♥ Chapter 12♥

11:50 '' Snack bar. '' Portevecchio.

Isabella Conti.

I'm already exhausted, and it's not even noon yet. My mind hasn't left that man since early this morning. Why am I feeling like this? I should just forget about him, but every time I stop to rest, his image pops into my head. His dark eyes seemed to see into my soul; his rough hand touched my cheek; and his tone was both seductive and frightening.

I really do look like a crazy person. Who would be attracted to a murderer? Who could easily be a mafioso? Oh, my God, I need to be blessed urgently.

'' Isa? '' I'm startled by Tom's voice close to my ear.

'' What a fright! '' I put my hand on my heart, feeling it speed up. '' Why did you speak so close to my ear? '' I move away from him.

"You seemed so far away from the real world. "I sigh.

"I'm just tired. "He looks at me suspiciously. I'm serious.

''All right. But are you really all right? After what happened in the nightclub?

I also told him and Sophia the harassment lie. They were both so worried about me that I felt bad for lying. But I don't want to risk their lives; I know what that man can do.

'' Yes, I'm fine. I'm just exhausted; it's not even noon yet. '' He laughed.

''We'll be closing for lunch in a little while. Then you'll have some time to rest. '' He tried to console me.

'' Right. '' I let out another sigh.

We hear the sound of the doorbell being opened, and as soon as I look at who has entered, my heart races at an enormous speed, until my legs fail me a little at the sight of him entering the establishment. He seems to walk through the entrance like someone majestic, with a presence that fills the whole room. His eyes meet mine, and it's as if an electric current runs through my body, bringing back memories of the dreams I've had about him. It was like a movie playing rapidly in my head, making me very embarrassed.

Oh my God! Why am I thinking about this now? I have to worry about why he's here. Does he regret leaving me alive? Is he going to kill me now?

'' Isabella. '' I feel my legs shaking as I hear my name coming out of that mouth, her seductive tone of voice taking me by surprise. '' Come here. '' His voice is like a command, and I know I can't refuse.

''What's going on? ''Tom asked without understanding. ''Isa, do you know him? ''He asked close to my ear.

I feel a shiver of fear run through my body as I see his pupils dilate at Tom's approach, his gaze conveying an intensity that makes me uneasy.

''I-I'm going to see you, Tom. ''I stepped out from behind the counter and walked quickly over to him, who seemed to be glaring at Tom.

I stopped right in front of him, feeling insignificant in the face of his imposing, truly intimidating presence. But I can't deny that he's an extremely attractive man, perhaps even more so than before, especially because of the erotic dreams I've had about him.

''C-Can I help you? ''My voice comes out shaky as he still stares at Tom with that menacing look. ''P-Please... Don't hurt him. '' I whisper, just for him to hear.

His gaze shifts to me, and my heart seems to want to leap out of my mouth at the intensity of his gaze on me.

''Come with me, precious. I want to have a chat. '' He puts his hand on my back, leading me out, completely ignoring Tom's presence.

''Isa! ''Tom takes a few steps towards us, and I quickly give him a reassuring look.

''It's okay, Tom. ''I try to calm him down. ''I'll be right back. ''I really hope so.

We left the diner, and my eyes caught sight of a beautiful car parked. I felt my blood run cold as I recognized the man who had grabbed me in the alley.

'' Keep an eye on things while I have a chat with my precious. '' His tone was serious, an order I couldn't disobey.

'' Yes, my lord. '' They replied in unison, sounding like trained soldiers.

'' Come. '' He opened the car door for me. '' Get in. '' I swallowed.

I got into the car, feeling a growing fear. Was he going to kill me? I was so nervous that I felt like I might faint at any moment. I was startled when he closed the door. Being alone with him was terrifying.

"Look at me, precious. "His tone was seductive, but still carried authority.

I shifted my gaze from my lap to his, finding his dark eyes fixed on me.

''Magnificent. '' He whispered, and I felt a shiver run down my spine when his thumb brushed my lips. ''So soft.

Shit, this is reminding me of those dreams.

"A-Are you going to kill me? "My voice came out in a low whisper.

'' Kill her? '' I saw a small smile form on his lips. '' No. I'm not going to kill her. I'm here to invite you to my house for dinner. And I won't take no for an answer, precious. '' I felt my body tense as he tilted his face towards me.

''D-Dinner? ''I ducked my head a little, realizing that he didn't like my reaction.

'' Yes, dinner. I'll pick you up at your apartment at eight o'clock. '' He said, and my shock was evident.

''B-But what am I going to tell my friends? Especially my friend? "I asked nervously.

''Just tell them you have a date, precious. Or would you rather I introduce myself to them in person? '' He suggested it, and I quickly denied it.

''No... I'll manage. '' I bit my lips, feeling nervous. ''Why do you want to have dinner with me?