A Deal with the Devil

Sofia kept her mask in place, her expression calm and composed, but she could feel Rafael's grip tightening ever so slightly on her waist.

"You wear red well," Rafael murmured, his lips too close to her ear. "It suits you."

She tilted her head slightly, letting a sly smile play on her lips. "I wear a lot of things well."

He chuckled, but there was something sharper beneath the sound. Something possessive.

"I have to admit, I was surprised when I saw you tonight." Rafael spun her, pulling her back against him. His fingers brushed over the small of her back, lingering. "Last I heard, you were off the grid."

Sofia met his gaze. "Things change."

"Do they?" His grip on her waist tightened, just for a moment. "Or are you just looking for a new savior?"

Her smile didn't falter, but she felt the air shift between them. A test. A challenge.

"You misunderstand," she said softly, letting her fingers trail up his arm, light as a whisper. "I don't need saving."

Rafael's smirk deepened. "Good." His eyes flicked past her, locking onto Luca. "Because I don't plan on saving you."

Sofia knew that look. The way men like Rafael saw people—not as individuals, but as assets. Tools to be used. Or taken.

The music slowed, and with it, Rafael released her. "Dance with me again later." It wasn't a request.

She stepped back with a small nod, turning toward the crowd. Luca was already watching, his expression unreadable.

She walked to him slowly, deliberately.

"You don't have to say it," she murmured as she reached him.

Luca's jaw was tight. "Say what?"

"That you hated watching that."

He exhaled through his nose, his hands curling into fists at his sides. "We're getting close. Too close."

Sofia tilted her head. "That was the plan."

Luca stared at her for a long moment, then grabbed her wrist, pulling her close. "I don't care about the plan if it puts you in his hands." His voice was low, dangerous. "You're not his."

Something in her chest tightened. "And whose am I?"

Luca's gaze darkened. "Mine."

Before she could respond, Rafael reappeared, his presence demanding attention. But this time, he wasn't alone.

An older man stood beside him, dressed in an expensive charcoal suit, his silver hair slicked back. His eyes—sharp, calculating—swept over Luca and Sofia with measured interest.

"Luca Romano," the man said smoothly. "I've heard a lot about you."

Luca didn't move, didn't blink. "Funny. I can't say the same."

Rafael smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "That's because you weren't supposed to." He gestured to the older man. "Meet Alessandro DeLuca. My future father-in-law."

Sofia felt the shift instantly. The game had just changed.

DeLuca extended a hand to Luca. "Let's talk business, shall we?"

Luca took the hand, shaking it firmly.

This wasn't just about Rafael anymore.

This was about power. About war.

And Sofia?

She was at the center of it all.

—

Next Chapter: Blood and Betrayal – The truth behind Rafael's plans comes to light, and Sofia faces a choice that could change everything.