For You

1

Matteo

I stood at the edge of the vast floor-to-ceiling window, gazing out at the sprawling cityscape of New York. The lights of Manhattan glittered like a thousand stars, but they couldn't distract me from the storm brewing within. My empire, built on blood and power, was facing an unexpected challenge.

Alyssa Kane.

Her name tasted like venom on my tongue. The CEO of Kane Enterprises, a woman who had clawed her way to the top of the luxury hotel industry. Her latest acquisition, a prime piece of real estate I had earmarked for expanding my operations, was a move that couldn't go unchallenged.

I turned away from the window, the city's pulse echoing in my veins, and picked up the file on my desk. Alyssa's icy gaze stared back at me from the photograph stapled to the first page. She was beautiful, in a cold, untouchable way. Sharp features, piercing blue eyes, and a demeanor that screamed unapproachable. Her long, blonde hair framed a face that was as striking as it was intimidating.

A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. Luca, my right-hand man, stepped in, his expression serious.

"Boss, everything is set for the conference tomorrow. Security is tight. No surprises."

"Good," I replied, my voice a low growl. "But we need more than just security. Kane is a formidable opponent. She's not someone we can intimidate easily."

Luca nodded. "I've heard she's as ruthless in business as you are in... other matters."

I smirked. "Ruthless? Maybe. But everyone has a weakness."

I dismissed Luca and leaned back in my chair, contemplating my next move. The conference was an opportunity. A chance to confront Alyssa Kane on neutral ground. To show her that while she might rule her world, mine was one where her rules didn't apply.

---

The next morning, I arrived at the luxurious hotel hosting the business conference. The irony wasn't lost on me – Kane Enterprises had a hand in this property as well. The opulence of the place was impressive, but I was here for a different kind of spectacle.

I walked through the grand lobby, ignoring the opulent decor and the murmurs of recognition from the other attendees. I had a reputation that preceded me, and I wasn't here to make friends.

As I approached the main conference room, I let my mind drift back to my rise to power. Growing up in the Torres family meant I was surrounded by crime and power plays from a young age. By the time I was twenty, I had taken over the family business, turning it into a sprawling empire that extended far beyond the underworld.

My success came at a cost. Trust was a rare commodity in my world, and love? That was a weakness I couldn't afford. I learned to rely on myself, to use others without getting attached. It was a lonely existence, but one that had kept me alive and on top.

The conference room was a hive of activity. Powerful men and women mingling, discussing deals worth millions. But there was one person who stood out, even in this crowd of elites.

Alyssa Kane.

I spotted her across the room, her back to me, her sleek, blonde hair cascading down her back. She wore a tailored black suit that highlighted her commanding presence. She was speaking to a group of executives, her voice cool and authoritative.

For a moment, I watched her, assessing. There was something magnetic about her, a presence that demanded attention. I understood why she had climbed to the top. But admiration was not what I felt.

I strode forward, cutting through the crowd with purpose. As I neared, she turned, our eyes locking. For a brief second, her composed facade slipped, replaced by something that might have been recognition – or perhaps disdain.

"Ms. Kane," I said, my voice smooth and laced with challenge.

"Mr. Torres," she replied, her tone equally cool. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I believe we have some business to discuss," I said, stepping closer. The tension between us was palpable, a dangerous dance of power and control.

She tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing. "I'm always open to negotiations, Mr. Torres. But make no mistake, my terms are non-negotiable."

I chuckled softly, a sound that did nothing to ease the tension. "We'll see about that, Ms. Kane. We'll see."

Our eyes locked, and in that moment, the gauntlet was thrown. This was just the beginning. Alyssa Kane had entered my world, and I intended to show her exactly what that meant.

---

The rest of the day was a blur of presentations and discussions, but my mind never strayed far from Alyssa. Every now and then, I would catch her gaze across the room, a silent challenge passing between us.

As the conference wound down, I found myself once again watching her from a distance. She was surrounded by admirers, her laugh a sharp contrast to the cold demeanor she had shown me. I could see the facade, the armor she wore to protect herself in a world dominated by men who underestimated her.

I understood that. I respected it.

But that wouldn't stop me.

As she excused herself from the group and headed toward the exit, I moved to intercept her. She saw me coming, her expression unreadable.

"Leaving so soon?" I asked.

"I have a business to run, Mr. Torres," she replied. "Some of us don't have the luxury of time."