Chapter 3: Warning Shots
721 Words
Serena’s hands tightened around her phone, her pulse pounding in her ears.
The message was clear: Stay away from him.
But who sent it?
Her fingers hovered over the keyboard, ready to demand answers, but another text popped up before she could type.
Unknown Number: Ignore this, and you’ll regret it.
A chill ran down her spine.
This wasn’t just a warning. It was a threat.
But why?
She barely knew Alessandro—hell, she didn’t even know his last name until she did a quick search after leaving his penthouse.
Alessandro De Luca.
A billionaire. A name tied to power, business, and money. The kind of man who had enemies.
And somehow, she had gotten caught in the crossfire.
She needed to be smart. Whoever sent this wasn’t playing games.
But walking away from this wasn’t an option—not when a dark, unsettling curiosity burned in her chest.
She needed to see him again.
Meanwhile…
Sandro’s car screeched to a halt outside an upscale Italian restaurant.
Inside, Bianca Romano waited.
His fiancée.
The moment he stepped in, Bianca’s face lit up with a carefully rehearsed smile. She was beautiful—long, wavy brown hair, piercing green eyes, and an elegance that suited her family’s wealth.
But Sandro felt nothing.
“You’re late,” Bianca said sweetly, but her eyes held sharp edges.
Sandro slid into the seat across from her, not bothering to respond.
She studied him, twirling the rim of her wine glass with manicured fingers. “Where were you last night?”
He raised an eyebrow. “Checking my curfew now?”
Bianca leaned forward. “I heard you were with a woman.”
His expression didn’t change, but inside, something shifted.
Of course, she knew.
“You’re upset?” he asked lazily.
“I don’t care who you sleep with,” Bianca said smoothly. “As long as you remember who your fiancée is.”
Sandro smirked. “Is that so?”
Her gaze hardened. “Your father won’t tolerate a scandal, Sandro. And Dante? He’s just waiting for you to screw up. Don’t give him an excuse to push you out for good.”
Sandro leaned back, amusement flickering in his dark eyes. “You sound worried about me.”
Bianca’s lips curved, but there was no warmth. “I’m worried about myself. I don’t intend to be humiliated because you can’t keep it in your pants.”
Sandro chuckled. “Then stop pretending this engagement is anything more than a business arrangement.”
Bianca’s eyes flickered—just for a second—but it was enough.
She wanted him.
She always had.
But Sandro? He never wanted her.
And last night, for the first time in a long time, he had wanted someone.
Serena’s Apartment
A loud knock echoed through the tiny space.
Serena’s heart leaped into her throat.
She wasn’t expecting anyone.
Slowly, she approached the door, peering through the peephole.
Her breath caught.
Sandro.
She hesitated for half a second before yanking the door open.
He stood there, dressed in all black, his presence dominating the small hallway.
“You shouldn’t be here,” Serena said, crossing her arms.
His gaze was unreadable. “We need to talk.”
She stepped aside, letting him in. He barely glanced around her cramped apartment before turning to her, eyes dark and serious.
“Did someone contact you?” he asked.
Serena stiffened. “What?”
Sandro’s jaw clenched. “Someone’s been watching you.”
A cold weight settled in her stomach.
“How do you know that?” she whispered.
His eyes flickered with something dangerous. “Because I have enemies, Serena. And now, you’re on their radar.”
Her pulse thundered. “Why would they come after me?”
Sandro stepped closer, his scent—leather, smoke, and something darkly addictive—flooding her senses.
“Because of last night,” he said, his voice low. “Because you were with me.”
Serena swallowed hard. “So what? They want to scare me away?”
Sandro’s expression hardened. “No. They want to use you.”
The air between them crackled with tension.
She should be afraid. Every instinct screamed at her to run.
But deep down, something told her this was just the beginning.
And running was no longer an option.
- Writer
