The Devil’s Dance

The ballroom pulsed with quiet tension. Crystal chandeliers cast golden light over the polished marble floors, reflecting off the glittering jewelry and sharp eyes of the guests. Music played, elegant and slow, but beneath the surface, the real dance was already in motion.

Luca felt Rafael's gaze like a knife at his back, but he didn't react. He kept his grip firm on Sofia's waist as he guided her onto the dance floor, his movements deliberate. They weren't here to blend in. They were here to be seen.

Sofia followed his lead flawlessly, her blood-red gown flowing like liquid fire. She was breathtaking, dangerous. A distraction and a weapon all at once.

Rafael stood at the edge of the room, drink in hand, watching.

"You're playing with fire," Luca murmured against her ear as he spun her.

Sofia smirked. "I thought that was the point."

He pulled her closer, his lips barely brushing her skin. To anyone watching, it was intimate. But the words he whispered carried a warning.

"Rafael doesn't just want power. He wants you."

Sofia's breath hitched for a fraction of a second before she recovered, tilting her head slightly. Her lips brushed against Luca's jaw as she whispered back, "Then let's make him want me."

Luca clenched his jaw, his grip tightening on her waist. She was playing the role too well. Or maybe… she wasn't playing at all.

Across the room, Rafael set down his glass and moved toward them.

"Mind if I cut in?" His voice was smooth, laced with amusement, but his eyes flickered with something darker.

Luca's instinct was to say no, to keep her by his side, but this was part of the plan. He glanced at Sofia. She gave him the smallest nod before slipping from his grasp and stepping into Rafael's arms.

Luca forced himself to take a step back, watching as Rafael's hands settled on Sofia's waist, too familiar, too possessive.

The dance continued, slower now, tension thick between them. Rafael leaned in, whispering something in Sofia's ear. She laughed—soft, sweet, deadly.

Luca turned away before he did something reckless.

Dante appeared at his side, drink in hand, watching the exchange with mild amusement. "Relax, boss. She's got this."

Luca exhaled sharply. "I don't like it."

Dante smirked. "Yeah? Looks like Rafael doesn't either."

Luca followed his gaze.

Rafael's grip had tightened just slightly. His smile was still in place, but his eyes betrayed him. He wanted her. Badly.

Good. That meant he was vulnerable.

But it also meant he was dangerous.

Luca clenched his fists. This was a game of power, of patience, of control. And yet, as he watched Rafael hold Sofia just a little too close, he realized something.

He didn't just want to win.

He wanted to burn Rafael to the ground.

—

Next Chapter: A Deal with the Devil – Rafael makes an offer, but Luca knows there's always a price. And Sofia? She may be in deeper than she ever expected.