Jagged Desire

Chapter 2

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Nico Vitali stood, straightening his suit, every movement precise, controlled. At first glance, he was a picture of sophistication-tall, broad, his tailored jacket hugging the frame of someone who spent more time in back alleys than boardrooms. Tattoos teased from under his cuffs, barely noticeable but enough to remind anyone that this man's life wasn't all silk and ties.

At 6'4" with a jawline sharp enough to cut and eyes that could swallow you whole, he looked like he belonged in a magazine spread. But Nico Vitali wasn't some poster boy. There was something darker, something dangerous underneath the polished exterior.

People didn't just see him-they felt him. The kind of presence that had your skin prickling before your brain could even register why. He was the Chicago Mafia King, a man who evoked fear, respect, and a certain twisted admiration all at once. Power clung to him like a second skin, and anyone with sense knew to keep their distance.

But it didn't stop them from looking, from being drawn in despite the danger. That's the thing about men like Nico-every warning bell screams to run, but somehow you find yourself standing still, waiting for him to get closer.

He descended the steps from the jet like he owned the entire island, each step measured, each movement a message. The staff on the tarmac barely breathed. Eyes shifted nervously, stolen glances exchanged, but no one dared make a wrong move. All except one.

Lilly, small and slight in her crisp white uniform, stood at the front, trembling fingers gripping the tablet in her hands. Her eyes never left the ground, too afraid to meet his gaze. She was tasked with escorting him to his villa, a simple job, but under the weight of his presence, even that felt monumental.

He hadn't even looked at her yet, but the very thought of it sent a wave of panic through her.

"Mr. Vitali?" Her voice came out small, fragile.

Nico didn't answer immediately. His silence was enough. His eyes flicked to her briefly, and that alone sent a chill down her spine. It wasn't that he tried to scare people-it was just him. His reputation spoke louder than any words could.

"I-I'll take you to your villa, sir," Lilly stammered, fighting to keep her voice steady. She gestured toward the sleek black SUV parked behind her. "If you'd follow me..."

Nico followed, his footsteps slow and steady, but each one made her feel like the ground beneath her was shaking. When he slipped into the back seat of the SUV, he did so with a grace that belied his formidable size, settling into the plush leather like it was a throne.

The ride was short, the silence oppressive. Even without uttering a word, Nico controlled the space, his aura swallowing everything else whole.

When they arrived at the villa, the woman practically jumped from the front seat to open his door, her hands fumbling slightly. Nico stepped out, taking in the sprawling luxury estate with a cursory glance before turning his gaze back to her.

"The villa is secured with keycard access, sir," she managed, her voice barely above a whisper as she handed him the card, her palms sweaty and unsteady.

Nico took the card from her, the weight of his attention palpable even without a direct glance.

"Thank you, you may leave," he said with a finality that made her jump. There was no anger, no malice-just a cold, calm command.

The woman nearly tripped over herself as she hurried away, the door closing behind her with a soft click, leaving Nico alone in the quiet villa. He stood there for a moment, taking in his surroundings. The island was beautiful, but none of it mattered. This trip wasn't about the ocean view or relaxation. It was about business. And business, for Nico Vitali, was always deadly serious.