Chapter 3 Unsuccessful Seduction

Chapter 3 Unsuccessful Seduction

Night had fallen over Las Vegas, and the city's largest casino was alive with the sounds of thumping music and flickering lights. This was a place that offered everything—entertainment, relaxation, and, for those seeking it, the company of a woman to share the night.

Antonio observed his cousin, who looked thoroughly uninterested. "What's with you? Don't tell me you're still thinking about that woman from last night."

He had noticed William's lack of focus ever since they entered the casino. William, clearly distracted, muttered, "She works here. She's a hostess."

"You're saying she works at this casino?" Antonio raised an eyebrow in mild amusement.

William laughed bitterly, recalling the humiliation he'd suffered. "Yes. I didn't think…" His voice trailed off.

"Hah! That's your problem—you trust women too easily. Who knows? She might be more dangerous than you think," Antonio teased, raising his glass of wine for a sip.

"Maybe you're right," William conceded. "But I still want to see her again." Deep down, he wasn't sure why he felt that way. Was it because she was different? Because she had bested him?

"She must be stunning for you to want another chance," Antonio remarked.

William pulled out his smartphone and showed Antonio a picture of the woman he had taken. Antonio studied the image, his sharp eyes scanning her delicate features—her slender face, full lips, large dark brown eyes, and fair, golden-tinted skin. Even from the blurry snapshot, it was clear she was strikingly beautiful.

"She's something," Antonio said flatly, handing the phone back to William.

"Her name is Rose. She's beautiful, but…" William trailed off, murmuring her name as if in a trance.

"But you regret not sleeping with her?" Antonio asked, his tone dry.

"Yes," William admitted after a long pause. "But it's just one woman. This is ridiculous."

Antonio smirked, watching his cousin gulp down his wine in frustration. For William, women were nothing more than fleeting pleasures, disposable and replaceable. Yet this one had shaken him enough to linger in his mind.

"I'm going to find some company to cheer me up. Are you coming?" William asked, standing abruptly.

"No," Antonio replied, shaking his head, unimpressed. He watched William leave, his usual playboy energy intact despite the earlier frustration.

Left alone, Antonio lingered at his table, nursing his drink in solitude. The women here were attractive, sure, but none had caught his eye enough to compel him to act. Bored, he called his driver to come pick him up, planning to leave the casino shortly.

On his way to the restroom, a woman's voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Excuse me…" Her soft, lilting tone grew louder as she approached. Turning around, Antonio was met with the sight of a stunning woman. Her face, with its delicate features, full lips, and large brown eyes, was unmistakable—it was the same woman from William's photo.

Antonio's expression remained impassive as he regarded her. Yes, she was striking, but in his eyes, she was just another hostess—a woman who traded her looks and charm for money. Without a word, he turned back and continued walking, ignoring the flash of annoyance in her eyes.

Rose watched him retreat, her irritation mounting. She had gone out of her way to approach him, only to be snubbed.

Moments later, as Antonio exited the restroom, Rose was waiting, leaning against the wall. She locked eyes with him, a sultry smile playing on her lips.

"Hey, handsome," she purred, her tone dripping with seductive charm. Despite her inner frustration, she kept her composure, determined to draw him in.

Antonio's gaze met hers, cold and unreadable. She stepped closer, closing the gap between them, her hand brushing lightly against the lapel of his expensive suit. Her smile deepened as she pressed him gently against the wall, her warm breath grazing his cheek.

Rose's hand slid to the top button of his shirt, and she began to undo it, her movements slow and deliberate. For reasons she couldn't explain, her heart raced as she leaned in.

Antonio, however, remained still, a faint, knowing smile forming on his lips. "Do you really think this will work?" he murmured, his voice low and calm.

In one swift motion, he reversed their positions, pinning her against the wall. His hands gripped her wrists firmly but not harshly. "Interested in me now, are you?" Rose teased, trying to maintain her confident facade.

"No," Antonio replied coolly in perfect English, his tone like ice. Rose faltered for a moment but quickly recovered, flashing him another seductive smile.

"Why deny it? I know you're—" she began, but Antonio silenced her by leaning in, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered, "Do you know? You're terrible at seducing men."

His words cut sharper than she expected, and her confidence wavered. Before she could respond, Antonio stepped back, straightened his suit, and walked away without another glance.

Barely an hour later, Antonio received a phone call from Rome. One of his men had suffered an attack after crossing into Riva territory, controlled by a rival family. Although no one sustained serious injuries, the incident marked a clear escalation in tensions. The Riva family had been aggressively expanding their power, inching ever closer to challenging Antonio's dominance.

He sighed heavily, standing from the sofa in his suite. Yet, as he tried to focus on the brewing conflict, an image of Rose's face floated unbidden into his mind. Antonio shook his head, trying to dispel the thought. He didn't think of her as anything more than a momentary distraction. Still, he couldn't deny she had left an impression.

Picking up his phone, Antonio decided. He called one of his most trusted men.

"Rossi, I need you to dig into the background of a woman…"