[Chapter:3] First interaction

As they disappeared into the distance, Sophia watched them go with a smile on her face. She knew that Eva was in good hands, and that she would finally find the happiness she deserved.

But as she turned to go back to the party, Sophia's expression changed. She looked around cautiously, her eyes scanning the crowd. She knew that Eva's parents would not take this well, and that they would stop at nothing to get their daughter back.

Sophia's eyes narrowed, her jaw clenched in determination. She was ready for whatever came next, knowing that she had done the right thing in helping Eva escape.

•°•°•°°•°•°•°•°•°••°°••

As they rode away from the resort, Eva's mind was still reeling from the unexpected encounter with the security guard. She couldn't understand why the guard had let them pass so easily, and she couldn't shake off the feeling that why this guy, just a stranger helping her to escape.

The cool night air whips through Eva's hair. She glanced back, her heart racing with the thrill of escape, but also with a hint of fear. What if her family or Michael's found out? What if they caught up to her?

But as she turned back to face the road ahead, she caught a whiff of something unexpected - the sweet, calming scent of lavender. It was coming from him, the stranger, who was well known to her aunt but a complete stranger to her. And Eva felt herself drawn to the scent, her anxiety easing slightly.

As they rode on, the wind picking up, Eva shivered, rubbing her hands together to warm them up. She hugged herself tightly, trying to conserve body heat. He seemed oblivious to the chill, his broad back and shoulders shielding her from the worst of the wind.

she felt a sense of exhilaration wash over her. She had never felt so alive, so free. She was running away from her engagement, from her family's expectations, and from the life she thought she was supposed to lead.

But as the miles flew by, Eva began to feel a twinge of uncertainty. Where were they going? What would happen when they got there? And what did he plan to do with her?

Her eyes kept drifting back to his broad back, wondering what secrets he might be hiding.

After a while, he slowed the bike to a stop at a small, rustic cafe on the side of the road. The sign above the door read "Midnight Snack" and the windows were steamy with condensation.

He turned off the engine and turned to Eva, his eyes glinting in the dim light.

"Hungry?" he asked, his voice low and rough.

Eva nodded, feeling a pang of hunger. She hadn't eaten since lunch, and the ride had left her feeling drained.

As they entered the cafe, Eva was hit with the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked pastries and brewing coffee. The cafe was cozy, with rustic wooden tables and chairs, and a fire crackling in the corner.

He led Eva to a table by the window, and they sat down, perusing the menu. Eva's eyes widened as she scanned the options, everything from pasteries to traditional snacks.

As they ordered and waited for their food to arrive, She couldn't help but steal glances at him. She was still trying to wrap her head around the fact that she had run away with a complete stranger, and she couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead.

But for now, as they sat together in the cozy cafe, Eva felt a strange sense of calm wash over her. She was running away from her old life, and she was ready to face whatever came next.

Eva decided to break the silence, her curiosity getting the better of her. As she inhaled the sweet scent of lavender wafting from his direction, she felt a flutter in her chest. Her eyes drifted to his masked face, his gaze fixed on his phone as he scrolled through it. There was something intimidating, yet attractive, about his demeanor, the way he carried himself with an air of confidence.

The cafe's warm atmosphere, the soft hum of conversation, and the gentle breeze rustling the leaves outside, all seemed to fade into the background as eva focus narrowed to the enigmatic stranger sitting across from her.

She cleared her throat, her voice barely above a whisper. "Uhm...what's your perfum-.. ooh no...I mean, what's your name?" Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she hastily corrected herself.

His head snapped up, his phone clattering onto the table. He crossed his arms, leaning back in his chair, his eyes locking onto her face. The intensity of his gaze sent a shiver down her spine, making her feel like an open book, vulnerable and exposed.

For a moment, they just stared at each other, the air thick with tension. Then, his masked face creased into a chuckle, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Luca," he said, his deep voice sending a thrill through his veins. "You can call me Luca."

As he spoke, the cafe's sounds seemed to fade back in, the clinking of cups, the murmur of conversation, and the soft strains of music drifting from the speakers. But her focus remained fixed on Luca. Her hesitant, awkward smile and nod seemed to hang in the air, her eyes locked onto Luca's, expecting him to ask her something, anything. But she was tongue-tied, unsure of what to ask or even if she wanted to ask anything at all.

Just as the silence was starting to become unbearable, the food arrived, and Luca expertly served her before serving himself. Eva whispered a simple "thanks," her eyes darting up to meet him.

And then, in a movement that seemed almost deliberate, Luca reached up and removed his mask. Eva's eyes were drawn to his face like a magnet, taking in every detail.

His eyes, though still intimidating, seemed to hold a hint of warmth, a spark of kindness that belied their piercing intensity. His nose was sharp, perfectly proportioned to his chiseled features. His jawline was sculpted, strong and angular, and his lips...his lips were full... inviting.

Eva's gaze lingered on his face, drinking in every detail, from the slight curve of his mustache to the hint of stubble on his chin. She felt herself becoming lost in the depths of his eyes, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and fear.

And then, just as suddenly, Luca snapped his fingers in front of her face, jolting her back to reality. Her eyes flew open, and she felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her. She quickly looked down at her food, shutting her eyes tightly for a moment, trying to compose herself.

When she opened her eyes again, Luca was watching her, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. She felt her face grow hot with embarrassment, but she couldn't help sneaking another glance at Luca's face, her heart still racing with the memory of his piercing gaze.

He smirked, looking down at his food.

[To be continued]