VIDAL

THREE

Camilla arrived at the estate in the Hamptons later than she had intended, the heavy gates already open as she stepped out of the cab.

The house—if you could even call it that—was a sprawling, palatial mansion that gleamed under the soft glow of strategically placed lights.

It was the kind of place that exuded wealth, the kind of wealth that didn't care to flaunt itself because it was simply understood.

The driveway was filled with sleek, expensive cars, and the muffled sounds of music and conversation drifted out from the large windows.

She tugged at the hem of her dress, feeling out of place.

Kevin had insisted she come, as usual, promising her triple overtime for the night, but as she stood there in front of Boris Andreev's family estate, she wondered if even that was worth it.

Her black cocktail dress was simple professional, but not quite the kind of thing you'd wear to this kind of party. She hadn't even had time to go home and change properly.

The soft click of her heels echoed as she made her way up the cobblestone path toward the grand entrance, where two burly men in suits stood guard. They gave her a once-over, their expressions blank but watchful before one of them nodded her through.

Inside, the party was in full swing. The entryway opened into a massive hall, its high ceilings adorned with crystal chandeliers, casting sparkling light across the room.

Waitstaff moved elegantly through the crowd, balancing trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres while a live band played softly in the background. It was a scene out of a high-society dream—everything polished and perfect.

Camilla took a deep breath and scanned the room for Kevin, feeling like a fish out of water.

She spotted him near the back, standing with a group of men who looked far too serious for the lively event around them.

Aleks was with him, holding court with his typical air of authority, but Boris—tonight's guest of honor—was nowhere to be seen.

She weaved through the crowd, catching snippets of conversation as she passed—talk of deals, investments, politics, everything discussed with the practiced ease of people who lived in this world.

Camilla wasn't one of them, and the reality of that felt stark tonight. These people didn't work for a living; they played games with power and influence, and everything was just a transaction waiting to happen.

Finally, she reached Kevin, who seemed relieved to see her. He was already nursing a drink, and his tie slightly loosened around his neck, a sure sign that he was trying to blend in with the Andreev's powerful crowd. He smiled at her, but there was a nervous edge to it.

"I wasn't sure you were going to make it," he said, his voice slightly raised to be heard over the hum of the party.

"I almost didn't," Camilla replied, glancing around the room again, her eyes flicking over the faces in the crowd. "Where's Boris?"

"Boris is... around," Kevin muttered, shifting his weight uncomfortably. "He's been drinking since early this afternoon, so it's probably best to stay out of his way."

Camilla frowned. "He's the reason we're here, isn't he? How bad is he?"

Kevin gave her a sidelong look, his mouth tightening. "Let's just say, if we can make it through the night without another... incident, I'll consider it a win."

Before Camilla could respond, Alek's booming voice cut through the noise. "Camilla! You made it!"

She turned to see him approaching, his wide smile not quite reaching his eyes. Something was unsettling about him, as always. He was a man who wore charm like a mask, slipping it on when it suited him but never letting anyone forget the threat that lay beneath.

Behind him, two of his men followed closely, their presence a constant reminder of the weight of power that Aleks wielded.

"Of course," Camilla said, forcing a smile in return. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."

Aleks chuckled, his gaze flicking over her before landing on Kevin. "See, Kevin? I told you she'd show up. She knows how to make an entrance."

He turned to one of his men and barked something in Russian, a sharp command that made the man nod before disappearing into the crowd.

"Now, where is my brother?" Aleks mused aloud, scanning the room. "I think it's time we all toast to his freedom."

Camilla's stomach knotted at the thought of another encounter with Boris. The last time she had seen him, he had spilled a drink all over her and barely managed an apology. If he was drunk again tonight, who knew what would happen?

She glanced at Kevin, who gave her a resigned look as if to say, Just survive this, and we're out.

A few minutes later, Boris appeared, weaving his way through the crowd. His blonde hair was disheveled, his shirt untucked, and he had the unsteady swagger of a man who had drunk far too much.

