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Enzo's protective instincts were always unyielding. Despite my pleas and attempts to reason with him, I knew once he had made his mind, he wouldn’t change it no matter what.
I couldn't stop thinking about the darkly handsome man from earlier. Those intense eyes that hinted at risk.
I had to find him again.
Frustrated but determined, I knew I had to find a way to slip away without his consent. As I walked away from the poker table and headed toward Luca at the bar, I could feel Enzo's watchful eyes following my every move.
Desperate to create a diversion, I approached a nearby group of rowdy men who were engaged in a lively card game. "Excuse me," I said to one of them, "do you mind if I borrow your drink for a moment?"
The man, slightly baffled, handed me his half-full glass of whiskey. Without hesitation, I walked over to the group, where an argument was already brewing. I pretended to trip and spilled the whiskey all over the table, causing an uproar.
Enzo, along with everyone else in the vicinity, couldn't help but be drawn to the commotion. Shouts and accusations filled the air, and it didn't take long for Enzo to divert his gaze toward the unfolding spectacle.
Seizing the opportunity, I quietly slipped away from the bar and made my way through the dimly lit corridors of the casino, my heart pounding with a mixture of exhilaration and willpower. This was my chance to venture into the unknown, to break free from the suffocating constraints of the Moretti family.
The music was deafening as I wandered through the smoky casino floor. It enveloped me as I wandered through.
Weaving through the crowds, I searched for any sign of the mysterious man.
Despite the crowds and chaos, I noticed him immediately. There he was. I spotted him across the blackjack tables. Moving with sleek confidence through the crowd Wearing a black suit that fitted him perfectly, looking elegant and striking, yet he still held a roguish allure to him that made him so damn attractive. There was something magnetic about the way he carried himself, an aura of intensity and danger that drew my gaze. If I was gonna drown my sorrows into someone’s arms tonight, it had to be in his.
Drawn like a moth to a flame, I made my way toward him.
From his expensive suit and the men flanking him, I could tell he was someone important. Someone connected.
His eyes met mine across the casino, and an electric current seemed to pass between us.
Before I could think better of it, I made my way closer, circling the roulette tables to reach him. I didn't know what I would say, only that I needed to speak to this intriguing, handsome stranger.
Up close, he was even more striking, with dark eyes and a mysterious expression that hinted at secrets and power. When Istopped before him, he regarded me with interest. "Can I help you, miss?" His voice was smooth and rich.
Fuck, say something charming…
My mind raced to think of some excuse to talk to him. "I...seem to have lost my brother in this crowd," I improvised. "Have you seen him? His name's Enzo."
Really? Is that all you could think of? Ugh.
Amusement flickered in the man's gaze, letting me know he wasn't fooled by my ruse. But he played along. "I haven't had the pleasure of meeting an Enzo tonight."
He extended his hand in formal greeting. "I'm Leonardo Delacruz."
The name sent a tremor of recognition through me. Delacruz. One of the most influential mafia families. No wonder he exuded such power.
"Natalia," I answered, lightly shaking his hand and trying not to betray my nerves. Or my strange attraction to this dangerous man.
"Well, Natalia," Leonardo nearly purred my name. "Let me know if you need any...assistance in finding your brother."
I knew I should make some excuse and leave. But those mesmerizing eyes anchored me there. Drawn like a moth to Leonardo's flame, I couldn't pull away.
"So what brings you to the casino tonight, Natalia?" Leonardo asked, his piercing gaze fixed on me.
Despite his polite tone, there was an intensity that made my pulse quicken. "Oh, just a night out with my family," I replied vaguely.
Leonardo raised an eyebrow. "And does your family know you're over here chatting with a complete stranger?"
I blushed deeply at being caught in my little lie earlier. Leonardo's eyes glinted with amusement at my reaction.
"I suppose they don't," he continued. "How daring of you, Natalia." Leonardo leaned in slightly as he spoke, his voice dropping lower. "I admire daring women."
