's rise as the main antagonist of volume seven Lucas Morningstar. Originally a trivial villain meant to be a stepping stone for the protagonist, Lucas' tale was supposed to be one of ignominy and defeat. Yet after emerging from his mysterious disappearance, he emerged as the emissary of Chaos, an instrument of destruction. Aleix now bound to Lucas' fate Seeks to change that as past memories reveal a harrowing truth: Lucas' downfall was not solely his own doing, but the consequence of a world that forged a monster. Now Aleix is torn. Which route should he go. Redemption or Damnation. But little does he know that with each passing moment, his identity is consumed by Lucas' persona little by little fueling an unrelenting quest for revenge on the protagonist. However, as the stakes escalate, he begins to grasp the far reaching implications of his actions as the very fabric of existence trembles, threatening to unravel the balance between light and darkness

One moment, Lucas closed his eyes to sleep. The next, he opened them to find himself not in his bedroom, but in a courtroom. Even more startling, he was in a different body. Lucas was confused, but there was no time to dwell on it. Why? Because.... "Your Honour, please sentence him to death!" the prosecutor demanded, looking directly at Lucas, who was seated on the judge's bench. 'It seems I have become a judge.' Lucas realized. -------- [Note:- There will be no Harem, If you want ONLY Harem then this book is not for you, there will be romance. ] Also tell me how do you like it in review, This is my first time writing {Note:- Currently I'm editing all of my strating chapters because of my poor grammar mistakes, I already edited some of starting chapter but still if you found any grammar mistakes please let me know. Thank you.}

In his previous life, Lucas was known as a great wizard and moon wizard. Everyone calls him by different great names. As a king, he has the highest power. Someone with a noble, kind, and gentle heart. Everyone admires and praises him. Not everyone really loves him, they just put on a false front. Behind that false mask there is only treachery. The person who took his throne was someone Lucas really trusted. Lucas experiences his first death at the hands of someone he truly trusted, and ends up reincarnated, coming back to life in the modern era. A very pleasant new life, unlike the one in the past, which was very dark. But the happiness he gets is only temporary, he has to lose his new family and face people from the past again. At that moment, the whole world turned around and pointed their guns at him. However, the truth was that he remembered the body he was using was Lucas in the present who had died. The same pain he had experienced in the past. Lucas just wanted to get back the happiness that was stolen from him and take revenge. It doesn't matter how, even in a dirty way. He who has two very different traits, someone who has experienced the bitterness and cruelty of the world. Destroy the mines that block his path to darkness.

Lucas, um escritor em crise criativa, busca uma história ousada para reavivar sua carreira. Desafiado por um amigo, ele se aventura no submundo da prostituição masculina e se depara com Miguel, um jovem sedutor e enigmático. O que começa como uma simples pesquisa para um livro logo se transforma em uma obsessão perigosa, onde desejo, manipulação e mistério se entrelaçam de maneira assustadora. Enquanto Lucas se entrega aos encantos de Miguel, ele se vê envolvido em um jogo de poder e segredos obscuros. A cada encontro, a linha entre ficção e realidade se desfaz, e Lucas descobre que a vida de Miguel está longe de ser simples. Entre traições, desaparecimentos e ameaças, Lucas luta para entender os limites de sua atração e as consequências de suas escolhas. À medida que a verdade sobre Miguel e seu envolvimento em uma rede de prostituição e chantagem vem à tona, Lucas é forçado a confrontar a difícil decisão entre salvar Miguel ou entregá-lo à polícia. O romance, que mescla paixão e violência, desafia não apenas os personagens, mas também o próprio conceito de moralidade, deixando Lucas com a dúvida inquietante sobre o que é real e o que é ficção. No final, ele encontra um vazio inexplicável, sabendo que Miguel, de alguma forma, nunca o deixou de verdade. Desvios da Carne é um thriller psicológico onde o desejo, o medo e o sacrifício se encontram nas sombras da carne, levando o leitor a questionar até onde pode ir o preço da verdade.

Reincarnated into a parallel world with a mysterious system, Lucas finds himself with an extraordinary ability: the power to master any artistic skill with ease. From painting masterpieces to composing symphonies, crafting intricate sculptures, and performing breathtaking dances, Lucas goes on a journey to redefine the concept of an "artist." But the world of art isn't all inspiration and applause. Behind the glitz of fame lies a fierce competition for recognition, a labyrinth of creative challenges, and a society skeptical of anyone claiming to be a "master of all." As Lucas navigates the intricacies of this new world, he uncovers hidden truths about his system, his past, and the sacrifices required to achieve greatness. In a story that blends passion, talent, and ambition, Lucas proves that being an all-round artist is more than just a gift—it’s a challenge to create a legacy that resonates through time. Will his artistry inspire a generation or crumble under the weight of expectations? --- [A/N]: This isn’t your typical “overpowered MC solves everything instantly” story. While Lucas’s talents might seem like cheats, the challenges he faces—be it artistic block, personal relationships, or societal expectations—are deeply human and relatable. Whether you’re a fan of creative industries, emotional growth, or just love a well-written slice-of-life with a touch of drama, this story has something for everyone! Expect a mix of heartwarming moments, tense rivalries, and an MC who grows into his role, all while mastering the arts in ways that’ll leave you inspired. Updates are consistent, and I’m always looking for feedback to improve the storytelling! Give it a try—you won’t regret it!

