Crimson Heart: FORBIDDEN DESIRES OF MAFIA.

Chapter 3: Sparks in the Dark

The soft hum of jazz music filled the air, blending with the clinking of glasses and hushed conversations in the luxurious lounge where Alessio had brought Elena. It was a world away from the violence that defined his life. This place—his sanctuary—offered a rare reprieve from the chaos of his criminal empire. And tonight, he had chosen to share it with Elena, a woman who had captured his mind and commanded his respect in ways no one else ever had.

From across the intimate table, Alessio sipped his drink, his gaze fixed on her. Elena sat poised, confident, her dark eyes scanning the room like she was assessing threats even in this haven of opulence. It was a trait he admired. But tonight, he was determined to unravel the woman behind the walls.

"Tell me something, Firefly," Alessio said, his voice low as he used the nickname he had started calling her—an affectionate nod to her flickering moments of warmth amid her otherwise hardened exterior. "Why did you leave the military? With your skills, you could've risen to the top."

Elena's gaze flicked to his, a guarded look in her eyes as she took a slow sip of her wine. She weighed his question, choosing her words with care. "It's not always about how high you can rise, Mr De luca. Sometimes, it's about knowing when to walk away."

His lips curled into a faint smile, intrigued by her deflection. "And why did you walk away?"

She returned the smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "I could ask you the same. Why does a man with your power and influence choose this life? Why become a criminal when you could have anything you wanted?"

Alessio chuckled softly, appreciating her wit and the way she always managed to keep him on his toes. "I didn't choose this life. It chose me. Family legacy, responsibilities... I was born into this world. And I've made it my own."

Elena's smile faded, her gaze falling to the table. "Maybe that's the difference between us, then. You embraced the life you were given. I chose to leave mine behind."

There was a weight in her words, one Alessio couldn't ignore. He had seen that look before—in soldiers, in his own men—people haunted by their pasts. His eyes softened as he leaned in closer, his voice quieter now. "You're running from something. What is it?"

Elena's head snapped up, her eyes sharp. "I'm not running. I'm surviving. There's a difference."

Alessio studied her, sensing the vulnerability she was so carefully hiding. He could push her for answers, but he knew it wouldn't get him anywhere. Elena was a fortress, strong and unyielding. But even the toughest walls had cracks—and he intended to find them.

Instead of pressing her, he reached across the table, his fingers lightly grazing hers. The touch was brief, but electric. She didn't pull away, though her posture stiffened slightly.

"You know, Firefly," he began again, a hint of teasing in his tone, "for someone who claims to just be surviving, you're doing pretty well for yourself. Working for Salvatore... that's a dangerous game."

Elena's expression hardened. "It's temporary. A means to an end."

Alessio raised an eyebrow. "And what end is that?"

Her eyes grew distant, and for a moment, he saw a flicker of something—regret, maybe? Pain? "I'm not here for the money, Alessio. Or the power. I'm here for something else. Something more important."

Before he could probe further, her phone buzzed on the table. Elena glanced at the screen, and her expression tightened.

"I have to go," she said, standing and grabbing her jacket.

Alessio's eyes narrowed. "What's going on?"

She didn't answer. But as she moved to leave, he stood and caught her wrist, his touch firm but careful. "Elena..."

Her gaze met his, and for the briefest second, he saw something he hadn't expected—fear. But it vanished just as quickly, replaced by the cool, controlled demeanor she always wore. She gently pulled her wrist free from his grasp.

"This isn't your fight, Alessio," she said quietly. "Stay out of it."

Alessio wasn't the type to back down easily. He stepped closer, his voice lowering to a whisper. "Maybe not... but you're in my world now, Firefly. And I don't intend to let you burn out."

Something passed between them in that moment—a tension neither could deny. Her breath hitched slightly, and for the first time, she hesitated. But then she slipped away, leaving him standing alone in the dimly lit lounge, her words still lingering in the air.

Back in his penthouse, Alessio paced the length of his office, his mind racing. Elena was hiding something—something big. And whatever it was, it had shaken her. That wasn't something he could ignore. Not when she was working for his enemy. Not when she had slipped into his thoughts so deeply.

He grabbed his phone and dialed Luca's number. The consigliere picked up on the first ring.

"Luca, I need you to dig deeper into Elena Carter," Alessio said, his voice edged with urgency. "I don't care what it takes. I want everything—every detail, every connection. She's hiding something, and I need to know what."

There was a pause before Luca responded. "I'll get on it. But be careful, Alessio. This woman... she's dangerous."

Alessio's grip tightened on the phone. "So am I."

He ended the call and stared out at the city. Whatever Elena was involved in, it was pulling her deeper into his world. And whether she realized it or not, she was becoming a part of his life—a part he wasn't willing to let go of.

Not yet. Not ever.