Underworld Passion

Chapter 7: Dance of Desire

I avoided Dante at school, purposely evading his gaze and keeping my distance. Sofia, ever perceptive, noticed my avoidance and pressed me to share what was troubling me. With a heavy sigh, I confided in her, "I'm afraid I won't fit in with the group, Sofia. I don't possess the same skills or weapons as everyone else."

Sofia placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder and offered a comforting smile. "Ava, you have your own unique strengths. You don't have to conform to anyone's expectations. We accept you just the way you are."

I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me as Sofia's words sank in. Maybe I didn't need to be like everyone else. Maybe there was a place for me within this world, embracing my individuality.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I asked Sofia if she had ever taken a life. Her response surprised me. "No, Ava," she confessed, her voice tinged with a hint of mischief. "I prefer a different approach. Poison is my weapon of choice. Subtle, effective, and leaves no trace."

I listened intently as Sofia shared her knowledge and experiences, intrigued by the unconventional methods she employed. Poison. It seemed so different from the directness of physical combat. Perhaps there was a way for me to contribute to the group after all.

Eager to learn from Sofia, we spent the afternoon together, honing our skills and exchanging techniques. It was a bonding experience, strengthening our friendship and solidifying our trust in one another.

As the day drew to a close, Sofia dropped an unexpected bombshell. "By the way, Ava, we're having a party tomorrow for Charlie's birthday, and you're invited." A mix of excitement and nerves flooded my veins at the prospect of attending such an event within the inner circle of the Russo organization.

The following day, Sofia and I ventured out to find gifts for Charlie. However, what started as a simple shopping trip turned into an unexpected adventure. We tried on clothes, indulged in impulsive purchases, and even encountered two handsome strangers—an encounter that would bring an unexpected twist to the evening.

Dylan, with his blond hair, engaged me in conversation, while Sofia found herself captivated by Timo's brown locks. The four of us continued to chat, their presence injecting a dose of excitement into our day. When Sofia spontaneously invited them to Charlie's party, numbers were exchanged, commitments made.

Returning home with our gifts, we wrapped them with care. I had chosen a pair of sleek black sunglasses for Charlie, while Sofia settled on a stylish leather jacket. The anticipation for the evening ahead crackled in the air as we prepared ourselves.

In our respective rooms, we adorned ourselves in carefully chosen attire. Leather pants and a pink crop top hugged my frame, complemented by sexy black heels. Sofia opted for a short black dress, highlighting her natural allure. With our makeup flawless and our hair styled to perfection, we were ready to make our entrance.

We met Timo and Dylan, who had offered to be our escorts for the night. Darkness cloaked the surroundings as we arrived at the venue, the sound of music already permeating the air. The interior was adorned with twinkling lights, casting a warm glow over the long table adorned with gifts. Sofia and I placed our offerings alongside the others before setting off to find Charlie.

Charlie was engrossed in dancing with three unknown girls, but his eyes lit up when he spotted us. He pulled us into an embrace, genuinely pleased by our presence. We explained how we had met Timo and Dylan, and together, the four of us wished Charlie a heartfelt happy birthday.

With the party in full swing, Sofia and I found ourselves drawn onto the dance floor, moving in synchrony with the pulsating rhythm. As the night progressed, the dancing grew more intimate, a captivating display of seductive allure.

In a corner away from the crowd, Dylan pressed me against the wall, his lips meeting mine in a passionate kiss. Drunk on the euphoria of the moment, I allowed myself to be carried away, my inhibitions momentarily forgotten. Dylan's hand found its way to my backside, pulling me closer, blurring the lines between desire and reckless abandon.

Unbeknownst to us, Dante materialized beside us, his presence casting a shadow over our heated encounter. With a swift motion, he grasped Dylan by the collar, forcefully separating us. My anger flared, and I lunged at Dante, fueled by an intoxicating mix of indignation and drunken courage. But Dante, larger and more skilled, easily evaded Dylan's futile attempts to strike him.

Dante commanded Dylan to leave, and the defeated man complied, leaving me with a sympathetic glance and a promise to connect later. I ignored Dante's growl of disapproval, refusing to let him dictate my choices. Dylan was gone, and I turned to leave, eager to escape the tumultuous scene.

Before I could make my exit, Dante intercepted me, his arm wrapping possessively around my waist, pulling me against his unyielding frame. His voice, low and intense, resonated in my ear as he whispered, "I was mere heartbeats away from causing harm to Dylan. Why would you put an innocent person in such danger, Ava?"

My fury blazed, and I hissed back at him, my words sharp and unyielding, "Don't you dare make a scene and put the blame on me. I've been dry for too long."

Regret washed over me as I realized the weight of my words. The alcohol had loosened my tongue, unearthing emotions I hadn't anticipated. Dante stood frozen behind me, his breathing heavy and labored, his silence a deafening response.

Softly, Dante sighed my name, as if on the precipice of saying something more. But before he could utter another word, Bella materialized beside us, pulling me away from Dante's grasp and whisking me onto the dance floor.

I stole a quick glance back at Dante, sultry and enigmatic in the dimly lit corner of the room, before allowing Bella to guide me further into the festivities.