• XXXVI •

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The evening had finally arrived, and Sophia found herself standing in front of the mirror, making the final adjustments to her outfit. Her short dress hugged her curves in all the right places. The fabric, a soft shimmering gold, stopped just above her knees, accentuating her toned legs. Her waist was cinched by the dress, emphasizing her hourglass figure, while the neckline delicately hinted at her cleavage without being too revealing. Her bronzed, tan skin glowed against the golden hue of the dress, making her look like she belonged in the spotlight. Her dark hair was styled in loose curls, falling effortlessly around her shoulders, and her makeup—subtle yet captivating—highlighted her bright eyes and full lips. She slipped on her high heels, adding a few more inches to her height and giving her an air of grace and confidence.
"Damn, Soph!" Izzy's voice chimed from behind her. "You look absolutely stunning! If Luciano sees you like this, I bet he won't be able to keep his eyes off you all night."
Sophia gave her a playful smirk, though her heart did skip a beat at the thought. "This night isn't about him. It's about you, birthday girl. Ready?"
"Born ready!" Izzy exclaimed as she looped her arm through Sophia's, and they headed out the door to meet their friends.
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The girls arrived at Nexus, the new high-end club located in a luxurious five-star hotel owned by Adrian D'Romano. The club was already the talk of the town, known for its exclusivity and opulence, and tonight, the grand opening had attracted everyone who was anyone. Nexus was situated on the top floor of the hotel, with breathtaking views of the city skyline. As Sophia and her group stepped out of the elevator and approached the entrance, they were immediately ushered past the long line of hopefuls waiting outside.
"Wow," one of Izzy's friends murmured, her eyes wide with surprise. "VIP treatment already? This is insane!"
Sophia smiled to herself, knowing that this was all thanks to Luciano. They didn't even need to ask—his name alone had granted them access. The doormen greeted them with smiles, and before they knew it, they were being led straight to the VIP section, a roped-off area above the main dance floor.
"This is crazy!" Izzy squealed as they took their seats in the lavish booth, decorated with plush velvet cushions. "Soph, you're the best!"
The girls ordered drinks, starting with shots to kick off the celebration. The energy inside the club was electric. The lavish décor—sleek, modern chandeliers casting a golden glow, marble bars, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city—set the scene for an unforgettable night. The music pulsed through the room, sending vibrations through the floor as the DJ mixed the latest hits. The crowd was a sea of designer clothes and glittering jewelry, all buzzing with excitement.
Sophia sipped her cocktail, her eyes scanning the massive club, marveling at how every detail had been thought out to perfection. Yet, despite the excitement, her gaze kept wandering in search of one person. Luciano.
But he was nowhere in sight.
Izzy nudged her, catching her attention. "Stop looking for him. We're here to party!"
Sophia laughed, shaking off the distraction. "You're right. Let's have some fun."
The girls downed their drinks and moved to the dance floor, swaying and laughing as they celebrated Izzy's birthday. The shots loosened Sophia's inhibitions, and for a while, she let herself get lost in the music, twirling under the flashing lights.
But then, out of the corner of her eye, she spotted him.
Luciano stood across the room, towering over most of the crowd. His black shirt clung to his broad chest, the material struggling to contain the bulging muscles beneath. He wore jeans—simple but fitting him perfectly—and in one hand, he held a drink. Next to him stood his brother, Adrian, and they were deep in conversation. Sophia noticed how strikingly similar the two brothers looked, like twins. The only real difference was in their builds—while Luciano was big and powerful, Adrian was leaner, with longer hair and a slightly shorter frame.
Sophia's breath caught as her eyes locked with Luciano's. His gaze was intense, and for a brief moment, the world seemed to fall away. She gave him a small nod and a smile before turning back to her friends, but the heat of his stare lingered on her skin. She could feel it, even as she tried to focus on enjoying herself.
Luciano, from his vantage point, couldn't tear his eyes away from her. She looked stunning, her dress hugging every curve, her tan skin glowing under the lights. He had to force himself to refocus on his conversation with Adrian, but his attention kept drifting back to her, drawn like a magnet.
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