SHADOWS OF BETRAYAL [18+]

Chapter 6: Finding The Mystery Man

A mischievous grin spread across my face as I contemplated the idea. "Yes, yes, you can do it, Natalie. You can break the ice and find out what fragrance he's wearing. This dull and silent ride needs a little sprucing up, and these men in black are starting to give me James Bond vibes. Hehe!"

I cleared my throat to catch his attention and mustered up the courage to face the guy sitting beside me. My face was composed, but my eyes couldn't help but dart downward, unsure of what to make of this peculiar situation. Was I blushing? Absolutely not. Was I scared? Well, Natalie wasn't scared of anyone, or so I proudly proclaimed in my mind.

Summoning all my confidence, I finally spoke up, "Um, excuse me. I wanted to ask something if you don't mind." Slowly, I lifted my gaze to meet his eyes, hoping to have a full view of his face.

 With a mischievous grin, I turned my face away, pretending to be nonchalant. But who was I kidding? I couldn't resist stealing a quick glance at him. And boy, oh boy, was I in for a surprise! This man had the perfect blend of handsome features and a body that seemed like it could break the rules of physics.

His facial structure had a certain mafia or a mysterious man in a town vibe, with a chiseled jawline and an intense gaze that could make anyone weak in the knees. But here's the kicker - his outfit was doing its own comedy routine. A black shirt struggling to contain his well-built frame, with two buttons hanging on for dear life, while the rest of the buttons seemed like they were ready to stage a rebellion. 

I couldn't help but burst into silent laughter, trying not to give away my amusement. It was as if his shirt was on a mission to challenge the very concept of button durability. I mean, who needs a Greek god when you can have this one-of-a-kind fashion daredevil? He was neither a textbook heartthrob nor a dorky nerd. Nope, he was something entirely different, a concoction of charm, danger, and a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen and-

"Sure?" he responded, his voice tinged with a peculiar tone that sent delightful shivers down my spine. I couldn't help but feel like his words were whispered right near my ears, even though he was sitting comfortably like a lion, a king on his throne.

As much as I wanted to blurt out, "Hey, what cologne are you wearing?" I couldn't bring myself to do it. It would be far too forward and might make him feel uncomfortable. Besides, asking about someone's fragrance choice in such a direct manner seemed a tad inappropriate.

At that moment, he snapped his fingers, instantly pulling me out of my reverie. I found myself staring into his piercing gaze, feeling as small as a tiny pebble in front of him. My inner voice nudged me, urging me to go for it and ask his name. However, when I finally gathered the courage, all that came out was a stu-stuttering mess of, "Ah, it's just... I-I wanted to ask your name." I mentally slapped myself for my lack of eloquence. Oh, the joys of social awkwardness!

"That's what you wanted to ask?" he replied, his left hand resting casually on the armrest that divided our seats. His question caught me off guard, making me question my own intentions. Did I really want to ask his name? Or was it just a feeble attempt to break the ice and ease my own curiosity?

I mustered up a half-hearted chuckle and replied, "Well, not exactly the most original question, is it? But hey, we all start somewhere, right?" I tried to make light of my own awkwardness, hoping to salvage the situation with a touch of humor.

He nodded, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. "True enough. Well then, since you've mustered the courage to ask, my name is Riccardo"

Riccardo. The name danced in my mind, evoking a sense of excitement and curiosity.

I guess there should be a subject or a project to explore the lives of ordinary individuals, delving into their personal stories and experiences. I pondered this idea as I was about to ask Riccardo more about himself. However, the driver's interruption broke my train of thought.