97

97
Rosa’s POV
The air was sharp with the morning chill as I stepped out of the mansion and into the waiting car. My father’s message had been clear-today was important, a negotiation that could strengthen our family’s alliances. It was rare for him to call on me for something this significant, but I knew better than to question his motives. In our world, trust wasn’t given lightly, and every move had a purpose.
The driver didn’t make small talk, which suited me just fine. My mind was already preoccupied with the task ahead. The meeting was with the Russo syndicate, a group that had built its empire on loyalty and calculated risk. My father wanted an agreement that would mutually benefit both families-sharing resources, protection, and, most importantly, influence.
When we pulled up to the sleek high-rise downtown where the Russo family operated, I straightened my shoulders and adjusted my jacket. I wasn’t here to charm them, though it wouldn’t hurt to show confidence. Negotiation was as much about presence as it was about words.
Inside, their office was modern, and aesthetically pleasing unlike the old-world aesthetic of my family’s estate. I was greeted by Vincent Russo himself-a tall, sharp-eyed man with salt-and-pepper hair and an aura that commanded respect.
“Rosa Smith,” he said, extending a hand. “It’s good to finally meet you.”
“Mr. Russo,” I replied, shaking his hand firmly. “Thank you for taking the time to meet.”
“Please, call me Vincent,” he said with a small smile, leading me into a glass-walled conference room.
The conversation started politely, as these things always did, before diving into the details. Vincent’s second-in-command laid out their expectations, and I countered with my own. It was a careful dance of give and take, each side testing the other’s limits without pushing too far. By the time we reached an agreement, nearly two hours had passed. My father would be pleased-the terms were favorable, and the partnership had the potential to be lucrative for both sides.
As I walked out of the building, I felt a strange sense of satisfaction. Negotiations like this reminded me of why I loved-and hated-this life. The power plays, the strategy, the unspoken rules. It was exhausting, but it was also exhilarating.
It was a little bit hot, and I was hungry anyways so I decided to make a stop in one of the restaurants I visited first when I got to the city. It was a cozy spot tucked away in a quieter part of the city, known for its handmade pasta and rich espresso.
When I stepped inside, the familiar scent of garlic and fresh herbs greeted me. The restaurant was quiet, with only a handful of patrons scattered across the tables. I made my way to a corner booth and ordered a cappuccino to start.
I was halfway through savoring the creamy foam when I noticed him.
Allesio.
He was sitting at the bar, his broad shoulders relaxed as he nursed a drink. The sight of him made my breath hitch-a reaction I wasn’t prepared for. I debated slipping out unnoticed, but before I could make a decision, his eyes met mine.
Damn it.
He raised an eyebrow, a small smirk tugging at his lips as he stood and made his way over. I braced myself, determined to keep my composure.
“Rosa,” he said smoothly, sliding into the seat across from me. “Fancy meeting you here.”
“I could say the same,” I replied, keeping my tone even.
“What brings you to this part of the city?” he asked, leaning back in the booth like he owned the place.
“Business,” I said simply, not offering any details.
His eyes sparkled with curiosity, but he didn’t push. “How’d it go?”
“Fine.”
“Just fine?”
“Are you always this nosy?” I shot back, though my voice lacked the bite I intended.
His laugh was low and warm, and I hated how much I liked the sound of it. “Only when I’m interested.”
I rolled my eyes, but I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks. I prayed he wouldn’t notice, but of course, Allesio missed nothing.
“Are you blushing?” he asked, a grin spreading across his face.
“No,” I said quickly, too quickly.
His grin widened. “You are.”
“Maybe it’s just hot in here,” I muttered, looking down at my cup.
“Sure,” he said, his tone teasing. “We’ll go with that.”
I glanced up at him, intending to shut him down with a glare, but the way he was looking at me-like I was the most fascinating thing in the room-made my resolve waver.
“Why are you being so nice to me?” I asked, narrowing my eyes. “What’s your angle?”
“No angle,” he said, his expression turning serious for a moment. “I just… like talking to you.”
It wasn’t the answer I expected, and for a second, I didn’t know how to respond. But then his smirk returned, and I rolled my eyes.
“You know,” he said, leaning forward slightly, “you’re a lot less scary when you’re blushing.”
“And you’re a lot less annoying when you’re quiet,” I shot back, though the corner of my mouth twitched upward.
He chuckled, shaking his head. “Touche.”
For the next few minutes, we talked about nothing in particular-food, the city, the weather. It was easy, natural, and completely unnerving. I wasn’t used to this side of him, this charm that seemed so genuine. It made me wonder if there was more to Allesio than the sharp edges and cocky smirks he usually showed.
By the time he stood to leave, I realized I didn’t want the conversation to end.
“See you around, Rosa,” he said, his voice softer than I expected.
“Yeah,” I replied, watching as he walked away.
As the door closed behind him, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. My heart was racing, and my cheeks were still warm. I hated how easily he got under my skin, but a part of me couldn’t deny that I liked it.
And that was the most dangerous part of all.