Chapter 10

X. Captivated.

. . . . .

Her movements captivate me entirely.

From the instant my gaze fell upon her that evening, an overwhelming desire to hold her close and never release her took hold of me.

Her hazel eyes met mine with an intensity and strength that left me breathless, a storm of animosity brewing within those tranquil, lovely orbs.

She leaves me utterly spellbound.

I got obsessed for her over time.

It had been days since I last saw her and seeing her on top of that platform with such a dress, it made me feel uncomfortable. . . somewhere.

The same way I felt when I fought with her in the annex.

Oh God, that delicate skin of hers, the way it glowed under the soft lighting, her beautiful hair styled in a messy low bun that somehow accentuated her grace. Her delectable face, with its expressive features and that hint of defiance in her eyes, left me utterly mesmerized. Everything about her drew me in like a moth to a flame.

She shall be my goddess.

I will forever worship her.

Days had passed since our last encounter, and upon seeing her once more, I found myself irresistibly compelled to utter her name— a name as exquisite as she is. "Lucrezia," I whispered, entranced by the melody it created as it left my lips. To me, her name was akin to a sacred incantation, one I could joyfully repeat without end.

Yet, as she continued to disregard my calls, my yearning for her attention only intensified. Each moment that passed without her acknowledgment felt like a wound, deepening my desire to connect with her.

I longed for her to gaze upon me of her own accord, to see the depth of my feelings reflected in her eyes. I craved that moment when our gazes would lock, when the world around us would fade away, leaving only the two of us in our own universe.

I want her attention.

I want all of her.

"Lucrezia."

She looks so adorable trying to hide her disgust on her face while attempting to ignore me altogether. Even as she turns away, pretending I don't exist, I can see the flicker of emotion in her hazel eyes. Fighting the urge to look back or move forward, ignoring me further.

"Lucrezia."

I will do anything for her.

I will give everything she wants.

Enemy or not, I want her to be mine.

"Why are you calling my name in such a way?" Her voice was so soft and gentle. It was a new approach coming from my goddess. It was as if she had momentarily set aside her defenses, allowing a glimpse of vulnerability to shine through. "What do you need, Dakari?" She added in a low whisper, and oh God, the way her plump red lips formed my name sent a shiver down my spine.

Each syllable felt like an invitation, a challenge wrapped in sweetness that stirred something deep within me.

Fuck.

I'm smitten by her and I'm not going to deny any allegations about it.

I took a deep breath before turning to leave. She looked puzzled, unsure why I had acted so abruptly. It was for the best, I reassured myself. She would understand in time.

I slid into the back of the car, where Aiden was already seated.

"Boss, are you okay?" he inquired with caution, glancing at me through the rearview mirror, his eyebrows knit together in concern.

"Take us back to the estate, Aiden," I commanded with authority.

"Yes, boss." He responded, promptly starting the car and following my command.

As we drove, I rested against the car window, gazing out with a pensive look, lost in thoughts of Viviana's sole heiress.

I smirked.

She was a force of nature, and I found myself drawn to her more than ever.

An image of her that night when I pressed her against the wall to cuff her hands together. She was undeniably ferocious, a tempest of emotions swirling in her hazel eyes as she mocked me and glared at me. It was already a miracle that I had managed to contain her, considering how fiercely she fought against the restraints. She behaved well.

Well. . .

Forced to behave.

I had no intention of being gentle with her, it would be unfair for her to have the upper hand in the fight if I were gentle. Despite being a woman, she was adept at fighting when necessary. That alone, was respectable.

The night she drew the sharp dagger strapped to her left thigh, I realized she was not to be underestimated. Her confidence and skill were evident as she wielded the blade with precision.

However, a single mistake on her part caused her to slip, and in an instant, I had her pinned against the wall, a gun pressed against her side.

I was not planning to shoot her, that was never my intention. If I was, I wouldn't have gone through those troubles blocking her every strike the first time. The weapon was merely a means of asserting control in a moment that had spiraled out of hand.

After introducing herself as the daughter of that rigid man, Silvestre Viviana. I was reluctant to believe her words. Then I remembered the theories I came up with, the assumptions, everything that is now all making sense.

Her introduction was a revelation that tied together the pieces of my suspicions like a puzzle. I had considered her connection to the Viviana legacy, but hearing it from her lips solidified it.

Ever since that moment, she made snide offensive remarks and began mocking me indirectly. I can even tell how much she dislikes me, how much she's displeased about me. Her attempts at provocation were both infuriating and oddly entertaining. I narrowed my eyes and blankly stared at her silly antics, refusing to give her the satisfaction of a reaction.

Despite all that, as I followed behind her, I couldn't help but notice how she appeared before me in a red nightgown— an undeniably improper attire for the circumstances. The fabric clung to her form in a way that was both alluring and distracting. It was night, so I understood the casualness of her clothing, yet it stirred something within me that I wasn't quite ready to confront.

I quickly diverted my attention elsewhere, forcing myself to focus on the matter at hand. There were more pressing issues to consider than the way she looked, no matter how captivating it might be.

She's pretty.

But she's cold by nature.

Firm and born to be a leader.

The way she carried herself despite being in such a state made me grin sardonically.

After I left the Viviana manor early in that morning weeks ago, my mind was filled with her. Her voice, her sarcastic laughs, her touch. Everything about her, a week passed, and I continued seeing her silhouette everywhere.

It even whispered sweet nothings to my ears.

She's all I ever thought of.

Even when I met with my father the following days after, I was not able to focus. She was at the focal point of my mind.

It made me feel insane. I see her figure in the corner of my eyes. She's haunting me and I did not mind.

I would gladly let her possess me.

More days passed. Our house received an invitation from the Viviana's. Stating that they're throwing a huge party, and everyone is required to attend for an important announcement.

I eyed the design. The envelope was made of thick, luxurious black paper, with a shimmering gold trim along the edges.

Pleasing to the eyes actually.

I opened the invitation and examined it with rapt attention.

I can decline this invitation, of course. However, I already got the gist of its purpose why they were throwing such a big gathering with other mafias.

It was to introduce her.

Introduce her to the underworld where everything illegal is done. No laws of the government can make the mafias kneel before them; they kneel before us.

I ordered Aiden Blanche to safe keep the invitation later. I'll be needing it.

I will go.

I had to go for the sake of my sanity.

'Maybe these hallucinations will ease when I actually see the real thing.' I hoped.

Oh, how wrong I was.

Showing me such a gentle side of her unlocked the beast within me. I crave her. I wanted her.

The softness she occasionally revealed beneath her fierce exterior stirred something primal inside, igniting a desire that was impossible to ignore.

I cannot stop.

As if I was fucking addicted.

Worse part? I do not mind.

It was Lucrezia Viviana we are talking about. My goddess, the apple of my eye and my queen. The thought of her consumed me, a sweet torment that I welcomed with open arms.

Even though she may be unaware of the thoughts racing through my mind, the day will come when she realizes and acknowledges them.

All I can do is hope that everything unfolds as it was destined to. Everything is destined to go as planned.

If God forbids me to end up with her, I'll force her to be mine. 'I anticipate our next meeting, Lucrezia.' I grinned.