A LOVE THAT NEVER FADES (A MAFIA ROMANCE)

a's

lickered above the entrance, casting a glowing halo over the crowd lined up outside. The music thumped fro

tly-though it wasn't like there was much left to pull up. I caught a glimpse of myself in the side

of massive, stone-faced guys-sized us up. The line stretche

ashing me a wicked grin. I just nod

nearest guard like she owned the place. "Good eve

skeptical. "Names?" His voice was deep

Fernando," she said, her vo

sn't. My heart pounded in my chest, and I tried not to look as nervous as I felt. I hated

d nodded. He unhooked the velvet rope

e, the pounding music hit me like a wave. It was dark, loud, chaotic. People packed the dance floor, moving in sync with the heavy b

t," Gabriella shouted over the

s my face. "Yeah, you were right

. Gabriella signaled the bartender, and before long, two drinks appeared in front of us.

rget," Gabriella said,

f excitement and dread swirling in my gut. "To freed

******

was starting to relax, the tension from sneaking out finally melting away as I sipped my dr

hair slicked back, a sharp jawline, and a suit that seemed a bit too fancy for this club. He looked

to make himself heard over the music. "I couldn

ised in interest. "Oh? And what exactly did y

ittle too long on me. "You both look incredible," he sai

. Something about the way he looked at me felt off, but Gabriella didn't

o see if she felt the same weird vibe I did.

low and smooth. "How about I buy

"Sure, why not?" she said with a shr

dn't want to seem rude or paranoid. It was just a drink,

quick gesture. "Two more of what they'

ned on the bar, his eyes still focused on me. "What br

could. "Just having fun, y

could still feel his eyes on m

t of us, and the man slid them toward us w

ing a sip. "To new friends," she said w

gh the words felt hollow. Something still didn't sit right with me, but I

as the music pulsed around us and Gabriella started chatting with the man, I couldn't shake the fe