Maya, a vulnerable young woman finds herself trapped in a toxic relationship with Lucas, an arrogant and egoistic man. When Maya is indebted to the ruthless Russo family, she is forced to pay the price. Don Carlo, the proud and energetic boss expects her to be at his mansion. But when she least expects it, she finds herself experiencing unexpected pleasure in the arms of someone else. She becomes trapped in a world of danger. As she navigates this new life of organized crime, Maya finds herself drawn to Lucas’s charisma as she becomes his wife. But can their love survive?

To the world Lucas was the perfect CEO. He led the family company to become the biggest in the country. He also had the most beautiful woman for a lover and with gorgeous looks that would make anyone fall for him, he had it all. However, it all came crashing down one day when he got that letter. A letter that made him question his very existence. A letter that unhinged him.

Lucas Ashenvale is an E-rank hunter in a world where powerful adventurers battle monsters and explore dangerous dungeons. With white hair and crimson eyes, Lucas dreams of becoming an S-rank hunter, despite his humble beginnings and the constant mockery of his peers. After a chance encounter with a Wraith Commander in a low-level dungeon, Lucas discovers a mysterious red sigil on his hand, granting him incredible power. His unexpected victory in the dungeon, fueled by the new abilities unlocked by the mark, attracts the attention of the guild and other hunters. As whispers of his potential spread, Lucas finds himself caught between admiration and jealousy, especially from Darius Blackthorn, a rising star within the guild. With the help of his mentor, Elena, and his best friend, Kai, Lucas embarks on a journey to understand the true nature of the sigil and the legacy of the "Crimson Hunter"—a legendary figure said to surpass the limits of any hunter. But with danger lurking around every corner and a destiny that could change the world, Lucas must decide if he has the strength and courage to face the challenges ahead. As he trains, uncovers ancient secrets, and confronts powerful enemies, Lucas’s journey becomes not only one of strength but also self-discovery, as he realizes that the path to greatness is filled with peril, sacrifice, and unexpected allies. Will Lucas rise to the challenge and become the hunter he’s destined to be, or will the weight of his newfound power destroy him?

In a world where the stars hold ancient secrets and the fabric of reality weaves through the dreams of the brave, Luca stands at the threshold of an extraordinary adventure. With his boundless curiosity, Luca embarks on a journey that will take him far beyond the confines of his home. But Luca’s journey is not just one of exploration; it’s also a quest for self-discovery. As he traverses fantastical realms and ultimately ventures into the vastness of space, he learns to harness his inner strength. With every challenge he overcomes, Luca grows stronger, both physically and emotionally. Join Luca on his celestial quest, where adventure awaits among the stars. Will he rise to become the hero he is destined to be, or will the shadows of the cosmos consume him? The journey begins now!

Exiled from the revered and cloistered Spiritual Sage Realm, he is summoned back for a harrowing mission that could imperil humanity itself.

After Earth is destroyed from a meteor impact, humans travel to a new world where they gain new powers. How will the story of Lucas J. Adams unfold? Thus story is inspired by MHA and Ian Boggs; the youtuber

Once upon a time, everything was awesome on planet Earth. People were chilling with their families, tech was super advanced, and they could even travel way out into space. Animals taking care of the food chain like they always do. But then, bam! Something crazy happened, and everyone got zapped to this super-dangerous place along with some weird alien folks of many types. Follow Lucas, a regular dude, as he tries not to get wrecked in this crazy new world. Some folks got cool skills to survive, but all Lucas got was the power to build a fancy shelter that could level up. Sounds lame, right? But turns out, it might be his ticket to not getting squashed. So, get ready for Lucas's wild ride as he figures out how to survive in a place that's basically a nightmare. While others are doing ninja moves or casting spells, Lucas is just trying not to get eaten. Little does he know, his so-called bad luck might just be the thing that saves his sorry butt. Join Lucas in this epic adventure full of surprises, where he builds his shelter, faces crazy challenges, and learns that sometimes, what seems like the worst luck ever can turn out to be a total game-changer. It's a story of survival, discovery, and how even the simplest guy can rock a world that's turned upside down.

“Are you sure about this?” he asked again, pulling back just enough to search her face, his eyes dark and filled with something she couldn’t quite name. Instead of answering with words, Sophia pulled him down to her, her lips capturing his in a kiss that left no room for doubt. Whatever this was between them, she didn’t want to fight it anymore. For once, she was ready to give in—to him, to the moment, to whatever might come next. Liam responded with a quiet groan, his restraint finally snapping. His hands slid beneath her blouse, his touch igniting her skin as he explored every inch of her with a reverence that made her breath hitch. The room felt charged, the air between them heavy with anticipation.