CHAPTER 10

**AVA**
They offer me a drink and start asking questions about my life. I invent a random story, keeping the details vague. With each passing minute, I feel the tension increase. I need to find out something useful without raising suspicion.
After a while, one of the men casually mentions an underground club where more private meetings take place. My heart races upon hearing this. I try to seem interested, but not desperate.
"That sounds interesting. How can I get in?", I ask.
He looks at me for a moment, as if assessing whether he can trust me.
"It's not a place for just anyone. You have to be invited."
"Then invite me.", I say with a smile, trying to appear bold.
He laughs, but there’s something sinister in his laugh.
"Let's see how you do here first, Vanessa."
The afternoon continues, and I strive to remain calm and alert. At a certain point, one of the men asks me to dance. Reluctantly, I accept, trying not to appear suspicious. While we dance, he starts asking more personal questions. I try to change the subject, but it's clear he's trying to test me.
"So, Vanessa, what really brought you here today?", he asks, his voice low and insinuating.
"I just wanted to go out and meet new people.", I reply, keeping my tone light.
He smiles, but there's something predatory in his eyes.
"I think you're looking for more than that. Maybe looking for trouble?"
"Who knows?", I say, trying to sound carefree.
The music changes to a slower rhythm, and he pulls me closer. I try not to show my discomfort, but my body is tense. I need to get out of this situation without raising suspicion.
Finally, the dance ends, and I return to the table, feeling a momentary relief. I notice one of the men messing with his phone, looking irritated. He gets up and walks out of the bar. My curiosity is piqued, and I decide to follow him discreetly.
I stay at a safe distance as he enters an alley behind the bar. I approach slowly and hear him talking on the phone.
"Yes, boss, everything is planned for tomorrow."
"We'll all be there. Dimitri said she attacked him yesterday. The girl seems wild, but we'll take care of it soon."
He's talking about me, but he doesn't know that the wild girl is me.
I take a few steps back, trying not to make any noise. I need to get out of there before they realize what I'm doing. I leave the bar, walking quickly until I find a safer place to wait for my Uber.
When I finally get into the car, I feel the relief of being away from that place, but I know my mission is just beginning.
I get home and take off my clothes, feeling the adrenaline still pulsing in my veins. I sit on the couch and open my computer, resuming my research on the symbols I saw. I find references to a criminal organization that uses these emblems to identify themselves. They are known for their brutal methods and ability to operate in the shadows.
I’m finishing putting on my heels when I look at the reflection in the mirror. The red dress fits perfectly on my body, and the lipstick of the same color highlights my lips. I smiled, satisfied with the result. I grab my phone and call an Uber. I’m nervous, but also excited about the prospect of the night.
When I arrive at the club, I see Pietro walking towards me. He is wearing elegant clothes, exuding confidence and charm. He approaches and places his hand on my waist, his touch firm and possessive.
"I must confess I’m crazy to take that dress off your body, Ava."
"Good evening to you too, Pietro.", I reply with a smile. He takes my hand, and together we walk into the club. The nervousness increases with the pressure of his hand on mine, especially as we return to the place where we first met.
We sit at the bar and start talking. Pietro’s presence makes me feel good, despite the underlying tension.
"There’s a mystery in your eyes, a mystery that leaves me fascinated and confused at the same time.", I say, looking at him intently.
"There’s not much to say about me. I’ve lived alone forever. I think it’s better that way.", I reply evasively when he asks to know more about me.
"My life is too complicated, Ava. I’ve had to take care of everything since I was young; I grew up too fast.", he confesses. I nod, understanding this part, before taking another sip of my drink.
Pietro stands up and offers his hand.
"Will you dance with me, Ava?"
I accept, taking his hand. There are many people in this part of the club—some drinking, others talking, some kissing while others dance. I feel a tremor when he touches my waist. My eyes fix on his lips, and for a moment, I stop breathing.
A new song starts, and I laugh when Pietro spins me in the air. It’s a sensual song, and I smile, turning my back before dancing for him. I close my eyes, feeling the pressure of his hands on my body. I moan slightly as I rub my butt against his pants.
"I’m doing my best not to take you to a room, Ava."
"Then do it.", I whisper provocatively.
"No, not tonight. I want you to enjoy every part of this night.", he responds, and I open my eyes to look around. I see a couple watching us. I notice the desire in their eyes, which excites me and makes me nervous at the same time. I’ve never done this before, but the excitement grows more and more inside me.
"Look how they watch you, Ava. They want to kiss and touch every part of your beautiful body.", Pietro murmurs. I keep looking at the couple—they are both attractive and clearly interested in us.
Pietro’s hand slides down my body until it reaches between my legs.
"Spread your legs, Ava...", he commands, and I obey, feeling his other hand around my neck. I bite my lips as I watch the woman kiss the man. Pietro’s hand touches the inside of my thighs, and he curses softly when he feels the wet fabric of my pants.
Before he can continue, Pietro’s phone starts ringing. He steps back, annoyed, as he answers the call. I approach him when he quickly hangs up.
"Is everything okay?", I ask.
"I need to take care of something, Ava. I’m sorry, I wanted to stay with you all night, but I can’t."
I’m confused by the expression on his face and his nod.
"Do you have to go now?"
"Yes, but I can take you home first."
I shake my head and follow him out of the club.
"I can call an Uber."
"Are you sure?", he asks, concerned.
"Yes, I’ll be fine."
I watch Pietro get into his car, an idea forming in my mind. I quickly get into the first taxi I find.
"Where to?", the driver asks.
"Follow that black car, please.", I reply.