year

reets, spilling light onto crowds that swayed to the rhythm of summer. Inside Club Notte, a haven of velvet and smoke, the air thr

s, hazel eyes wide with a mix of awe and unease. Her simple black dress hugged her frame, borrowed from Natalie's closet, a far cry from the orphanage hand-me

rls bouncing as she danced in place. Her grin was infectious,

er cocktail-a sweet, sharp thing that

obe lights. "You need another drink. Or a dance. Pick one." Her tone was tea

r mingling in the air, the beat vibrating through her bones. She'd never been to a place like this, never felt so untethered.

, setting her glass

a shadow in a tailored suit, his presence like a magnet. Tall, with dark hair swept back and a jawline sharp enough to cut glas

er heart stumbling in her chest. He didn't smile, didn't move, but his gaze held hers with an intensity that f

talie's voice snapped

tting Natalie pull her into the dance floor's sway. The music took over, her body moving with a grace she didn't know sh

she headed to the bar for water. The bartender slid a gla

, his suit molding to broad shoulders, his cologne a subtle mix of cedar and spice. His gray ey

k," Bianca said, her voi

quite a smile. "You loo

d by the cocktail's buzz. "And y

nt, dangerous curve that sent

nd measured, but each sentence carried weight. Bianca, usually guarded, found herself talking-about Palermo's salt air, the stars she'd watche

ianca took it. His touch was warm, electric, pulling her toward the private lounge upstairs.

ged. He brushed a strand of hair from her face, his fingers lingering, and Bianca's breath hitched. There was no

" she asked, her voice

aid, and she

world fell away, leaving only heat and want. He led her to a private suite above the club, the door closing behind them wi

reverent, while her fingers mapped the planes of his chest, finding scars she didn't ask about. They moved together, a dance of

ndow, harsh and unforgiving. His side of the bed was cool, his suit gone, only the faint scent of cedar lin

ittered with empty glasses and faded dreams. She searched the bar, the lounge, even asked th

outside, Natalie's concern softening to relief, Verona's gaze unreadable. Bianca di

y companion, unaware that the man she'd n