Chapter 2

To say that Alessandra stopped breathing was not an exaggeration, the strange sensation that invaded her from head to toe, upon seeing those fascinating and sensational eyes, was so rare that everything in her body trembled. It was as if an invisible entity took her by the shoulders and shook her so forcefully that she felt every organ in her body stir. The owner of those bewitching eyes was a tall man, with a sturdy build that easily surpassed 1.90 meters in height. He was imposing, elegant, intimidating, and well-dressed. Handsome was an understatement to describe him; he was beautiful, and attractive, with practically perfect and impressive features, masculine traits that denoted him as an important and very interesting person. Never in her life had a man left her so dazzled." Becoming aware that many seconds had passed in which she couldn't take her eyes off him, and noticing that the stranger also didn't look away from her, she blushed intensely and quickly averted her gaze with her heart beating fast. The only thing she felt that practically brought her back to reality was the tug from Paulina to lead her to a group of young people who were surely acquaintances of hers. She was introduced to the group, all very pleasant and friendly. However, she didn't even memorize their names properly because she couldn't get out of her head what had just happened to her minutes ago. She still hadn't recovered from the impact, it was unbelievable, and on top of that, she could feel a heavy weight on the back of her neck, as if someone had their eyes fixed on her. Out of habit, she looked over her shoulder in the direction of the elegant man and caught him staring at her intently. Her heart skipped a beat seeing him smile almost imperceptibly and noticing a mysterious gleam in his striking gaze. Nervously, she averted her attention, feeling her face burn like never before. "What the heck is wrong with you, Alessandra?" she scolded herself anxiously. "Are you okay, Ale?" Paulina asked, noticing her nervous and strange behavior. "Your face is all red," she pointed out, concerned. "Yes, yes, I'm fine, it's just that I'm really hot," she expressed anxiously. "Me too, and I'm also very thirsty. Let's go to the drinks table and have something refreshing, what do you think?" Alessandra nodded and let herself be guided by her friend. She had the urge to look back at that spot again, but she didn't dare. She was sure she would collapse if she caught the stranger's eyes still on her. "God, what a man... phew!" ******** "The brunette? Or the blonde?" Bruno questioned, noticing his best friend's gaze. "Definitely the blonde," Dominic replied with a smile, not taking his eyes off her. "I suspected as much," Bruno chuckled. "I knew what his friend was up to when he set his eyes on a woman. He wouldn't rest until he had her in his bed, and it wasn't difficult for him. He had to admit that women easily fell for him." "Who is she?" he asked with interest. "I think I recognize the brunette, she's a model if I remember correctly." "Yes, Paulina is a model, and as for her friend, her name is Alessandra D'Santi. She just recently moved to London," Dominic explained. "Alessandra D'Santi, interesting," the magnate whispered mischievously. "And where is she from?" Bruno smiled as he noticed how captivated his friend was. The most interesting part was that the woman in question would be working for them, but he decided to keep that information to himself. What a surprise his friend would have when he saw her in his empire on Monday. He would pay a fortune to see the look of astonishment on his face. Poor girl, what awaited her. He even wanted to warn her, as no woman could resist him without getting hurt later. However, he decided not to interfere, as it was not his concern. "I have no idea, I didn't have much time to talk. I had to attend to other guests. But she's very beautiful, right?" Bruno recalled how she blushed when he complimented her. "It was rare to see a shy woman, and that girl seemed to be one, apart from being innocent. Maybe living in London longer would change that." "Very pretty, indeed, but different? No, all women are the same, and she won't be any different." "If you say so." "Introduce us," Dominic suddenly requested. "Excuse me? Since when do you need someone to introduce you to a woman? You've never needed it before, you always do things on your own." "Introduce us," he insisted, ignoring the comment. "Alright, if that's what you want, come with me." "Damn," Dominic muttered under his breath as a man approached and sat next to him on the couch. He had been left alone for a moment, his friend was dancing. It was the perfect opportunity to approach and get to know her, but that guy had ruined his plans. She was gorgeous, he had to admit. It was logical that vultures would swoop in at any opportunity, but that woman had to be his, only his. At least, he wanted to be the first to give her a very warm welcome to his city. He smiled at his lustful thoughts. "I think the introduction will have to wait," Bruno teased, trying to contain his laughter. "Someone beat you to it." "Maybe, for now. We'll see if, by the end of the night, she ends up with that guy," he smiled again with malice. "Do you really think you'll take her to bed that quickly?" "Of course, that woman won't escape me tonight." Bruno smiled and shook his head. He was also a womanizer, but Lombardo definitely took the prize. Dominic, focused on the beautiful green-eyed brunette, furrowed his brow slightly as he saw her blush. That idiot must be saying some nonsense to flatter her and make her embarrassed. He didn't need sweet words, flowers, or hearts to take a woman to bed. He went straight to the point, to what he wanted, and well, there was no woman who could resist him, not yet." Suddenly, the object of his attention looked in his direction, and their eyes met again. Dominic had to admit at that moment that those eyes and that gaze were the most beautiful and expressive he had ever seen. There was something in that greenish background that he liked. He had a strange need to see them up close and decipher their color. Green, honey, or yellow? Perhaps a combination of all three. But one thing he was sure of, those two eyes had him completely captivated. The sound of his phone distracted him, and reluctantly, he had to shift his attention to the screen of his iPhone. Viviane's name was reflected on it. He left the noisy room and headed to one of the lonely hallways of the mansion. "Caro," he said in perfect Italian as he answered the call (Dear). "Buona Notte mio caro," she greeted (Good night, my dear). "Buona Notte. Are you back already?" "Yes, darling, that's why I'm calling. I would like us to see each other tonight." "I can't tonight, I have something important to do," he said, smiling as he remembered what he had in mind. "With a woman?" "That's none of your business. We agreed not to ask questions or meddle in each other's lives," he replied curtly. "Relax, my dear, I was just asking." "I'd prefer if you didn't." He hung up. With all the intention of putting his plan into action, he returned to the party and the first thing he did was search for his future conquest throughout the place, but he couldn't find her. He walked through the salon without any success, still unable to find her. Cursing to himself, he imagined the worst. Had she gone to bed with the first weakling who approached her so quickly? If so, it was easier than it seemed. "She's already gone," he heard Bruno whisper behind him. "With whom?" he asked hurriedly. "A handsome boy sweet-talked her and took her away." "Damn it," he grumbled, thinking about how easy it turned out to be. "And you said she was different." His friend chuckled. "What's so funny, D'Conti?" he growled, wanting to strangle him. "Your stupid face when I told you she had gone with another man," he chuckled again. "Actually, she left with Paulina." He sighed in relief. "Why did they leave?" "No idea, they just apologized and said they had a little inconvenience." "Why didn't you tell me?" Dominic complained through gritted teeth. "I looked for you everywhere and couldn't find you. Besides, what could you do if they were already leaving?" "A lot, I could have done a lot, but oh well." "No way, you missed your chance, but maybe you'll meet her again very soon." "I have no doubt about that, and I'll make sure of it," he muttered as he took a sip of brandy. "Alessandra D'Santi, you escaped tonight, but I will find you, and when that happens..."