Chapter 2- Seduction in the Shadows

Edwina

I stare at the phone, my fingers tightening around it as the line goes dead. With a slow exhale, I hand it back to Alessandro, who takes it without a word.

"Who is he?" I ask, still unsettled.

"You’ll find out soon enough," he replies dryly, a smirk playing at his lips.

I roll my eyes, already annoyed by his cryptic nature. "Does he ever do business face-to-face?" I prod, trying to imagine the man behind that voice—deep, rich, and edged with arrogance.

Alessandro chuckles. "Why? You already falling for him, princess?"

I ignore the teasing lilt in his voice and instead ask, "So what happens now?"

"You wait for him to call the shots," he says simply, as if it's the most obvious thing in the world.

Frustration coils inside me, but I know better than to push him for more. With a sigh, I rise from my seat, leaving the club. The same black Lamborghini that brought me here is already waiting outside.

The ride back to my office is silent, but my mind is anything but. The conversation replays in my head, the deep, commanding voice sending shivers down my spine. I hate to admit it, but it was… intoxicating.

By the time I return, Alexxis is waiting for me, filling me in on everything that happened during the investor meeting.

"Good job, Alexxis," I say, genuinely pleased. "How about a night out? Drinks on me."

She grins, eyes lighting up. "I wouldn't say no to that."

As darkness settles over the city, Elliot is already waiting by the car. He acknowledges Alexxis with a nod before turning to me.

"Hello, Edwina," he says in his usual stoic manner.

"Elliot, we’re heading to the club. Mind dropping us off?"

"Not a problem," he replies, opening the door.

Alexxis and I slide into the backseat, the excitement evident on her face. She’s always been a club person, unlike me. Despite working together for years, I don’t know much about her past—she’s good at keeping her emotions under wraps. But we've grown close, and I trust that when she’s ready, she’ll open up.

"Um, Edwina? Are you okay?" Alexxis’ voice pulls me from my thoughts.

"Huh?" I blink, shaking off my daze.

She chuckles. "You zoned out for a second."

I smile. "Just proud of you, Alexxis."

She grins, and soon, we pull up to the club. The neon lights cast a glow over the crowded entrance, where a long queue of impatient partygoers stretches around the block.

"The hell?! These lines are insane," Alexxis groans.

I laugh. "It won’t be a problem."

We stride toward the entrance, ignoring the stares that follow us. The bouncer, a massive man with a stone-cold expression, steps aside without a word.

"Well, that was easy," Alexxis murmurs as we enter.

The air inside is thick with sweat, alcohol, and the unmistakable scent of luxury and excess. Bodies sway under flashing lights, lost in the heavy bass of the music. At the bar, a bartender smirks at us.

"What can I get you, pretty ladies?"

I roll my eyes at his attempt at charm.

"Three shots of vodka," Alexxis orders eagerly.

"Same for me," I add.

The bartender disappears for a moment, returning with our drinks. Alexxis eyes me mischievously.

"Today must be special if you’re drinking."

"Hey, quit acting like I don’t drink," I say, exasperated.

She laughs, tossing back her first shot, and I follow suit. The vodka burns down my throat, potent and sharp.

"I’m hitting the dance floor," Alexxis announces, finishing her last shot.

I down my own, letting the alcohol work its way into my system before following her. The music pulses through my veins as I step onto the dance floor, where Alexxis pulls me into her energy. My hips move in sync with the rhythm, my mind drifting.

I shut my eyes, surrendering to the music, but instead of the beats, all I hear is his voice. That smooth, velvety accent whispering in my ear.

A shiver runs down my spine.

The thought of him sends a rush through me, my breath hitching at the mere idea of his presence.

I shake off the feeling and make my way back to the bar, throat burning for another drink.

"Another three shots," I tell the bartender, sliding onto a stool.

He raises a brow but obliges. I down the first, then the second, the heat spreading through me, making everything around me blur.

"Never imagined you as the club type, Edwina."

The voice comes from beside me, deep and smooth, laced with amusement.

I whip my head around so fast I nearly fall off the stool.

And there he is.

Dressed in a crisp white dress shirt that clings to his broad shoulders, the first two buttons undone, revealing inked skin beneath. His sleeves are rolled up to his elbows, exposing forearms marked with dark tattoos. But it’s his impossibly deep emerald-green eyes that hold me captive, watching me like I’m something to be figured out.

A slow smirk tugs at his lips as he takes in my expression.

I snort. "Is there a problem, baby?" he asks, clearly entertained.

I shake my head, laughing, the alcohol making everything seem funnier than it should be. "It’s just… you’re so fucking hot. It’s not fair."

His smirk widens. "Not fair to who? Me or you?"

"All of womankind," I slur, giggling.

"I’m sure it is," he says, motioning to the bartender. "Bill her tab under mine."

The gesture makes me chuckle as he stands, his powerful frame towering over me. Before I can react, his arm wraps around my waist, pulling me up against him.

My breath catches.

"Alexxis," I mumble, suddenly remembering her.

He tightens his grip as I try to pull away. "She’ll get home safely, Edwina," he says, his voice a dark promise.

The world spins as nausea creeps in, and before I can protest, bile rises in my throat.

"Shit," I gasp.

And then I throw up—right on his pristine white shirt.

"Cazzo," he curses in Italian, his tone caught between irritation and disbelief.

I sway on my feet, darkness creeping into my vision.

"That’s enough for one night, baby," he mutters. "Time to go home."

I barely register his words before everything fades to black.