Chapter 3

Alessia's heart was racing as she stood at the door, watching Marco walk away. She couldn't believe what she had just learned - that Marco was the son of a powerful Mafia boss, and that he was next in line to take over the family business.

As she closed the door and leaned against it, Alessia felt a sense of unease wash over her. She had always known that Marco was trouble, but she had never suspected that he was involved with the Mafia.

And now that she knew the truth, Alessia couldn't help but wonder if she was in danger. Was Marco's family going to hurt her because of her association with him?

As she thought about it, Alessia realized that she had to be careful. She couldn't just sit around and wait for something to happen - she had to take action.

So, Alessia decided to do some research on Marco's family. She wanted to know more about them, about their business dealings and their reputation.

As she sat at her computer, typing away, Alessia felt a sense of determination wash over her. She was going to get to the bottom of this, no matter what it took.

But as she delved deeper into her research, Alessia began to realize just how dangerous Marco's family was. They were involved in all sorts of illegal activities - extortion, money laundering, and even murder.

And Marco was right in the middle of it all.

Alessia's heart sank as she read about the Conti family's exploits. She had never suspected that Marco was involved in such dangerous and illegal activities.

But as she thought about it, Alessia realized that she wasn't surprised. She had always known that Marco was trouble, and now she knew why.

As she closed her laptop and leaned back in her chair, Alessia felt a sense of uncertainty wash over her. What was she going to do now?

Was she going to confront Marco about his family's activities, or was she going to walk away and forget about him?

As she thought about it, Alessia realized that she didn't have a choice. She had to confront Marco, no matter how scared she was.

So, Alessia picked up her phone and dialed Marco's number. She took a deep breath as she waited for him to answer.

"Hello?" Marco's voice was deep and husky, and it sent shivers down Alessia's spine.

"Marco, we need to talk," Alessia said, trying to sound calm.

"What's wrong?" Marco's voice was immediately alert, and Alessia could tell that he was worried.

"I know about your family," Alessia said, taking a deep breath. "I know what they're involved in."

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and for a moment, Alessia wondered if Marco was going to hang up on her.

But then, his voice came back on the line, low and husky. "We'll talk about this in person," he said. "Meet me at the park at 5pm."

And with that, the line went dead.

Alessia was left standing there, wondering what she had just gotten herself into.

Alessia arrived at the park early, her heart racing with anticipation. She had been thinking about Marco nonstop since their phone call, wondering what he was going to say to her.

As she sat down on a bench, Alessia noticed a figure walking towards her. It was Marco, looking tall and imposing in his black leather jacket.

"Hey," he said, sitting down beside her. "I'm glad you came."

Alessia nodded, feeling a little nervous. "I had to know what's going on," she said. "I had to know the truth."

Marco sighed, running a hand through his hair. "My family's been involved in some bad stuff," he said. "But I'm trying to get out."

Alessia's eyes locked onto Marco's. "Why?" she asked. "Why do you want to get out?"

Marco's eyes seemed to cloud over, and for a moment, Alessia thought she saw a glimmer of sadness in their depths. "Because I don't want to be like my father," he said. "I don't want to be a part of the violence and the corruption."

Alessia's heart went out to Marco. She could see the conflict in his eyes, the struggle to do what was right versus what was expected of him.

As they talked, Alessia found herself feeling more and more drawn to Marco. She could see the good in him, the kindness and the compassion.

And as they sat there on the bench, Alessia felt a spark of attraction ignite between them. It was like nothing she had ever felt before.

Marco's eyes seemed to burn with intensity as he looked at her, and Alessia could feel her heart racing in response.

Without thinking, Alessia leaned forward, her lips brushing against Marco's. It was a soft, gentle kiss, but it sent shivers down Alessia's spine.

As they pulled back, Marco's eyes locked onto hers. "I've been wanting to do that for a long time," he said, his voice low and husky.

Alessia smiled, feeling a sense of happiness wash over her. "I've been wanting you to," she said.

As they sat there on the bench, wrapped in each other's arms, Alessia knew that she had made a choice. She had chosen Marco, and she was willing to take the risk.

But as they pulled back and looked into each other's eyes, Alessia saw something there that made her heart skip a beat.

It was a warning, a warning that their love was forbidden, and that they would have to fight to be together.