A Dangerous Game

The invitation arrived within twenty-four hours.

A sleek black envelope with golden embossing, hand-delivered to the penthouse by an anonymous courier. No name. No return address. Just two words in elegant script:

See you soon.

Sofia traced the lettering with her fingertips, her expression unreadable. She sat on the edge of the bed, the soft glow of the city casting shadows across her bare shoulders. The silk sheets pooled around her waist, but Luca's mind wasn't on the way she looked—it was on the danger they were about to walk into.

"We're expected," she murmured, turning the card over. No details, no location. Nothing but a power move.

"They're watching us." Luca took the invitation from her hand, his jaw tightening.

Dante leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, a smirk playing at his lips. "Of course they are. You think Rafael would let you walk in without knowing exactly who he's dealing with?"

Elena, perched on the dresser, exhaled slowly. "The real question is, do we walk in at all?"

Sofia met Luca's gaze. "We have to."

He clenched his fists. Every instinct told him to keep her away from this, to shelter her from the inevitable bloodbath. But he also knew the truth—Sofia wasn't the same woman he had pulled from Adrian's grasp. She had changed.

And she wasn't running anymore.

Luca stepped closer, tilting her chin up so she had no choice but to look at him. "If we do this, you play the part perfectly. Rafael can't suspect a thing."

Sofia's lips curled into a smirk. "You think I can't handle this?"

Dante let out a low chuckle. "She's got a point, boss."

Luca ignored him, keeping his gaze locked on hers. "It's not about handling it. It's about surviving it."

For the first time, something flickered in her eyes—something raw, something real.

"I trust you," she whispered.

That was the dangerous part.

Luca leaned down, brushing his lips over her forehead. "Then let's give them a show."

—

Later That Night

The venue was a grand estate, hidden deep in the countryside, where the wealthy and powerful gathered under the illusion of civility. Every guest dripped in luxury, but beneath the diamonds and tailored suits were weapons, whispered deals, and silent threats.

Luca arrived first, dressed in an all-black tux that made him look more like a predator than a guest. Sofia followed moments later, stepping out of the sleek black car like she owned the world.

The dress was blood-red. A statement. A warning.

The room hushed as she walked in, all eyes turning to her. But she didn't falter. She placed her hand in Luca's, lifting her chin.

Let them look. Let them wonder.

A man approached, his presence commanding, his suit sharp, his expression unreadable. Rafael Costa.

"Sofia." His voice was smooth, but his eyes were sharp with curiosity. "I didn't expect to see you here."

Sofia smiled, leaning into Luca just enough to make a point. "Didn't you hear? I have a new taste in men."

Rafael's jaw ticked. Just barely. But Luca saw it.

Game on.

—

Next Chapter: The Devil's Dance – In a room full of enemies, Luca and Sofia play their deadliest game yet. But one misstep could cost them everything.