Mafia's Obsession

• XVII •

At the restaurant, as their main course was served, Sophia's mind kept wandering. Dan's stories were engaging, but her thoughts kept drifting to Luciano. She compared Dan's easy-going demeanor with Luciano's intense presence.
"So, any big plans for the cafe?" Dan asked, breaking into her thoughts.
"Actually, yes," Sophia said, snapping back to the present. "I'm planning to expand, maybe even open another location."
"That's ambitious. I admire that," Dan said, nodding appreciatively.
Their food arrived, and they enjoyed a leisurely dinner, talking and laughing as they got to know each other better. Despite her initial reservations, Sophia found herself genuinely enjoying the evening.
From the corner of her eye, Sophia felt someone watching her. She turned and saw Luciano a few tables away. Their eyes locked, and she felt a rush of surprise and excitement. Luciano looked incredible—his shirt was open at the collar, revealing a hint of his defined chest. He exuded an undeniable aura of power and strength.
Sophia couldn't help but admire how he looked, even as she felt a twinge of guilt for her lingering glances. Dan continued talking, and Sophia tried to focus on him, but her eyes kept drifting back to Luciano. Each time Luciano's gaze met hers, she looked away, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
She felt torn—here she was on a date with a charming and sweet guy, yet her mind and heart kept returning to Luciano.
The meal at Armio had been exquisite. Dan and Sophia had enjoyed their courses thoroughly, and now dessert had arrived: a decadent tiramisu with layers of creamy mascarpone, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa powder. The rich, velvety texture melted in their mouths, and the sweetness was a perfect end to the meal.
Dan seemed to be enjoying himself too. As they talked about various topics—Dan's recent projects in London, Sophia's plans for her cafe—he reached over and placed his hand gently over Sophia's, which was resting on the table. The touch was meant to be reassuring, but instead, Sophia felt a twinge of guilt. Despite Dan's charm, she couldn't help but feel as though she was betraying her own feelings. Her heart didn't skip a beat; instead, she felt a knot of discomfort in her chest.
The moment was abruptly interrupted by the loud crash of glass shattering. Sophia and Dan turned their heads toward the noise, and Sophia's eyes widened in surprise as she saw Luciano standing with a broken glass at his feet. The shards of glass were quickly being cleared by waiters.
Sophia's eyes met Luciano's for a brief, intense moment. She noticed the red flush of anger—or perhaps frustration—in his eyes. Her breath caught in her throat as she quickly pulled her hand away from Dan's and excused herself.
"I need to use the washroom," Sophia said, trying to keep her voice steady as she stood up from the table.
Dan looked slightly puzzled but nodded. "Of course, take your time."
Sophia made her way to the washroom, her mind racing. She closed the door behind her and took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. She washed her hands and splashed a bit of cold water on her face, hoping it would help clear her thoughts. As she dried her hands with a paper towel, she found herself wondering why she couldn't get Luciano out of her mind.
The washroom was quiet, the only sound was the soft hum of the ventilation. Sophia turned to leave, but before she could open the door, she felt a strong arm wrap around her waist and pull her against a solid, rock-hard chest. A familiar, musky scent filled her senses, and she found herself face-to-face with Luciano.
His eyes were intense, their faces mere inches apart. Sophia's hands instinctively rested on his chest, feeling the heat and strength of his body. Her breath came in quick, shallow gasps, her chest rising and falling rapidly.
"Luciano? What are you—" she began, but her words were cut off as Luciano's lips crashed against hers in a heated, passionate kiss.
The kiss was heated, demanding, and filled with a fervor that left no room for hesitation. Luciano's lips moved with a fierce passion, and Sophia's mind whirled. The kiss was intoxicating, overwhelming her senses and making her forget everything but the moment. His hands roamed her back, pulling her closer, as if he was trying to merge their very beings.
Sophia's response was instinctive, her fingers gripping his shirt as she melted into the kiss. The world outside the washroom faded away, leaving only the heat and intensity of their connection.
When Luciano finally pulled away, both of them were breathless, their faces flushed. Sophia's eyes met his, searching for answers that remained elusive. Luciano's gaze was equally intense, a mixture of frustration and desire. Sophia's heart pounded in her chest, her mind spinning as she tried to process what had just happened.
"Luciano," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.
He didn't respond immediately, his eyes still locked on hers. The intensity of the kiss had left them both shaken, and the silence in the washroom was filled with unspoken words and emotions.
Sophia took a step back, trying to regain her composure. "I— I need to go back," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Luciano nodded, his expression a complex mix of longing and determination. "Sophia..."
But she was already turning to leave, her heart heavy with the weight of their unexpected encounter.
As she walked back to the dining area, Sophia was left breathless, her mind racing, trying to make sense of what had just happened.