AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Her flustered response raises my heartbeat. There are numerous ways to thank a person, but showing up like this? I wonder, does she have feelings for me? Was tonight a way for her to explore them a little further?
But I decide not to press further. I don't want to put her on the spot. Instead, I let out a playful chuckle. "You're quite the party crasher, then, aren't you?" I tease.
"Hey!" she exclaims, feigning indignation. "I had a legitimate reason!"
"Relax, Jasmine, I'm only joking," I say with a smile, enjoying the banter between us. My heart races as our laughter fills the air, intertwining with the faint sounds of music and chatter from the palazzo.
In this moment, the danger that lurks within those walls seems far away, and all that matters is the magnetic pull between us – a connection that defies logic and reason.
"Can I ask you something, Dario?" Jasmine says, her voice soft and tentative.
"Of course," I reply, intrigued by the sudden change in her demeanor.
"Is this what your life is always like? The parties, the glamour, the intrigue?" she asks, her eyes reflecting a mix of wistfulness and apprehension.
My thoughts race as I try to find the right words. How can I explain the complexity of my life to someone who has only seen a glimpse of it? "It's not always like this," I admit, recalling the countless sleepless nights and dangerous situations I've faced.
"There are moments of beauty and excitement, but there is also darkness and danger lurking beneath the surface."
"Then why do you stay?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper. "Why not leave it all behind and start over somewhere else, away from the chaos?"
"Because this is my family, Jasmine," I say, my voice heavy with emotion. "For better or for worse, they are a part of me, and I can't just abandon them – no matter how tempting it might be sometimes."
"Is that what keeps you here?" she asks, her eyes searching mine. "Your loyalty to your family?"
"Partly," I admit, my mind drifting to the complicated web of relationships and responsibilities that bind me to this world. "But there's also... something else."
"What's that?" she inquires, her curiosity piqued.
"Hope," I whisper, daring to let myself believe that maybe, just maybe, things can change – that I can find a way to reconcile the conflicting parts of myself and build a better future for my family, for the mafia, and for myself.
"Hope," she repeats, her lips curving into a gentle smile. "I think I understand, Dario."
In that fleeting moment, as we stand together amidst the shadows and secrets of the garden, I know that Jasmine sees me – not just the powerful mafia boss, but the man beneath the facade, longing for redemption and a chance at true happiness.
And perhaps, against all odds, that chance has arrived in the form of a spirited woman who crashed a masquerade and stole my heart.
Just then, the moment shatters as a gunshot rings out from inside the palazzo, the sound echoing through the night air. Jasmine jumps, her eyes widening in fear. My heart races, and I instinctively pull her close, shielding her with my body.
"Stay behind me," I command, my voice low and urgent. She nods, her eyes never leaving mine, and I can see the trust she's placed in me. It only fuels my determination to keep her safe.
I fish out my phone from my pocket and speed dial Marco, my most trusted man. "What the hell is going on?" I demand as soon as he picks up.
"Boss, it's Frank. He's pissed that Jasmine left him in the middle of the dance floor and that too, with you. He's feeling scorned and causing chaos, throwing accusations around that you set her up to humiliate him in public and that this was your plan all along. Your father is shutting down the party. We've got it under control, but you need to get back inside to safety."
"Frank?!" I grit my teeth, anger boiling within me. That bastard has no right to touch Jasmine or cause any trouble for her. Nor should he be throwing unsubstantiated accusations around. I glance at her, worry etched on her face.
"Stay close to me," I tell her, my gaze never wavering from hers. "We're going back inside to the safe room. We'll make sure this gets sorted out, and you'll be safe. I promise."
"Okay, Dario," she says, her voice shaking slightly, but her eyes remain strong and focused as she looks at me.
With Jasmine close behind me, we navigate our way back through the labyrinth of hedges and statues, my senses heightened, alert for any sign of danger.
As we make our way back into the palazzo, I'm acutely aware of Jasmine's presence – her warmth against me, the soft scent of her perfume, the feather-light touch of her hand on my arm. The need to keep her safe grows stronger.
And as we step over the threshold, I realize that the noise and confusion from the gunshot have spread throughout the mansion. Guests are whispering, panic-stricken, while security personnel rush to regain control. Through the chaos, Jasmine and I navigate our way, sticking close together.
"Where are we going?" Jasmine asks, gripping my arm tightly.
