Perfectly broken

Prologue

(Brooklyn baby, Lana del rey)

Anastasia's pov:

Once I reach the venue, the valet opens the door for me and I emerge from my car.

"Have a good night Miss Perez." He says.
"Thank you." I say offering him a simple smile.

I walk towards the main entrance. Dressed in a sleek black gown that hugged my body in all the right places and wearing my Valentino high heels, I feel confident like never before.

With each step I make and with each clack of my heels on the ground my confidence grows more and more.

I reach for my handbag and I seek out my small mirror. I look at my reflection to make a quick inspection. My black mask is perfect and my signature bold red lipstick is adding a touch of elegance to my whole look. I tuck the mirror away and I am ready to attire all the looks tonight.

I head to the ballroom where is held the prestigious annual mafia gala hosted by my family this year. It is an exclusive mafia event that gathers each year mafia leaders from all over the world. Once in a year, they put all their problems with each other apart for a single night just to enjoy themselves.

Since papa is a little bit sick tonight, I stood in his stead.

As I step in the ballroom, all the heads turn in my direction and all eyes fall on me. I am the center of attention. Putting a smile on my face, just for the show, I scan the room. I can say that I have the effect I was intending on all the men attendees who stares at me for a little bit longer than it is normal.

On the way to my table, I stop by some important guests especially our allies and the leaders of the mafia families we deal mostly with to greet welcome them and apologize for my father's absence.

Papa gave me the mission of organizing the gala this year. I spent weeks preparing for this event. Since everything seems to be perfect tonight and going as planned, I can say that I fulfilled my task successfully. A feeling of pride rushes over me. 

As the server passes by my table. I take a glass of champagne. Tonight, I am celebrating another success. To more successes. I mutter to myself. Then, I bring the glass to my lips and let the fresh liquid down my throat.

When the music starts playing, all the couples head to the dancing floor. That's when I start regretting not to bring a date with me. Matteo offered to come with me but I rejected. I wanted to reflect the image of the strong independent woman I am, in front of our guests. Who said that I can't enjoy my night without a date? I don't need a man by side in order to have a great time.

Suddenly, a long figure catches my eye at the next table. I turn gently my head to the right. A man dressed in a black suit is standing by himself sipping a drink.

He notices me staring. He looks at me and our eyes connect. He travels his eyes through my whole body. My blood rushes so, so slowly in my veins. And, despite wearing a long dress that covered my knees, I feel so exposed.

His features are foreign to me. I don't recognize him especially that he is wearing a mask.

I turn my head trying not to stare at him for too long.

From the corner of my eyes, I steel few glances at him. He takes another sip from his drink before placing the cup on the table. He tuck one hand in his pocket and he makes his way towards me.

What the hell is he doing ?

He extends a hand towards me.
"Dance with me." He says, with a deep voice, his tone a mix of command and invitation.

I bring my gaze to his extended hand. Without having a second thought, which is so unlike me, I extend my hand to meet his. He leads me to the dancing floor. And for a moment, I feel like a princess. No. More like a queen.

He places one hand on my waist and the other clasps my hand. I place my free hand over his shoulder, and we begin swaying to the music.

The whole world seems to fade in the background. Everyone in the room just don't exist anymore. It is only me and him. Just two persons, two foreigners dancing with each other.

He looks at me with his brown eyes. Eyes that are so scary, so deep like a heavy forest. For a second I feel like I got lost in them and that I will never find my way back home.

Without any previous notice, he tugs me closer to him, closing the distance between us. Our faces are mere inches apart. I suck in a breath.

We are so close that I can smell his aftershave. I inhale deeply filling my lungs with his sent. So masculine.

I am melting under his touch. All I can think about is his fingers hugging my waist.

I sense him breathe and I hear his heartbeats. They are like a melody to my ears and like they are the best thing that I've ever heard in my life.

What is it happening to me ? I have never believed in fairytales nor in the princess stories I was told when I was little, yet here I am feeling that I am in one of them.

He lets out of sight. Seems that I am not the only one affected by the other here. He is captivated by me just like I am captivated by him.

He leans closer, his lips brush against my ear, his seductive voice murmurs: "You are the most beautiful woman tonight. I can't take my eyes off you."

Woah. Butterflies start running in my stomach. No one, has ever told me such sweet things. All I can say is that, from this moment, I am officially screwed.

As the music comes to an end, we stop dancing and he escorts me to my table.

I retrieve my handbag and excuse myself saying that I am heading to the ladies' room for a makeup touch-up. Of course, that was a total lie. I really need to gather myself and regain my composure.

After getting out of the ladies room, few moment later, in the light lighted corridor, I hear footsteps trail behind me. They are getting closer and closer with each step I make. I stay calm, a thing I developed through being in mafia life for years. Is someone attempting to do a move on me? Good thing is that I came here prepared.

Familiar with the building's layout, I turn the next corner, reaching for the small knife discreetly hidden in my garter. With perfect timing, I seize the person following me, pinning them against the wall, my knife poised at their throat.

My eyes widen in astonishment at the sight of him.

"It is you. I thought that someone wanted to attack me." I say still pointing my knife at him.

"As if I will let them." He says, his thumb gently caressing my cheek. He looks at me like he is going to devour me.

I say: "Huh, miss me already ?"

"More than you can imagine." He says as he turns me around, flipping our position. I have now my back to the wall. He places his hand on the wall just a few inches beside my head.

Reluctantly, I lower my weapon, and unintentionally it grazes his forearm, leaving a cut on his thumb. But, he doesn't even flinch.

Mierda , I curse under my breath.

I get a tissue from my handbag and, holding his hand, I press it to his bleeding hand.

"Are you okay ? I didn't mean to hurt you." I ask. I look at him. He is holding back a smile.

"Enjoying this, aren't you?" I ask.

"More than I should actually." He says with a smirk on his face.

"Let me see if It needs stiches."

"There is no need. I am okay."

Then, he looks at his watche and says:" Time for me to leave. It was nice meeting you, preciossa". And he leaves.

"Can I know your name at least." I call from behind him.

"Trust me, you're better off not knowing."

Then, he disappears, leaving me with a crazy beating heart and with millions thoughts in my mind.

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Thank you for giving my book a shot !