The invitation had arrived in a cream envelope sealed with crimson wax. No return address—only an elegant, looping signature: De Luca Estate.
Alessia raised an eyebrow. "This feels… dramatic."
Her friend Sofia, ever the adventurer, grinned. "Dramatic is the best kind of summer. Come on, it's a party by a private villa. Who's going to say no to that?"
Alessia sighed. "I'm not sure I'm the 'party at a mysterious mafia villa' type."
"Relax," Sofia said, looping her arm through Alessia's. "You'll survive. And maybe Luca will be there to make sure you don't get into trouble."
Alessia flushed. She had hoped last night's tension at the club wouldn't spill over into more… complicated feelings. But Luca's dark eyes lingered in her thoughts, no matter how she tried to shake him.
The villa was spectacular—a sprawling estate perched above the cliffs, lights sparkling like stars along the terraces, the scent of jasmine and sea salt mingling in the warm evening air. Guests were already mingling: young professionals, wealthy travelers, and a few unfamiliar faces Alessia couldn't place.
As they entered, a man in a sharp suit approached Luca. "Boss, everyone's here. The Romano girl is… presentable," he said with a smirk, clearly testing boundaries.
Luca's eyes didn't leave Alessia. "She's fine," he said coldly. "No one bothers her tonight."
Alessia stiffened. She hated that he spoke for her—but something in his tone made it clear it wasn't about ownership. It was protection.
Sofia tugged Alessia toward a group near the terrace. "You've got to meet them! This is Matteo and Gianna—friends of Luca's… I think?"
Matteo was tall, dark-haired, with a mischievous grin. "Ah, the elusive Romano girl," he said, bowing mockingly. "I've heard tales."
Alessia laughed lightly. "I hope they're exaggerated."
Gianna, Matteo's sister, was lively, with a sparkle in her eyes. "Exaggerated? Never! But tonight, you're the mystery. Careful, though—Capri has a way of showing secrets."
Before Alessia could respond, a loud shout came from the dance terrace. A tall man with sunglasses even at night tried to approach one of the guests aggressively. Alessia instinctively moved toward him, ready to confront him—but a firm hand on her elbow stopped her.
"You're not going to start anything," Luca said quietly, his voice low enough that only she could hear.
"I can handle myself," she whispered.
"I know," he replied, "but you don't have to."
The man, sensing Luca's presence, backed down instantly, muttering under his breath. Luca's eyes flicked to Alessia, not in warning, but in a subtle, almost teasing way: "I've got your back."
Alessia felt heat rise in her cheeks, both from the embarrassment and the awareness of his nearness.
Later, Alessia found herself on a quiet terrace, away from the music. Matteo leaned casually against the railing, Gianna sipping wine nearby.
"So, Luca DeMarco," Matteo began with a smirk, "he's… intense, right?"
Alessia arched an eyebrow. "You could say that."
"Intense doesn't cover it," Gianna said, laughing. "He's… complicated. Dangerous. And yet somehow… intriguing?"
Alessia laughed softly, shaking her head. "I've met him once. He's cold, calculating… and apparently thinks I need constant protection."
Matteo grinned. "He doesn't need you to like him, you know. He just… notices. Not many people do."
Alessia blinked. "Noticed me. That's all?"
Gianna tilted her head. "Careful, Alessia. 'Noticing' him is… the first step down a very tempting path."
Alessia looked out at the moonlit water, feeling both drawn and wary. She didn't know if she wanted to be noticed—or if she wanted to resist.
Just then, Luca appeared behind her, startling her slightly.
"You left your friends?" he asked.
"I needed air," she replied.
"Good choice." His tone was almost casual—but she could sense the sharp edge beneath it.
"I'm beginning to think everyone around you knows how to say dangerous things without raising their voice," she said, smirking.
Luca's lips twitched. "Danger is… relative."
Alessia's heart skipped. "You make it sound like a compliment."
"Maybe it is," he said softly, stepping closer. The faint scent of his cologne mingled with the night air. "I wouldn't call it that if it weren't true."
Alessia's pulse raced. She wanted to pull back, to remind herself he was a mafia boss she couldn't trust. But the warmth in his gaze, the rare softness, made it hard.
"Just… don't get in trouble tonight," he said, voice low.
"I'll try," she said, heart thumping.
"Good," he murmured, almost to himself. Then, with a glance toward the crowd, he added, "And if anyone bothers you… they'll regret it."
Alessia felt a shiver—not fear this time, but a strange thrill. The villa behind them sparkled, the ocean stretched endlessly, and in the quiet between music and conversation, she realized something:
Being near Luca DeMarco was intoxicating. Dangerous. Forbidden.
And she didn't want to look away