Ten Million Dollar Seduction Contract

Chapter 1 Alessia Matteo strode into Bella Vita, a cozy Italian restaurant bathed in the soft glow of dimmed chandeliers. The air was rich with the scent of fresh basil and garlic, yet her attention remained sharp, focused. Her raven hair cascaded down her back in loose waves, perfectly complementing the tight red dress that clung to her curves. It wasn’t the kind of dress for blending in—it was for being noticed. A voice crackled in her ear through the concealed earpiece. "Remember the terms, Alessia. Half now, half when you get the password. Marco De Luca trusts too easily—play your part, and it’ll be over before you know it." Her eyes scanned the room, landing on a man seated at a corner table. Marco De Luca, just as described: a broad-shouldered figure with sandy blond hair that had begun to grey at the temples, a slight paunch visible under his tailored suit. He sipped his wine, his focus lost in thought as his fingers traced the rim of the glass. "I always get the job done," Alessia whispered back, her lips barely moving. Her heartbeat was steady, despite the weight of her mission. Seduction wasn’t a game for her; it was survival. She disconnected the call and approached Marco’s table, her movements deliberate. Her heels clicked softly against the polished floor, each step calculated. Just as she neared him, she ‘accidentally’ dropped her handbag, letting it spill open right at his feet. Perfect. “Oh no,” she said, her voice smooth and laced with a hint of embarrassment. She crouched down, eyes wide as if flustered. “What a clumsy moment…” Before she could reach it, Marco bent down to help her, his fingers brushing against hers. The contact was brief, but it was enough to send a faint tremor through her. She suppressed a shudder, her face betraying nothing but a grateful smile. “No need to stress, signorina,” Marco said, handing her the bag with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. “It’s always a pleasure to help a lady in need.” Alessia rose slowly, her fingers grazing his wrist just long enough to feel the faint pulse beneath his skin. “Thank you, Mr. De Luca.” She let his name roll off her tongue like a secret, watching as his eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise. "You know me?" "Who wouldn’t know Marco De Luca?" she purred, standing straight, her red dress catching the low light. “A man like you is hard to miss.” His expression shifted—amused, intrigued. Not the outright lust she was used to. He was studying her, unsure whether to indulge his curiosity or guard himself. Good, she thought. She could work with that. Marco chuckled, gesturing to the empty seat across from him. “Well, since you’ve made an entrance, why not stay for a drink? I find myself in need of interesting company tonight.” Alessia sat, crossing her legs slowly, her dress hanging just enough to keep his attention. "I’d love to, but something light. Water will do." “Water? In an Italian restaurant?” Marco teased, his voice low, almost playful. He signaled for the waiter. “Bring the lady a bottle of sparkling water. The best you have.” His eyes lingered on her, but this time with a hint of suspicion beneath the surface charm. He wasn't as easily swayed as she'd hoped. She would need to adjust, ease him into a sense of security. “So tell me,” Marco leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “What brings a beautiful woman like you here alone? Surely, you're not here to meet clumsy old men like me?” Alessia laughed lightly, leaning in just enough to blur the boundaries between personal space. “I was meeting someone, but he stood me up. It’s his loss.” She let the words hang in the air before continuing. “Though I can’t say I’m upset anymore.” Marco’s eyes sparkled with interest now, but his smile faltered for just a moment. “Is that so? Sounds like this mystery man didn’t know what he was missing.” He swirled his wine, his gaze sharper now. “But something tells me you're not here by accident, either.” Her heart skipped a beat, but her face remained serene. “Maybe I was looking for something... different tonight.” She let her hand brush his on the table, a fleeting touch that felt as cold to her as it seemed electric to him. Marco stared at their hands for some seconds. Alessia noticed the faint twitch of his jaw, the shift in his posture. He was starting to unravel, just as she needed him to. Just then, his phone buzzed on the table. Marco glanced at it, his expression shifting from intrigued to annoyed. He silenced it quickly, trying to mask his irritation, but it was clear something was wrong. Focus. Don’t let him slip away. Alessia leaned in, her voice soft but with an edge. “Something troubling you?” Before he could respond, a sharp voice cut through the restaurant. “Marco! Who is this woman?” Alessia turned to see a woman striding towards them, her dark eyes blazing with fury. She was tall, sleek, dressed in a black gown that clung to her like a second skin. Her expression was pure venom as she glared at Alessia, then back at Marco. Marco stiffened, his confidence faltering as the woman stopped right next to their table. Alessia remained calm, her expression unreadable, but inside, her instincts went into overdrive. “Well, Marco?” the woman demanded, her tone icy. “Who is she?”