His eyes lit up when he saw his brother and Kevin, but when they landed on Camilla, his grin widened into something wolfish.

"Ah, the lovely Camilla!" Boris slurred, stumbling slightly as he made his way over.

Camilla stiffened, forcing a polite smile. "I couldn't miss the chance to celebrate your return, Boris."

"Celebrate!" Boris bellowed, raising his glass. "Yes! A toast!" He waved his hand in the air, signaling for another drink, even though the one in his hand was still half-full. "To freedom!"

Everyone raised their glasses, murmuring the toast, though the atmosphere felt more forced than festive. Camilla could feel the eyes of Alek's men on her as if they were waiting for something to go wrong.

Boris, however, didn't seem to care. He leaned in toward Camilla, his breath heavy with the smell of vodka. "You know, you should come to my place after this. We could have our little celebration."

Camilla's breath caught in her throat as Boris moved closer, the thick smell of alcohol radiating off him like a cloud. She forced another smile, but it was strained, her unease growing with each word he slurred.

"I think I'll pass, Boris," she said, her voice steady, but she took a subtle step back, putting space between them.

Boris's grin faltered for a moment, his glass swaying dangerously in his hand as he processed her rejection.

Then, with the arrogance of a man too drunk to care, he stepped forward again, closing the gap she had just created.

"Oh, come on," he said, his tone turning low, almost predatory. "Don't be shy. I can show you a good time. My place is... much more comfortable than this."

Before Camilla could respond, another voice cut through the tension, sharp and authoritative.

"Enough, Boris."

Aleks' voice carried across the space like a command, instantly drawing the attention of everyone nearby.

Camilla turned to see him standing just a few feet away, his expression dark, his posture rigid. The charming mask he wore so often was gone, replaced by something far more dangerous.

Boris blinked, looking between Camilla and his brother, the drunken haze in his eyes flickering with confusion.

"What? I'm just being friendly, Aleks. Camilla and I are having a bit of fun."

Aleks took a step forward, positioning himself between Camilla and Boris, his eyes narrowing.

"She's not interested," he said coldly, his voice leaving no room for argument. "Back off."

Boris's grin slipped completely now, irritation flashing across his face. "Come on, brother. Don't be such a—"

"I said enough." Aleks's voice dropped, laced with an icy warning that made even Boris hesitate.

The tension in the room thickened, the surrounding guests watching the exchange with cautious curiosity, though none dared to intervene.

Boris's face twisted into a sneer, but Aleks didn't flinch. His gaze bore into his brother's, a silent battle of wills passing between them. Boris might have been the guest of honor tonight, but it was clear who held the real power.

After a tense pause, Boris threw his hands up in exaggerated surrender, a bitter laugh escaping him.

"Fine. Fine!" He stumbled back a step, sloshing his drink onto the floor. "No fun, any of you."

Aleks didn't move until Boris had turned and wandered off into the crowd, already forgetting the exchange. Only then did he relax, his shoulders loosening slightly as he glanced at Camilla.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice softer now, though his eyes still held a flicker of anger.

Camilla nodded, though her heart was still racing. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks."

Aleks studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable.

Then, without another word, he turned to one of his men and muttered something in Russian. The man nodded and quickly disappeared into the crowd, likely to keep an eye on Boris.

When Aleks turned back to Camilla, there was a flicker of something warmer in his gaze.

"Boris... isn't himself tonight. He shouldn't have spoken to you that way."

Camilla swallowed, feeling a bit of the tension ease. "He's drunk. It happens."

Aleks's lips curved into a humorless smile. "Drunk or not, he'll regret it if he keeps acting like this." He paused, his eyes flicking over the room, and then back to her. "I won't let anyone here disrespect you."

Camilla nodded again, grateful but unsure what to say. There was a strange intensity in Aleks's tone, something protective, almost possessive. It left her both relieved and unsettled.

"Thank you, Aleks," she said finally, keeping her voice measured.

