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"Mr Bonnano," I say, nodding slightly, my voice barely above a whisper. "You made the guest list?"
He laughs, amused at my underhanded remark. "Please call me Frank. May I call you Jasmine?"
"I am here tonight to fulfill my social obligations, of course," he replies, his eyes never leaving mine. "But I must admit, your presence adds an unexpected allure to the evening, making the rest of my acquaintances seem bleak at best."
"Is that so?" I can't help the sarcastic tone that slips past my lips. I know I should be more cautious, but the fire inside me won't allow it.
"Absolutely," he smirks, stepping closer. "I find it fascinating how you've managed to spend an entire evening alone. A woman as beautiful..."
"Perhaps I haven't found anyone worthy of my time."
"Ah, well then," Frank says, offering me his arm with a sly grin. "Say no more. Let’s begin with a dance, shall we?"
As much as I want to refuse, to search for Dario and leave this dangerous man behind, I can't deny the intrigue of dancing with the devil himself. After all, isn't that what I've been doing since I met Dario?
I know it will be a slap in the face for Dario, if I leave with Frank. But my mind is made up. I have to stay true to myself. I came here on a mission that has been building up over months.
If I act on my carnal attraction for Dario, I will not only be betraying myself, but I'll be spitting on my sister's grave. If Elena could see me now! Her warning replays in my mind. But she only told me to stay well away from Marco. Frank didn't come up in our discussions.
So, with a final cool look at Dario, I place my hand on Frank's arm and allow him to lead me onto the dance floor, feeling a piece of my heart breaking.
The grandeur of the palazzo surrounds us like a dream as we step in time to the music, our movements fluid and graceful. Despite the danger he represents, I can't deny the thrill that courses through me as we dance.
"Tell me, Jasmine," Frank's voice is smooth as silk, "what brings you into Dario's world?"
That's a question I want to ask him, so I take the bait.
"Curiosity, I suppose," I reply, my mind racing as I try to navigate this dangerous conversation without giving away too much. "And perhaps a bit of fate."
"Ah, fate," Frank muses, spinning me effortlessly. "A gift for those who seize it, and a boon to those who fear it."
"What brings you here?" I ask. "Are Dario and you friends?"
"Something like that," he says, avoiding my question. I realize now, perhaps, this is waste of time. I doubt I'll get answers out of Frank Bonanno. "Or perhaps I too am just chasing fate and look what it bestowed upon me tonight. The presence of a lovely woman like yourself."
"Is that what you're doing here tonight?" My heart pounds in my chest as our eyes lock, his gaze filled with a sinister intention I want to escape. "Seizing your moment?"
"Perhaps," Frank admits, his grip on my waist tightening ever so slightly. I try to move a little to get him to loosen it, but it only tightens. "But I suspect that life's a larger game than simply seeking fortune's favor."
"Maybe so," I concede, swallowing hard as we continue our dance, all too aware of the eyes upon us. "But the question is, who will come out the victor when the game is over?"
"Ah, now that," Frank says with a wicked grin, "is the most intriguing part of all, isn't it?"
My breath catches in my throat as our bodies move in perfect sync, the tension between us crackling like electricity through the air. It's a dangerous dance we're playing, one that could very well end in disaster – for both of us.
"Indeed," I reply, my voice barely a whisper. "I think I'm getting tired."
Frank chuckles, his eyes dark with amusement. "Don't be weak. The night is young, my dear Jasmine, and there's still much to be decided before the final curtain falls."
As we whirl through the crowded room, I can't help but wonder where Dario has disappeared to, and if he's watching us from some hidden corner. But for now, I must focus on the dangerous man before me, and how to get out of his clutches.
With every step and turn, I feel the vice of Frank's power tighten around me, his desire to claim me as his own palpable. It's as if he's intoxicated by my presence, drawing me into his dark embrace like a moth to a flame.
"Tell me, Jasmine," Frank whispers in my ear, his breath hot against my skin, "do you find our little dance... exhilarating?"
"Perhaps," I lie reluctantly, trying to ignore the fear that runs down my spine at his words. Something tells me this man won't take no for an answer with grace. I need to keep my wits about me if I'm going to escape without causing a scene.
"Good." He smiles, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes. "Because I have every intention of making it a night you'll never forget."
