"Alessandro cursed inwardly as he spotted Clara across the street. What was she doing here? Had she been following him? He couldn't afford to have her poking around in his business. It was too dangerous. He quickly wrapped up the conversation with Marco and Lorenzo, his two most trusted men. 'Make sure the shipment arrives on time,' he said, his voice low and urgent. 'And no mistakes. My father is watching us closely.''Don't worry, boss,' Marco said, a smirk playing on his lips. 'We've got everything under control.''See that you do,' Alessandro said, his gaze hardening. 'Because if anything goes wrong, heads will roll.'He watched as Marco and Lorenzo disappeared into the shadows, then turned his attention back to Clara. She was still there, watching him with those wide, innocent eyes. He felt a pang of guilt, a rare and unwelcome emotion. He knew he should stay away from her, that she was too good for his world. But he couldn't deny the pull he felt towards her.He took a step towards her, then hesitated. What could he possibly say? How could he explain the darkness that consumed him, the life he was trapped in? He couldn't. He wouldn't. She was better off without him.He turned away, his jaw clenched. He had to protect her, even if it meant pushing her away. He couldn't let her get caught in the crossfire. Not with his family, not with the life he led.He disappeared into the night, leaving Clara standing alone in the shadows, wondering what secrets he was hiding."