Aleks gave her a slight nod, his expression softening briefly. "Enjoy the party, Camilla. If you need anything, let me know."

With that, he turned and walked back into the crowd, his men falling into step behind him. Camilla stood there for a moment, the weight of the encounter lingering.

Camilla stood there, trying to shake off the tension from the encounter with Boris and Aleks, when Kevin suddenly appeared at her side.

His face was flushed, a mix of alcohol and nerves clearly wearing on him as he leaned in close, lowering his voice so only she could hear over the din of the party.

"Camilla, I need to tell you something," he muttered, glancing around to make sure no one was listening. "You've been great about all of this, really, but these people—Aleks, his family—they're not like anyone else we work with. You've got to be careful. Especially around Aleks."

Camilla frowned, her unease growing with every word. "Careful how? What exactly do you mean?"

Kevin sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, clearly uncomfortable. "Aleks... He's dangerous. He doesn't do anything without a reason, and that little scene earlier? That wasn't just about stopping Boris from being a creep. Aleks is always looking for an angle, and you don't want to be part of whatever he's planning."

Camilla felt a chill run through her. The way Aleks had defended her had been intense, but she hadn't considered it might come with strings attached.

"I wasn't planning on sticking around much longer," she said, her voice low.

Kevin nodded quickly, his relief palpable. "Good. I'll make sure you get out of here soon. Give it another hour, then head home."

He pulled a thick stack of bills from his jacket pocket and pressed it into her hand. "Here, for a cab. Take it as overtime. Get yourself home safe."

Camilla looked down at the cash, startled by the amount. It was more than enough to cover the fare and then some. Part of her wanted to refuse, but after the night she'd had, she wasn't in the mood to argue. She slipped the money into her purse.

"Thanks, Kevin."

Before Kevin could respond, a voice interrupted them from behind. It was smooth, laced with the faintest hint of an accent that made each word feel calculated.

"Kevin, darling."

Camilla turned to see a tall, striking woman approach, her dark hair cascading elegantly over one shoulder. She moved with the kind of confidence that commanded attention without effort.

Her lips curled into a smile, though her eyes held a glint of something sharper. Camilla couldn't place her, but it was clear from her poise that she belonged in this world in a way that Camilla didn't.

"I've been looking for you," the woman continued, her tone almost teasing. "We have things to discuss, no?"

Kevin stiffened beside Camilla, though he quickly plastered on a smile, one that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Giulia," he greeted, his voice slipping into something more formal, as if he had to tread carefully. "I've been a little busy, but I'm sure we can catch up."

Giulia's smile didn't waver as she smoothly looped her arm through Kevin's.

"You can't keep me waiting all night," she said lightly, though there was an undeniable edge to her words. "Let's find a quiet place to talk."

Kevin shot a quick glance at Camilla, his expression apologetic, though there was something else there too—a kind of discomfort that she couldn't quite place.

"I'll be right back," he muttered, before letting Giulia lead him away.

Camilla watched them go, her curiosity piqued by the strange interaction. There was something about Giulia that felt different as if she wasn't just another party guest, but she couldn't put her finger on it.

Whatever their "catching up" entailed, it was something important.

With Kevin gone, the weight of the evening settled back onto Camilla. She glanced around the opulent room, feeling out of place amidst the wealth and power that filled the space. The flickering chandeliers overhead cast a golden glow on the crowd, but Camilla felt more isolated than ever.

She absently touched her purse, where the stack of cash Kevin had given her sat. In another hour, she could slip out, quietly disappearing from the world of Aleks and his family.

She wasn't sure exactly what kind of game was being played, but she knew one thing for certain—she didn't want to be a part of it.

Camilla stood in the middle of the crowded room, feeling more out of place by the minute. The air was thick with laughter, conversation, and the clinking of glasses, but it felt distant, as though she was watching it all from behind a pane of glass.

