Tempetation Of Shadows |18+

CHAPTER 4: MIDNIGHT ENCOUNTER

The sound of the door shutting behind me echoed in the grand hallway of my estate. I removed my jacket, tossing it carelessly over the back of a chair, and loosened my tie. My mind was still reeling from the events of the night. Killing that man in the club wasn't part of my plan, but the sight of him so close to Elena had driven me over the edge. No one touched what was mine.

"Signore," Marco's voice interrupted my thoughts as he stepped into the hallway. "We've taken care of the situation at the club. The authorities won't trace anything back to us."

"Good," I replied, my voice cold and detached. "What about the girl?"

"She's safe," Marco assured me. "Our driver dropped her off at her house. She's probably still in shock from what happened."

I nodded, feeling a mix of satisfaction and frustration. Keeping Elena safe was my top priority, but the thought of her being scared and confused gnawed at me. She was too precious to be caught up in my world of violence and crime.

"Any updates on the Mexican cartel?" I asked, changing the subject.

Marco's expression turned serious. "We've intercepted another shipment. They're trying to push into our territory, but we're holding them off for now."

I clenched my fists, anger boiling inside me. The cartel had been a thorn in my side for too long. They were the reason my parents had died, and I had sworn to avenge their deaths by any means necessary.

"Double the security on all our operations," I ordered. "I want every move they make watched."

Marco nodded and left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I poured myself a glass of whiskey and walked to the large window overlooking the city. The lights of Rome twinkled in the distance, a stark contrast to the darkness that consumed my soul.

As I sipped my drink, my thoughts drifted back to Elena. She had no idea the lengths I would go to protect her, to keep her safe from the shadows that lurked in my world. She was the light in my darkness, the one thing that made me feel alive.

My phone buzzed, pulling me from my reverie. It was a message from one of my informants.

"New intel on the cartel. Possible lead on their next move."

I smirked, the thrill of the hunt igniting a fire within me. The cartel would pay for what they had done, and I would make sure they never threatened my world again.

But first, I needed to see Elena. To make sure she was truly safe.

I finished my drink and set the glass down, determination hardening my resolve. No one would come between me and my tessoro. Not the cartel, not anyone.

                                ***

I parked my car a few houses down from Elena's and watched as the lights in her bedroom flickered on. She moved around the room, her silhouette graceful and delicate. The sight of her brought a sense of calm to my chaotic mind.

I wanted to rush to her, to hold her . But I knew I couldn't. Not yet. She wasn't ready to know the truth about me, about the darkness that surrounded my life.

As I sat there, watching over her like a guardian angel, I saw the large flower bouquet and gifts I had sent her earlier that day. The bouquet was a mix of her favorite flowers—roses, lilies, and orchids—carefully arranged to convey my feelings. The gifts included a delicate bracelet, a book of poetry, and a handwritten note.

The note read:
*"To my Tesoro,*

*I hope these flowers bring a smile to your face, as your presence does to mine. The gifts are just a small token of my appreciation for the light you bring into my life.*