Chapter Five

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Long Island, New York

Alessandra

"Thank you all for attending my daughter Selene's engagement party. This is a special occasion indeed. The union between the Rinaldi and Romano family will be absolute by the joining of our children. Thus, join me in declaring a toast to the new couple in town. May your union become everything we have dreamed of and beyond. Saluti!"

"Saluti!"

Papa declared, raising his glass high of which the rest of the guests mirrored with wide smiles, all of which were less than sincere if not completely fake. None of the individuals gathered would not hesitate to destroy us given the opportunity.

Trust no one.

That was key among the many rules taught to us from a young age. We knew when to be cautious of someone. Our trust had to be earned. That was just the kind of world we lived in.

Ignoring the raised glasses, I downed my champagne glass in one swoop, much to my mother's chagrin as she granted me a disapproving look.

I didn't care much for etiquette or being the Principessa della famiglia Rinaldi.

I just wanted to get this over and done with. I hated being the center of attention in any occasion, including when I had to pretend that our Papa was a loving father and not the scheming Don of the Cosa Nostra.

My thoughts strayed away from the multitude of sins my father beheld and to the crowd before me, all of whom were staring at us. I turned to look away from them, to focus on the announcement I knew was coming and the demure reaction that was expected of me, but my gaze latched instantly on a familiar face that elicited a small gasp from me.

Familiar emerald green eyes latched onto my own from across the room, his handsome features showcasing none of the shocked emotions that were going through me.

It was not that I didn't suspect his involvement in the darker side of my world. His entire demeanor screamt dangerous from miles away. It was that I had not only not expected him to be here but also couldn't get over just how damn perfect he actually was now that a dimly lit club did not inhibit my view of him.

It was unlike me to be so attracted to a man who was clearly everything that I hated and so much more in a man. He was the poster child for all the dark and dangerous men who wanted to possess me for my last name. Those who wished to control me and trap me in a world that I was struggling so hard to run from.

And yet here I am, drooling like the rest of the female population over how damn good he looks in his black, three-piece tuxedo that showcased his muscular physique and contributed to the air of mystery that surrounded him. He was danger, everything I should run from.

He is also sheet-clenching sex.

The wildness in his eyes beheld a promise of things beyond my wildest imagination. I was breathless, my body reacting to the scorch of his gaze and the small half-smirk that stretched across his lips, the first sign of emotion from him that I could accurately perceive.

It was only when Diego's hand wrapped around my own that I returned to the present, away from the bubble that seemed to form around the stranger and I.

"Are you okay?"

Diego inquired, whispering the words right into my ear as he assessed my body's violent reaction to all the inappropriate thoughts that consumed me just from the stranger's gaze. It was a startling response and for a moment, I was sure I had lost my damn mind.

"Yeah. Just acquainting myself with our guests. I have to ask, though...I've never seen Him before."

I muttered, subtly gesturing at the stranger who was now looking anywhere but at us. There was a chill now, certainly unlike the scorching emotions that had washed over the two of us. I frowned at the new development, instantly noting the hard grip he had on his wine glass and the silent conversation he was having with his seemingly nervous companion.

That's weird. A 360 from what we just shared...

"Well, I don't know him but the man standing beside him is Ioann Zolotov, the head of the Bratva, the Russian Mafia. If I had to guess who the guy beside him is, I'd say its one of his subordinates. I have never seen or interacted with him before, though...."

My blood chilled at the silent introduction that reminded me of exactly what kind of world I lived in.

The Russian Mafia was lethal, known to be among the most dangerous. In some ways, they were more ruthless than my own family and that in itself was saying something considering the unspeakable sins Papa has committed.

Diego had just confirmed what I had already assumed of the man but a small part of me was sure that he was no subordinate. His aura, confidence and cold emerald eyes reflected more than many could see. I could see through the walls he had put up, though. I could sense the lethal intent that surrounded him.

Which is why you must stay as far away from him as you possibly can. He can't become a part of your future, Alessa. He is part of the life you intend to leave behind. Nothing good can come from engaging him.

"And now, I wish to announce yet another union. The joining of my family and the Moreno's through the marriage of Diego and my second born daughter Alessandra. Your betrothal has come to an end and now, a wedding is looming in the horizon. We look forward to your presence at the celebration! Saluti!"

"Saluti!"

Papa and the crowd cheered, raising their glasses to Diego and I who smiled slightly, braving through the moment for it was all a part of the plan. I ignored my father's fixed gaze, my uncle's smug grin, my sisters and mother's worried looks hidden behind carefully crafted smiles.

I ignored my big brother's indecipherable gaze hidden behind his champagne glass that he slowly sipped from.

All I could focus on, all that I was pulled to despite knowing better was His gaze.

I found myself searching for the beautiful green, latching onto it and the rush of unknown emotions it gave me that was better than having to face the band of hypocrites and their raised glasses as well as the fear of failure that lurked within my sub conscious.

I expected my handsome stranger to be just like the rest. To clap a bit too loudly, smile a little too sweetly and follow the rest of the flock who struggled so hard to please my Papa and prop his ego even higher.

He was, instead, staring right at me.

There seemed to be no hint of emotion on his face that mirrored the rest of the crowd. Only a silent kind of brooding that I could not fully comprehend. I wanted to know what was going on in his head. I wanted to understand the intensity behind his eyes and why they unsettled me so.

I want to know why it feels like I have broken a promise and committed an unforgiveable act...

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