Kevin's warning echoed in her mind, mixing with the strange tension between him and the woman, Giulia. It was clear that there were layers to this world she couldn't fully understand, and the realization made her skin prickle with unease.

As she shifted her weight uncomfortably, her eyes wandered across the room, scanning the sea of unfamiliar faces. And then she saw him.

Enzo stood near the bar, engaged in conversation with an older man. The man was tall, his hair streaked with gray, his posture regal in a way that suggested authority. Something about the way they spoke felt... important.

The older man leaned in close, his face serious, but Enzo remained calm, his expression unreadable. The only thing that betrayed the gravity of the conversation was the tension in his jaw, as if he was holding back more than he was saying.

There was something about seeing him again, here, in the middle of all this chaos, that made her feel an unexpected sense of relief.

The rest of the room, with its predatory energy and dangerous undercurrents, faded slightly when she focused on him. His calm presence stood out amidst the opulence and tension, like a quiet island in a storm.

As if sensing her gaze, Enzo glanced over in her direction. When their eyes met, his face softened, and a slow, easy smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

Enzo said something to the older man, who gave him a brief nod before turning back toward the bar. Without hesitation, Enzo began making his way through the crowd toward her, his eyes never leaving hers.

Camilla felt her heartbeat quicken, a mixture of anticipation and relief flooding through her. After everything that had happened tonight, seeing him—this man who had been so charismatic, so different from everyone else she'd encountered—was a welcome surprise.

As Enzo approached, the noise of the party seemed to quiet, the crowd parting slightly to allow him through. When he finally reached her, he stopped just short of her personal space, his presence warm and steady.

"Camilla," Enzo greeted her, his voice smooth and warm, a small smile playing on his lips. "I didn't expect to see you here."

"Yeah, me neither," Camilla said with a soft laugh, the tension in her shoulders easing just slightly. "But here I am."

Enzo's dark eyes studied her for a moment, taking in the surroundings before flicking back to her. "What brings you to a place like this?" he asked, the question seemingly casual, though there was a glimmer of genuine curiosity in his gaze.

Camilla sighed, shifting her weight slightly. "Work," she said, brushing a hand through her hair. "I'm here because of my boss. He's... well, let's just say he has some clients who are a little more high-profile than I'm used to."

Enzo raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Clients like Aleks and Boris?"

Camilla blinked, surprised by how easily he dropped their names. "Yeah, actually. You know them?"

Enzo's smile turned a little more guarded as if he was considering how much to reveal. "We've crossed paths. I've known Aleks for a while. Boris... well, he's hard to avoid if you know Aleks." He paused, his expression hardening slightly before relaxing again. "They're an interesting family."

"Interesting" was an understatement, Camilla thought. "I'm starting to get that," she said, her voice carrying a bit more weight than she intended.

Enzo gave her a knowing look. "So, what exactly do you do for your boss that lands you in places like this?" he asked, his tone light, though Camilla could sense he was genuinely interested.

"I'm an assistant," she said, shrugging. "Kevin—my boss—is a defense attorney. I handle everything from scheduling his meetings to taking notes during client consultations. Whatever he needs, I do. But lately, it's been a lot of late nights and... strange events like this one." She laughed softly, though it was tinged with a hint of exhaustion.

"A defense attorney, huh?" Enzo said, leaning in slightly, his expression thoughtful. "Must keep you busy."

"That's an understatement," Camilla replied, rolling her eyes playfully. "Between the phone calls, the emails, and keeping up with his demands, I barely have time to breathe. And now with Aleks and Boris in the picture..." She trailed off, not needing to say more.

Enzo nodded, his face darkening briefly. "I imagine Aleks can be... demanding," he said carefully, choosing his words. "He's not someone who takes 'no' for an answer."

Camilla bit her lip, sensing there was more to what Enzo wasn't saying, but she wasn't sure she wanted to pry. "It's been... complicated," she admitted. "But I'm just trying to get through the night."

Enzo studied her for a moment, then smiled again, the tension easing slightly. "You'll make it through. It's a tough crowd, but you seem to handle yourself well."

