Maria's Heart

Luca's driver would be outside in fifteen minutes. She had spent the entire day second-guessing her decisio

rs-her professional armour-lined the racks, along with a few casual pie

too revealing. Pairing it with a gold necklace and black heels, she caught a glimpse o

mooth, unfamiliar voice said. "This is Antonio. I'm outside, ready to escort you to your des

coffee the other day. Antonio, the driver, stepped out to open the door for her, his d

so comfortable it felt like sitting on clouds. As the car pulled away, Maria clutched her purse tightly, her nerves threatening to overwhelm

joys his surprises." His answer did little to calm her nerves. " Oh, okay." She stared out the window, h

way lined with neatly trimmed hedges and flickering lanterns. The house at the end was less of a house and more of a mansion-grand, imposin

ens surrounding the property. The massive oak doors opened before she could knock, revealing Luca standing in the foyer. He was dressed in a

and welcoming. "I almost did," Maria admitted, her lips curving into a hesitant smil

alls, each one more extravagant than the last. Luca led her through the foyer and into a dining room that looked like it belonged in a palace. A long table was set with fine c

etup. Luca chuckled, pouring wine into her glass. "Only when the comp

late betrayed her. "I hope it's to your liking," Luca said, his tone teasing. "It's delicious," she admitted, setting her fork down. "But

see something in you, Maria. Something different." "Different? How?" she pressed. "You're not like the others," he said simply

re. "I'm a lawyer," she said, forcing herself to stay grounded. "I have to question everything and anything." "And that's

rvously at Maria. "But we have a situation." "I am busy can't it wait?" Luca asked trying to hide the irritation from his face. Then the man whispered something into his ear, Luca stood

t of the dining room. The sound of raised voices guided her down a corridor. She stopped just short of an open door, peeking inside to see Luca standing at the head of a ta

mistaken." Maria's heart raced as she realized what she was witnessing. This wasn't just dinner. This was Luca's world, the unde

told you I wanted you to see the real me. I just didn't expect it to happen tonight." Maria looked into his eyes, searching for answers. "Why did you bring me here, Luca? Really?" "Because I need someone

give it freely-especially to a man like him. "I'm not sure what you think I can offer you," Maria said cautiously, her voice barely above a whisper. Luca's eyes so

isn't afraid to challenge me is... refreshing," Luca replied, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. Maria's lips parted in protest, but before she coul

by the abrupt change in tone. "What's going on?" "Nothing you need to worry about," Luca said firmly. He stepped closer, his gaze locking onto hers. "But I need you to trust me. Can you do that?" Mar

the last. What had she just witnessed? And why had Luca been so adamant about earning her trust? By the time she reached her apartment, Maria felt no closer to understanding

tals of the rose Luca had sent her earlier. "In my world, trust is earned." His words echoed in her mind, their meaning becoming clearer with ever

eath catching when she saw the message. "Thank you for tonight. Sweet dreams, Mari

as almost soothing, but the tension in the air was palpable. Dominic's men were gathered in the distance, their faces shado

opposing group. Luca's grey eyes were steely as he nodded. "Dominic crossed a line. He needs to be reminded who's in charge." As he stepp

, his tone sharp. "You've been testing my patience, Dominic. That ends now." Dominic chuckled, shaking his head. "You think you can scare me? You're not the only one with power, Luca

er assistant said, her voice urgent. "You need to turn on the news." Maria sat up, her heart sinking at the tone in Carmen's voice. She grabbed the remote and fl

warming the area. Maria's stomach turned as she recognized the location. She didn't need anyone to tell her

n. She had been dragged into Luca's world, and now there was no escaping it. She didn't