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Enzo's man chuckled darkly. "No, you definitely don't. I've seen what happens to Leonardo's enemies. Not pretty."
He took another swig of beer, eyeing me curiously. "But now that you mention it again, any reason for all the questions about him, little lady?"
I forced an airy laugh, waving my hand. "Oh, just bored and looking for a little excitement, I suppose." I leaned in like sharing a scandalous secret. "I bet he's the dangerous and mysterious type that drives all the ladies wild, am I right?"
Now it was the man's turn to laugh. "Wild is one word for him. But more like 'cold-blooded killer' than romantic Casanova." His expression turned serious. "Best stay far away from that one. Nothing but trouble."
I nodded with faux wide-eyed alarm, then dared one final probing question. "If I did ever run into him around, what's the best place to steer clear of him at?"
The man hesitated, then admitted Leonardo could sometimes be found at a notorious underground bar on the seedy side of town. My pulse leapt at this vital intelligence. I touched his arm flirtatiously. "Thanks for the warning. Wouldn't want to stumble into him."
Leaving the man to his drinks, I slipped away, my risky intelligence gathering complete. I had the information I came for, and further confirmation that Leonardo was dangerous, ruthless. Undeniably powerful. Perhaps it was reckless to tangle with such a formidable man. But I had never felt more alive than in his arms. Caution be damned - I would carve out stolen moments with him again.
I was already planning my forbidden rendezvous at the underground casino. One more stolen moment in Leonardo'sarms would be worth any risk or consequence. I was too addicted to turn back now.
CHAPTER 3
PLAYING WITH FIRE
Natalia's POV:
I paced my bedroom, gnawing my bottom lip. I hadn't heard from Leonardo in over a week and I was going crazy not knowing where he was or if he was okay.
According to the intel I had gathered, Leonardo sometimes frequented a seedy underground casino on the bad side of town. It was a huge risk sneaking out to go there alone, but I was desperate to find him.
Armed with the knowledge I had cunningly gathered, I finally set my reckless plan in motion. Getting to Leonardo through the underground bar was dangerous, but my yearning overpowered all care. Plus just thinking of sneaking away from this golden cage give me a sense of purpose that I haven’t felt in years.
I knew my father and brother had people watching me, so I would have to be smart. I changed into some dark clothes and pulled my hair back under a baseball cap. Grabbing my backpack, I crept downstairs, avoiding the creaky step near the bottom.
The house was dark and silent. My heart races as I sneak through the dark mansion, anxious to avoid any guards on night patrol. I hold my breath slipping past my dad’s wing, praying he don't hear my footfalls. Silently, I descend the grand staircase and make my way to the side door leading to the gardens.
The night air is balmy as I hurry through the moonlit grounds towards my escape route - a tree with branches stretching over the high stone wall surrounding our estate. I've climbed over this wall countless times before on restless nights, needing to break free. But tonight is different. I'm not just seeking adventure to escape boredom. I'm going to see him again.
Even thinking about Leonardo makes my pulse quicken. I know it's madness getting involved with someone as dangerous and off-limits as a Delacruz. But I can't resist him, this magnetic pull between us. I have to know if what we started at the casino was real or just a fleeting moment of madness.
Reaching the wall, I haul myself up into the sheltering tree branches. My body moves on instinct, navigating the climb I've done so many times before. But never for a reason like this. Dropping to the ground on the other side, I hurry through the shadows towards Leonardo.
I'm terrified of being caught, but even more terrified he won't show tonight. But I have to know one way or another. I need to see him again.
The taxi pulled up outside the grand iron gates of my family's estate. I slipped into the backseat and told the driver the address for the run-down part of town, an area I knew was rife with seedy establishments and shady characters.
The driver, an older man with kind eyes, gave me a concerned look in the rearview mirror. "That's not the safest place for a young woman to be going alone," he cautioned.
I forced a smile. "I'm meeting my brother there," I lied.
The driver still looked wary but nodded slowly. "Well, alright then. But you be careful if you're getting out of the taxi down there."
As we drove into the derelict neighborhood, I felt my nerves rising. The dark streets were nearly deserted at this hour. I thought of Leonardo potentially waiting for me and felt a spark of excitement amidst the anxiety.
When the hidden bar's worn neon sign appears down a dingy alley, my breath catches.
The taxi pulled up to the curb in front of a dimly lit building with heavily tinted windows. I recognized it from its unique look
Before I could open the door, the driver twisted around to face me, his eyes kind but full of concern. "Miss, I don't feel right leaving you here. This place has a bad element, to put it lightly."
I tried to give him a reassuring smile. "I know it looks sketchy, but really, I'll be okay. My brother's inside."
The driver still looked uncertain. I squeezed his arm appreciatively. "Thank you for the concern. I'll be safe, I promise."
