Mafia's Obsession

• IX •

As the evening wore on, the soft hum of conversations and the clinking of dishes gradually ebbed away, leaving Sophia alone in the comforting embrace of her café. She busied herself with the closing tasks, the rhythmic routine offering solace amidst the lingering echoes of recent turmoil.

The familiar creak of the café door startled her from her thoughts, prompting a reflexive call to announce their closure. "Sorry, we're closed now," Sophia's voice rang out, its edge softened by fatigue and a hint of caution.

Turning from the back of the café, Sophia's steps faltered as she beheld an unexpected sight. There, seated at one of the tables, was Luciano De'Romano, the enigmatic figure whose presence loomed large in both her recent memories and the city's clandestine underbelly. His dark suit bespoke understated elegance, a stark contrast to the casual ambiance of the café. In front of him sat the same plastic coffee cup from earlier—the one she had given to Antony that morning.

"Luciano? What are you doing here?" Sophia's voice betrayed a mixture of surprise and apprehension, her gaze locking onto his with an intensity that mirrored the turmoil within.

Sophia's bodyguard, initially poised to intervene, hesitated for a fleeting moment. Recognition dawned in his eyes, swiftly followed by a silent acknowledgment of Luciano's presence. Without a word, he retreated from the café, leaving Sophia and Luciano alone in the dimly lit space.

The tension between them simmered palpably, charged with unspoken questions and the lingering aftermath of recent events.

His dark blue eyes met her light grey ones with an intensity that spoke of hidden depths and unspoken truths.

"I came for a refund," Luciano finally replied, his voice carrying a hint of amusement at Sophia's perplexed expression.

"What?" Sophia's confusion was evident, her brow furrowing in disbelief. "You want a refund for coffee?"

Luciano's lips quirked in a wry smile. "I wasn't pleased with my coffee," he explained casually, though his gaze never wavered from hers. "You always make it, but you didn't today. So, I want you to make it again."

Sophia's initial bewilderment gave way to a resigned acceptance. She knew better than to argue with Luciano De'Romano, especially when it came to matters as trivial as coffee. Without protest, she turned back toward the counter, flipping switches and reopening the necessary supplies to brew a fresh cup.

As she worked, Sophia's thoughts churned with the absurdity of the situation. Here was a man of immense wealth and power, accustomed to commanding respect and obedience at every turn, yet now he sat before her demanding a simple coffee with the nonchalance of an everyday customer.

Once the coffee was brewed and poured into a cup, Sophia carried it over to Luciano and placed it gently on the table before him. She took the seat opposite him, her posture relaxed yet guarded.

"Just so you know," Sophia began, her tone measured, "I don't normally make coffee. It's a sporadic thing, usually for special regular customers like Antony."

Luciano lifted the cup to his lips, taking a sip as he absorbed her words. The familiar taste of the creamy brew momentarily distracted him from the underlying tension between them. He felt an unexpected pang of something akin to jealousy at the mention of Antony as a special customer, though he dismissed it as inconsequential.

"I appreciate you making an exception," Luciano remarked smoothly, setting the cup down with deliberate care. "Your coffee is... exceptional."

Sophia nodded, a flicker of amusement dancing in her eyes. "Thank you."

Silence settled between them once more, charged with unspoken questions and the weight of their intertwined destinies. Sophia studied Luciano's features, searching for clues to the enigma that he represented—a man of contradictions and complexities that both intrigued and unsettled her.

"So why did you really come here, Luciano?" Sophia's voice cut through the silence, her eyes fixed on his with an intensity that mirrored the turmoil within. Her heart raced as she sat across from him, the dim lights of the café casting shadows that danced across his features, accentuating the air of mystery that surrounded him.

Luciano met her gaze unwaveringly, his dark blue eyes holding hers with a depth that hinted at hidden thoughts and unspoken desires. Despite the tension between them, Sophia found herself drawn to his presence, her thoughts momentarily distracted by the undeniable magnetism that he exuded.

Even as the air around them crackled with unspoken questions, Sophia couldn't help but notice Luciano's undeniable attractiveness—the sharp cut of his jawline, his piercing eyes, and the confident ease with which he carried himself. She found her gaze lingering on his lips, briefly imagining how they might feel against hers, before shaking herself back to reality.

"I could lie to you and tell you I was just here for the coffee," Luciano began, his voice low and tinged with amusement, "but I'm here because I need your help with something."

Sophia's brow furrowed in confusion. "My help?"

Luciano nodded, his expression serious. "My brother, Adrian, he's the CEO of a company. I believe your father knows him—they move in similar circles. There's a crucial deal that needs to go through, and the only way it will happen is if your father can convince the other party, who happens to be a good friend of his. I would do it myself but Adrian wants it to be done on good terms so he can maintain a good business relationship with him"

Sophia listened intently, processing the information. "Okay... I'll see what I can do."

Luciano's eyes softened marginally, a hint of gratitude flickering in their depths. "Thank you."

Sophia hesitated for a moment, her mind racing with the implications of his request. "But on one condition," she added firmly.

Luciano raised an eyebrow in mild intrigue. "And what is that?"

"If I manage to get this deal done," Sophia stated evenly, her voice steady, "you'll answer all of my questions. Truthfully."

Luciano regarded her for a long moment, weighing her request carefully. The corner of his mouth quirked up in a faint smile. "Done," he agreed, his tone betraying a hint of amusement.

Sophia felt a surge of satisfaction at his acceptance. Finally, she would have the opportunity to unravel the mysteries that surrounded Luciano De'Romano and have all her confusions cleared.

With an unspoken understanding lingering between them, Sophia rose from her seat, her thoughts already turning to the task ahead. Luciano watched her with a mixture of curiosity and respect, his own thoughts hidden behind a veil of composure.

"Goodnight, Luciano," Sophia said softly, breaking the silence that had settled between them.

Luciano inclined his head slightly, his gaze holding hers with a quiet intensity. "Goodnight, Sophia."

As Sophia turned to leave the café, her mind buzzing with newfound purpose. Luciano's thoughts drifting to the complex web of fate that had brought them together. He knew that Sophia Ramirez was no ordinary woman—she was a puzzle, a challenge, and perhaps, if he dared to admit it to himself, something more.