"Thanks," she said, feeling a little more at ease in his presence. "What about you? What kind of work brings you to a place like this?"

Enzo chuckled softly, the sound warm but guarded. "I do a little bit of everything, really. Freelance work, mostly."

He lifted his drink to his lips, taking a slow sip, his eyes never leaving hers. "I guess you could call me a fixer of sorts."

"A fixer?" Camilla repeated, intrigued but not entirely sure what that meant. "Like... solving problems?"

"Exactly," he said, "People come to me when they need certain... things handled. Business disputes, negotiations—situations that need a bit of finesse. I make sure everything stays under control."

There was a flicker of something more in his tone, but it was subtle, just enough for Camilla to sense there were layers to what he was saying. Still, he sounded so confident, so effortless in his explanation, that she didn't think to press further.

"That sounds... intense," Camilla said, swirling her own drink. "But I guess that explains why you seem so calm in a room full of people like this."

Enzo chuckled again, a low, reassuring sound. "You get used to it. You learn to read people, keep things from going sideways."

He leaned in slightly, his voice lowering just enough to make the space between them feel a little more intimate. She could smell the liqor on his lips and feel his warmth, attracting her to want to step closer.

"It's all about keeping a cool head."

Camilla nodded, feeling drawn in by his quiet confidence.

"I could use some of that," she said with a soft laugh. "I'm usually just trying to keep my head above water."

Enzo's smile softened, his eyes lingering on hers. "You're doing better than you think," he said. "You've got a good instinct for handling tough situations."

The compliment caught her off guard, and she felt a small warmth spread through her at his words.

"Thanks," she said, her voice quieter now, a little more sincere. "I guess it helps when you're around people who know what they're doing."

Enzo's smirk returned, this time with a playful glint. "Well, if you ever need someone to help you 'handle' things, you know where to find me."

Enzo glanced toward the bar and then back at Camilla, his smile never fading.

"How about we get a drink?" he suggested, his tone casual but inviting.

Camilla hesitated for only a second before nodding. "Yeah, that sounds good," she said, grateful for the chance to escape the overwhelming atmosphere of the party, even if just for a few moments.

As they made their way to the bar, she couldn't help but take in the way Enzo moved—calm and confident, his presence commanding without trying.

The black shirt he wore clung to his broad shoulders and muscular frame, every movement highlighting the strength that lay beneath his composed exterior.

His posture was relaxed but poised, as if he was always in control of his surroundings. She noticed the way his forearms tensed slightly as he placed his hand lightly on the bar to catch the bartender's attention, the muscles there defined and solid.

Camilla found herself admiring him more than she intended, her mind briefly drifting from the chaos of the night.

There was something undeniably magnetic about Enzo, something that set him apart from everyone else in the room. He didn't need to flaunt his confidence or assert his presence—it was simply there, in the quiet way he moved, the way his eyes never missed a detail.

"What'll it be?" Enzo asked, turning toward her with that same easy smile.

Camilla blinked, snapping herself out of her thoughts. "Um, gin and tonic, I guess."

Enzo nodded, signaling to the bartender, who immediately set to work preparing their drinks.

As they waited, Enzo leaned slightly against the bar, his attention returning to her.

"You seemed a little lost back there," he said gently. "Glad I caught you when I did."

Camilla smiled, trying to shake the lingering nerves. "I'm glad too. This party... it's a bit much."

"I can imagine," Enzo said, his tone sympathetic. "These kinds of events can be overwhelming, especially when you're just here for work." His eyes softened slightly as he added, "But I think you're doing just fine."

Camilla felt a warmth spread through her at his words. It was strange how someone like Enzo, who seemed so effortlessly composed, could make her feel more grounded amidst all the chaos.

When the bartender returned with their drinks, Enzo handed her the glass, his fingers brushing hers briefly.

"To surviving the night," he said with a small grin, raising his glass.

