♥ Chapter 8 ♥

21:40 '' Nightclub. '' Portevecchio.

Isabella Conti.

The next thing I knew, the man had picked me up and thrown me at the feet of that attractive man.

''Well, what have we here? ''I swallowed dryly at his cold tone. ''We've got a snoop here.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as I met his gaze, so deep and penetrating, as if he could see right through me. His presence was suffocating, enveloping me in a veil of uncertainty and fear. I'm going to die! Why did I have to be so curious, God?

'' P-Please... Don't kill me. '' My voice came out shaky, a desperate plea in the midst of the chaos unfolding around me.

Despair gripped me, each heartbeat echoing like a frightening echo in my ears.

'' Tell me, precious. What's your name? "I shuddered as I heard him call me precious, his voice filled with a dark aura that sent shivers down my spine.

He's going to kill me! The thought echoed in my mind as I struggled to hold back the tears that threatened to overflow.

'' I-Isabella Conti. '' I replied, my voice barely more than a whisper, enveloped by the fear that was consuming me inside.

'' Isabella Conti. '' She repeated my name, as if savoring each syllable, a note of power in her deep, deep voice.

My heart was pounding uncontrollably in my chest, a symphony of fear and anxiety echoing in my ears as I struggled to keep my composure in front of that imposing man.

'' P-Please... I-I won't say anything to anyone... P-Please. '' My words came out shaky, a desperate plea in the midst of my growing anguish.

His presence was overwhelming, a mixture of danger and attraction that left me breathless, as if I were trapped in a maelstrom of conflicting emotions.

I was petrified to see him kneel down in front of me, an attitude that seemed completely out of character, surprising even the man who had held me. Does this mean he's going to kill me now? Is this gesture just a trick to catch me off guard? My God, my heart was pounding in my chest, fear and uncertainty intertwining inside me.

''Can I trust your words?'' His voice rang out, firm and penetrating, like thunder in the midst of the storm brewing in my mind.

''I-I won't tell anyone... I promise. '' My voice barely came out, my dry lips trembling at the rough touch of his thumb on my cheek.

His eyes, dark as night, held me in a hypnotic spell as I struggled to keep my composure.

'' Well done, Isabella Conti. But remember, the consequences could be serious. You can go now. '' He stood up with a predatory grace, his domineering presence filling the space around us. '' Let me help you. '' He held out his hand, an offer that seemed more like an order.

I took it cautiously, his fingers wrapping around mine in a firm but gentle grip.

''Thank you. '' My voice was barely more than a whisper, gratitude and fear fighting for space in my chest.

''You're welcome, precious. Now go. ''His words echoed as I walked away, running back to the nightclub with adrenaline pulsing through my veins.

I have to get out of this place. I have to make my friends leave too, my God. Likewise, I saw a murder. Is he going to chase me now? Oh, my God. I feel like I'm going to faint or throw up. I need to get out of this place.

'' Isa? '' I let out a loud cry from the fright. '' Oh my God, what is it? '' Gabi asked, her face expressing genuine concern. '' Are you all right?

I felt the pressure on my face. Gabi's comforting touch is trying to calm my inner turmoil.

Gabi, visibly concerned about my state, didn't hesitate to comply.

''Oh my God, what happened, did someone do something to you?

Tears threatened to overflow from my eyes, but I knew I couldn't tell Gabi the truth, not while that menacing man was circling my thoughts.

''Let's just go, please. '' I felt my tears forming.

"Right, let's go." She led me out of the crowd.

Dual feelings plagued me as I struggled to process what I had just witnessed. How could I be attracted to someone so cruel and merciless? It was disturbing to admit, but the presence of that man, despite all the horror that emanated from him, exerted a strange fascination over me.

Even now, as I walk away from the nightclub, his image continues to haunt my thoughts, like an indelible mark on my mind. I wondered how someone could be so attractive and yet so threatening. It was as if his presence was a kind of trap, seductive and dangerous at the same time.

I couldn't allow superficial beauty to obscure the true nature of his dark soul. I needed to find a way to get over this horrible encounter, to erase this frightening memory, and to move on as if nothing had happened.