Camilla laughed, clinking her glass against his. "To surviving," she echoed, feeling the tension of the evening ease just a little more in his presence.

As Camilla sipped her gin and tonic, she could feel the tension of the night slowly ebbing away, replaced by a growing sense of ease in Enzo's company.

He leaned against the bar casually, his dark eyes on her, a spark of curiosity behind them that hadn't been there earlier.

It wasn't the overbearing kind of attention she'd gotten from Boris, but something subtler—more magnetic. There was an energy between them that felt natural, as if the chaos of the party didn't matter as long as they were in this little bubble by the bar.

"So," Enzo said, swirling his drink slowly, "what does someone like you do when you're not busy running around for your boss? I imagine you've got more interesting things to do with your time."

Camilla chuckled softly, her eyes meeting his over the rim of her glass.

"You'd think, right?" She shook her head.

"But honestly, there isn't much of a 'me' outside of work these days. I'm always on call, so by the time I'm done with whatever Kevin has me doing, I'm usually too tired to think about anything else."

Enzo raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a slight smirk.

"Sounds like your boss is a lucky man. Not many people would put up with that."

"Lucky? I think he just knows I haven't figured out how to say no yet," Camilla teased, leaning against the bar as she let her guard down just a little more.

Just as the air between Camilla and Enzo settled into something warm and charged, the moment was interrupted by the sudden presence of a man who appeared at Enzo's side. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, his face expressionless as he spoke.

"Mr. Vidal," the man said in a low, formal tone, his words carrying an underlying urgency. "Boris is requesting your presence. Now."

Camilla watched as the ease in Enzo's posture shifted slightly, his jaw tightening ever so subtly. His eyes flickered from the suited man back to Camilla, and for a moment, she thought she saw something like reluctance in his gaze, as if he wasn't quite ready to leave their conversation.

But, whatever this business with Boris was, it was clear he couldn't ignore it.

Enzo straightened, offering Camilla a smile that was softer now, almost apologetic. "Duty calls," he said, the charm still in his voice but now tempered with something more serious.

Before he turned to follow the suited man, Enzo reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small, sleek card. He held it out to her, his fingers brushing hers briefly as she took it.

The card was simple—almost too simple. It didn't say much, just the name "Vidal" in elegant script, and a phone number below it.

"If you ever need anything," Enzo said quietly, his gaze locking with hers, "or just want to talk... give me a call."

Camilla's heart fluttered at the understated gesture, and she found herself nodding before she could think too much about it. "I will," she promised, tucking the card carefully into her purse.

Enzo held her gaze for just a second longer, as if he wanted to say something else, but then the suited man cleared his throat, reminding him of the pressing matter at hand.

With a final, lingering glance, Enzo gave her a small nod and then turned, following the man through the crowd.

Camilla watched him disappear into the sea of expensive suits and glittering chandeliers, the warmth of his presence lingering in the air even after he was gone.

She glanced down at the card he had given her, tracing her finger over the embossed name—Vidal. It was simple, mysterious, just like him.

She found herself wondering how much of what he said earlier was the truth, and how much he was holding back. But there was no denying the connection between them, something unspoken but strong.

The thought of calling him lingered in the back of her mind as she slipped the card back into her purse.

Finishing the last sip of her gin and tonic, she let out a small sigh. The hour Kevin had requested she stay had passed, and she wasn't keen on hanging around much longer.

Between the tense atmosphere, Aleks' looming presence, and the mystery surrounding Boris, she knew it was time to get out of there before things got more complicated.

With one final glance around the opulent room, Camilla flagged down the bartender, paid for her drink, and quietly made her way toward the exit. The cool night air hit her as she stepped outside, and she pulled her phone from her purse, ordering a cab to take her home.

As she waited at the edge of the driveway, the noise from the party still audible through the thick walls of the estate, she couldn't stop her thoughts from drifting back to Enzo—Vidal, as his card said.

Something about him pulled her in, and a part of her couldn't shake the feeling that their paths would cross again.